Robert William Broge Sr.

Robert William Broge, Sr. May 12, 1937 - July 22, 2021 Las Vegas, NV Robert (Bob) Broge passed away unexpectedly in Las Vegas, NV on July 22, 2021 at the age of 84. Bob was born on May 12,1937 in Wyandotte, Michigan to Ruth and Carl Broge. He grew up boating and swimming on the Detroit River, lovingly referred to himself as a "river rat." His childhood home was located on the canal where Portofino sits today. His mode of transportation was a row boat but he also enjoyed scuttling larger ships as he grew older. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1956. He married Judith Klunge from Allen Park, MI in 1961 and founded AAA Wire Rope in 1962. Bob and Judy raised three children, putting them to work at the shop before child labor laws were enforced! He enjoyed many successful years running the company and retired in 1999. Bob spent time flying planes and traveling the states with his kids in tow. He enjoyed racing boats which eventually became his lifelong passion, passing the tradition down to the next two generations. As captain of the BS Racing Team he took great pride in watching his kids and grandkids succeed in boat racing. Skiing, snowmobiling, and motorcycling were also skills he passed on to his kids with frequent weekend trips to Caberfae in Northern Michigan where many memories were made. "The cabin" remains in the family today. In 1990 Bob remarried Joan Shensky and they enjoyed splitting their time between Las Vegas and Michigan. After retirement, they built a vacation home on the Gulf of Mexico in Sargent Beach, TX. The cowboy life was nice but the hurricanes were not desirable. Over the years he hosted many Super Bowl parties and loved getting together with family and friends for most any occasion. Anywhere he went, he met people and made new friends. His laugh was loud and authentic. That laugh may have gotten him into trouble every once in a while but he used it well in telling the many stories of his life. Robert Broge was preceded in death by his father, Carl; his mother, Ruth; his sister, Sharon Stepaniak; and wife, Joanie. He is survived by his three children: John Broge, Robert Broge Jr. (Geraldine), Jennifer (Broge) Voss and his grandchildren: Nicholas Voss, Dallas Broge (Rachel), John Broge Jr., Leland Broge and his first wife, Judith Broge. He is also survived by his step children: Mike Shensky (Carol), Michelle Silva (Christian), grandchildren: Tyler (Alyssa) Shensky, Callie Shensky, Grace Silva, Danielle Pearcy, and great grandchildren Aspen, Sawyer, Aria, and Hunter. A private celebration of Bob's life will take place at Portofino in Wyandotte on August 29, 2021.