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Obituary
Robert Francis Huettman, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 23, 2025, at the age of 80.
Born in Dearborn, Michigan, to Francis E. and Frances C. Huettman, Robert was proud of his roots and carried his love for the community throughout his life. He worked at Ford Motor Company for 33 years in the dynamometer laboratory, where his expertise and deep passion for engine development left a lasting mark. He built strong friendships with colleagues and took pride in being part of one of America’s great automotive legacies.
Robert’s love of drag racing began at a very young age at Detroit Dragway, where his enthusiasm for speed and engines quickly grew into a lifelong passion. He went on to enjoy a very successful racing career with his best friend, Steve Ambrose, competing together on the NHRA Division 3 circuit as the Ambrose Argenta and Huettman Racing Team. The pair shared countless victories, memories, and lifelong friendships forged at the track.
A man of many passions, Robert also loved cheering on the University of Michigan football team—“Go Blue!” was a phrase often heard in his home. He was deeply devoted to his community, treasuring his neighbors as close friends and always taking pride in caring for his beautiful yard, which became a gathering place for conversation, laughter, and connection. He also loved his friends from church, who enriched his life with fellowship and faith. After the loss of his beloved Gwendolyn, Robert found comfort and strength in his grief share group, which became an important source of healing and friendship.
Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gwendolyn Marie Kaminski of Dearborn, Michigan, his parents Francis E. and Frances C. Huettman and his sister Carole Shelton. He is survived by his devoted daughter Bridget Wilkie; his treasured grandsons Jackson Robert Wilkie and James Maxwell Wilkie; his brother David (Pat) Huettman; his sister Dr. Elizabeth Roberts (Alan Collins) ; his sweet dog Reesie; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.
Visitation and Services will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home in Flat Rock, Michigan. Visitation will be from 2:00–4:00 PM. A Prayer Service with open sharing will be held from 4:00–5:00 PM, and a Celebration of Life (dinner and bar) will begin at 5:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather again on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:15 AM at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home to process to a short graveside service at Michigan Memorial Park.
Robert will be remembered for his loyalty, his laughter, his devotion to family, and the way he lived his life with love, faith, friendship, and a relentless passion for engines, drag racing, and community at the center
