Robert Ernest Simanek left us in the early morning of August 1, 2022. He was a Detroit boy, the third of four brothers born to Florence Hanson Simanek and Edmund (Edward) Simanek. He attended Mackenzie High School in Detroit.
In August of 1951, Bob joined the United States Marine Corps and traveled to Korea. On August 17, 1952, he was a Private First Class assigned to 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Thinking it was to be a fairly peaceful night at Outpost Irene during the Battle of Bunker Hill, he put a can of beer and a book in his pocket, shouldered his radio and weapon and proceeded to position. But his squad was ambushed and sought refuge. During the course of the action and after other acts of defense, Bob threw himself on an enemy hand grenade to protect the Marines with him and was gravely wounded. After recovering stateside for many months, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions by President Eisenhower on October 23, 1953.
Bob attended Michigan State University for three years, where he studied accounting and finance…and met Nancy Middleton, the love of his life. He often said he didn’t know what this perky, A-student saw in him, but she often said he was the sweetest man she’d ever met. They married on June 23, 1956. Daughter Ann (“Sam”) Simanek Clark of Traverse City, Michigan, was born in 1959.
Bob went on to graduate from Wayne State University and worked for GM, Federal Mogul, and the U.S. Small Business Association before retiring. He led a long, rich life after retirement, travelling back to South Korea, attending Presidential Inaugurations and Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS) events and raising funds for the CMOHS Foundation college scholarships. At their Farmington Hills home of 51 years, Bob nourished raccoons, squirrels, birds, deer, beautiful flowers and trees on their beloved three acres.
Bob and Nancy were married 64 years. Sadly, Nancy passed on July 4, 2020, after a sudden stroke. Bob mourned her every day.
In January of 2021, Bob received a call from General David H. Berger, the Commandant of the Marine Corps. General Berger informed him that a Naval ship would be named for him. The USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB-7), an expeditionary mobile sea base, is being built in San Diego, CA with an expected completion date of summer, 2024. Bob was extremely honored, and, not understanding that it would be some time before the ship was completed, immediately arranged to have his suits pressed. He would have loved to be able to see his ship.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Ann (Bill Fromm) Simanek Clark of Traverse City, MI; brother, David (Jaqui) Simanek of Boiling Springs, SC; sister-in-law, Caroll M. (George) Jenkins of Sarasota, FL; many dear nieces and nephews; several grandnieces and grandnephews; and his cherished granddogs, Gus and Sedona.
Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Nancy Louise Middleton Simanek (d. 2020); brothers, William Simanek and Harry Simanek; and sisters-in-law, Doris Simanek, Donna Simanek, and Joyce Simanek.
Bob will be dearly missed by many. Cremation has occurred with caring assistance from Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in Farmington, MI. He and Nancy will be laid to rest in the beautiful Great Lakes National Cemetery in a private ceremony. A Celebration of their lives will take place at Fox Run, Novi, MI on August 15, 2022, from 11:30a-1:30p.
Please send donations in Bob’s memory to Forgotten Harvest (15000 Eight Mile Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237), Cherryland Humane Society (1750 Ahlberg Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696), or Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (3860 N Long Lake Rd Ste D, Traverse City, MI 49684).
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Anthony Jablonski
To Bob Simanek,
I write this with great Humility to a man who served our country with Honor and Distinction.
Bob,
Thank you for your service and being an inspiratiion to all of us and especially to the men that you saved in Korea. I regret that our paths never crossed, I would have been honored to meet you in person.
Blessings to you and the family. Rest In Peace.
Semper Fi my friend