Robert F. Vandenbergh

Perhaps because of the many opportunities Bob Vandenbergh had over the course of his long and distinguished career to see and celebrate legacies left behind, observing which memories endured, and which brought the greatest joy and meaning at the end of a life well lived… he was steadfast in living a life that met his high standards. He ran a tight ship, but beneath his high expectations was deep caring – for his mentees, his employees, his family, and the many people he served at some of their most trying times. Bob was unwavering in his commitment to excellence and no detail was ever too small to sneak past his eagle-eyed review. He could detect an errant throw pillow from a mile away – and absolutely expected it be straightened. Most importantly, he was never above participating in the thorough work he expected from everyone on his team, gladly willing to clean and straighten to maintain the standard he expected, even while sharply dressed and wearing perfectly polished shoes. He led with integrity and put being an effective leader above being liked. As a result, his passion for his chosen profession of funeral service was contagious. He took pride in mentoring the next generation and creating paths to opportunity through scholarship programs, so others could follow in his footsteps in a career he treasured. He was generous with his time and talent; those wise enough to recognize the value of rising to his high bar appreciated the gift of his mentorship long after going on to new chapters of their own lives. One mentee even continued to call him every year on Father’s Day in appreciation for the time and example Bob so graciously shared.

Those mentees weren’t alone in recognizing Bob’s tremendous talent in funeral service. After graduating from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, Bob obtained his mortuary science license in 1969. Over the years, he became a partner and eventually President and CEO of Fred H. Kaul Funeral Homes, Inc. in Roseville, Clinton Township and St. Clair Shores, Michigan. As he advanced in his career, he always gave back to his profession through volunteer service, including serving on numerous committees and all the offices of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, including President. On the national level, he has served on every committee and all the offices of the National Funeral Directors Association, again including as President. He earned the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner and eventually became a member of the Service Corporation International Former Owners Council. He tirelessly served the future of the profession as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, as a Team Member of the American Board of Funeral Service Education Accreditation, as a member of the Board of Trustees and as an Ambassador of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, and as a member of the Board of Visitors of the Eugene Applebaum School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Bob also served his country in the Army National Guard from 1969-1975. He was honorably discharged as a Platoon Sergeant Grade E-6. He served as a civilian consultant to the Department of Defense as a member of their facility inspection team from 2013-2018. And proudly held life membership with the Belgian American Association.

With such an extensive resume of service, it would be easy to assume that Bob had little time for friends or family – but nothing could be further from the truth! Bob loved people and his ability to connect and communicate were his gifts. His mastery of the social graces was unmatched. He built and maintained lasting friendships, some dating back to elementary school! Over the years, he played an active role with his nieces and nephew, employing them in his business and teaching them important skills like vacuuming in a straight line. Staying connected and involved in their lives was a top priority and he always enjoyed sharing holiday parties and ‘spending money’ with them; never revealing his unmatched appearances as Santa! They appreciated his dry sense of humor and good nature and learned so much from him.

For his wife of 56 years, Bonnie, he was the ideal husband. She first laid eyes on the handsome football player in 9th grade German class after being seated behind him (alphabetically) and it wasn’t long before Bob was sneaking out of basic training during the Vietnam War to visit Bonnie in Detroit on a weekend pass from South Carolina – all on a ruse that he was going to visit his parents who happened to be in the state. That wasn’t the only time that Bob would go above and beyond for Bonnie…. He gave her a wonderful life. He was an experienced sailor (he once told a younger crew member he had boat shoes that were older!) and loved spending time on the water either sailing or on a boat from the Freedom Boat Club. He loved going up North and relished fun with family at the holidays, including an annual showing of A Christmas Carol and wonderfully hosted Christmas parties.

Bob knew about endings… but most importantly, he knew that the endings are made sweeter by the well-lived years leading up to them. He was driven to live a life of purpose, sharing his talents with countless others. His own ending came on May 26, 2026, at the age of 78. But in those 78 years, he lived an exceptional life and left an indelible mark. Well-loved and greatly missed, he is survived by his wife, Bonnie; brothers Albert (Patty) Vandenbergh, Peter (Jane) Vandenbergh; nieces Andrea (Todd) Rizzo, Alison (Dan) Smith, and Katie (Nicholas) Kominos, and nephew Albert “Chip” (Julie) Vandenbergh, along with many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret (Priebe) and Albert Vandenbergh.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 5-8 PM at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 West University Drive, Rochester, MI, 48307. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior. Private entombment will be at Guardian Angel Cemetery, 4701 North Rochester Road, Rochester, MI, 48306.

Memorials can be made to the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science Robert and Bonnie Vandenbergh Endowed Scholarship Fund: http://giving.wayne.edu/donate/bob, The Michigan Humane Society: https://www.michiganhumane.org/support-michigan-humane, and The American Cancer Society: https://donate.cancer.org.