Robert Leon VerHaeghe

Robert Leon VerHaeghe, 93, passed away on November 23, 2019 at his home surrounded by family.  He was born to Leon and Marguerite (Henzler) VerHaeghe on May 1, 1926 in Detroit.  Robert graduated from De La Salle High school in 1944.  He received a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Detroit in 1949 and a master’s degree in education from Wayne State University in 1964.  Robert taught elementary school for the Roseville Community Schools from 1955 through 1959.  He taught music, English and Social Studies for Our Lady Star of the Sea Church from 1959 through 1962.  From 1962 to 1990, Robert worked for the Warren Woods Public School District as an elementary school teacher and principal.  In 1990 he was awarded the Warren Woods ABCD (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty) award.  That same year he retired from Warren Woods after 27 fulfilling years.  Robert was also active as a church organist and choir director for many years, first at Our Lady Star of the Sea and then at St. Martin De Porres.  He was an avid camper, spending many summers traversing the wilds of Canada in the RV, with loving family in tow.

Robert met Anna Mae Mihaly through their shared love of music at a recital at Marygrove College in 1952.  They had their first date at Cunningham’s where they shared a soda.  Robert and Anna Mae were married on July 25, 1953 at All Saints Church in Detroit.  Even after 66 years of devoted matrimony, Robert still had a twinkle in his eye for Anna Mae, and loved nothing more than to enjoy the simple pleasures---holding hands, sharing a beer, and watching the Great Lake freighters bob along in the water.  They shared a life of enduring faith and were active members of the Assumption Grotto Church in Detroit.  Together, they have five children: Robert (Teri) VerHaeghe, Margaret (James) Doughty, Janine (Garrett) Haubenreich, Mary (Eric) Eichelman, and Daniel (Amy) VerHaeghe; 14 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren. They, along with Anna Mae, all survive.   Robert was a kind and generous husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He had a special charm, a quick wit, and a sweet tooth.  Robert pursued his passion for music by using it in service to his faith, and by sharing it with his family---especially his son Daniel, with whom he often played.  As we gather around the piano each year at Christmas to sing carols, we will fondly remember Robert and the gifts he shared with us.  These qualities, and many more, will remain in the hearts of those whom he loved, and who loved him, in all future remembrances of his spirit.

He was the loving husband of Anna Mae. Dear father of Robert (Teri Heister) VerHaeghe, Margaret (James) Doughty, Janine (Garrett) Haubenreich, Mary (Eric) Eichelman, and Daniel (Amy Rakowski) VerHaeghe. Loving grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of 3.

Visitation for Robert will be held on Tuesday 3:00-9:00pm with a 7:30pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren.

Mr. VerHaeghe will lie in state Wednesday, 9:30am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00am at Assumption Grotto Church, 13770 Gratiot Ave., Detroit 48205.

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