Robert “Bob” Guenzel was born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 22, 1941, to Robert and Violet Guenzel and died peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, following a long decline caused by Lewy Body Dementia.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of sixty years, Pamela Isley Guenzel; daughters Robin Guenzel of Auckland, New Zealand, and Elizabeth Guenzel (Jeff) of Salt Lake City, Utah; grandchildren Katie Guenzel-Reilly, Win Van Blarcom, and Abby Van Blarcom; sister, Marilyn Eko; nephew, Korey Eko (Maggie); niece, Heidi Jackman; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Rhonda Isley; nieces Taylor Martel and Carlisle Isley; and countless friends in Ann Arbor and around the world.
Bob graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1960. He earned both his bachelor’s (BBA, 1964) and law (JD, 1967) degrees from the University of Michigan. Notably during his time at U-M, Bob attended the historic speech where John F. Kennedy announced the creation of the Peace Corps on the steps of the Union. Kennedy’s vision for how good government can help regular people informed the entirety of Bob’s long and fulfilling career in public service.
He began his professional work with the National Labor Relations Board, then became an Ann Arbor Assistant City Attorney and subsequently Corporation Counsel for Washtenaw County, then partner of the law firm Harris, Lax, Gregg & Guenzel. He was appointed Washtenaw County Administrator in 1994, retiring in 2010.
Using his authority as County Administrator, plus the personal and political capital he amassed over decades by just being an authentically decent guy, Bob was able to produce an astonishing number of good works. He was tireless in his determination to support the most vulnerable of our neighbors, and upholding others’ dignity was more important than getting credit for the outcome. His steady vision and steadfast ethics brought diverse coalitions together—and kept them at the table—to solve real problems, in real time.
For example, Bob was instrumental in the creation of the Delonis Center, which provides a range of supportive services and a safe place to sleep for the county’s unhoused. An inaugural member of the Ark’s board of directors, Bob served on that body for fifty years and led the capital campaign that secured the Ark’s permanent performance space. He taught a leadership course at the Ford School for several years after retirement. He served for ten years on the Downtown Development Authority. His volunteer service also included the United Way, the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, the Shelter Association, the Washtenaw Literacy Coalition, the Sister Yvonne Fund, and Ann Arbor SPARK, among others.
Bob carried out his belief in the nobility of public service in ways that were contagious and compelling, and his legacy is marked by generosity, humility, and kindness.
Outside of work, Bob lived a vibrant and active life. He was a devoted and loving family man, who always encouraged us to follow our dreams. He took joy in the family’s many trips up north to Crystal Lake and frequent visits south to New Zealand. He was a fan of all Michigan sports—the University of Michigan, of course, as well as our professional teams. He had a great love for the Tigers. His dad reported that he learned to read by checking out the box scores. Bob was proud of his sub–three hour Detroit Marathon and enjoyed running many races around the state with his wonderful group of running friends, who walked with him when he could no longer run. He served as president of the Ann Arbor Track Club for a while, played stickball in a parking lot, and made beer in the basement. He was grateful for his men’s group, which met every month for ten years to discuss retirement and assorted issues of the day and sometimes attended opening day at Tiger Stadium.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, or to the Ark’s Bob Guenzel Capacity Building Fund.
The family is especially grateful for the wonderful care he received at University Senior Living where he resided for two years.
Services are planned for June 28 at the Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.; program begins at 2:15 p.m.