Robert William Bromley

Robert “Bob” Bromley was peacefully called home on December 17, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and a deep love for the outdoors that shaped him.
Born on July 28, 1950, Bob spent his early years in Baldwin, Michigan, living on Big Star Lake and along the Pere Marquette River—places that perfectly reflected his appreciation for nature. Bob was a standout in football, basketball, and baseball player for Baldwin High School. He went on to play basketball and baseball at the collegiate level. His competitive spirit and love of sports remained with him throughout his life.
An outdoorsman at heart, Bob found his greatest enjoyment fishing on lakes and rivers, and hunting on the family’s eighty acres. These quiet moments in nature were where he felt most at home. He was also known for his sharp wit and appreciation for a good joke, often sharing laughter with those around him.
Bob spent much of his professional career at Rapid Engineering in Comstock Park, where he built not only a strong work ethic but lasting friendships that remained important to him until his passing. He was deeply engaged in current events and politics, firmly conservative in his views and unwavering in his convictions. 
Big Star Lake held a special place in Bob’s heart. He spent much of each year at the cottage he helped build and maintain. He enjoyed fishing from his pontoon and time spent with family and friends. Bob was an active member of the Big Star Lake Association and organized the annual fishing contest for several summers. He was also a member of the Michigan Steelheaders Association.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy (Martin-Vogel) Bromley; his parents, Robert and Pearl (Heideman) Bromley; his stepfather, Bill Slater; and his sister, Nancy (Bromley) Basset.
He is survived by his children, Stacey (Bromley) Maas and Robert Bromley; his stepchildren, Andrea (Jon) Leslie, Jason (Kristy) Vogel, and Emily Vogel; his sister, Bonnie Bromley; his grandchildren, Allison (Dren) Bartrum, Megan Leslie, Jaren Vogel, Donovan Vogel, and Joselyn Vogel, and many close friends.
An open house celebration of Bob’s life will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a short prayer service and reflection at 6:00 p.m. at the following location: 21870 Centennial Drive, Conklin, MI, 49403. Bob wished to be cremated, and his ashes will be buried at Pleasant Plains Cemetery in Baldwin.  His memory will live on in the waters he fished, the woods he hunted, the friendships he cherished, and the laughter he so freely shared.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob's memory to the Big Star Lake Association to help with ongoing environmental efforts on the lake: P.O. Box 140146, Grand Rapids, MI 49514-0146.