Daniel Wroblewski, 76, passed away on June 4th, 2026 with his wife and daughter by his side. Dan was born in 1950, the eldest child of Lambert and Jacqueline Wroblewski (née Van Keuren). He attended Cass Technical High School (‘68) followed by the School of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts (now College for Creative Studies) where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalcraft (‘72).

After college Dan followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Detroit Police Department (DPD) in 1973 and using Lambert’s badge number, 778. He served proudly for 19 years with assignments in the Fourth and Sixth Precincts, Stationary Traffic in the First Precinct, and the Graphic Services Section. Dan was a gifted athlete and enjoyed playing for the DPD Hockey Team in the US and Canada. He also represented the DPD on the Superstars track and field team. Notably, Dan said the most meaningful part of his police career was SCUBA diving for the DPD as a member of the Underwater Recovery Team. He was awarded diver of the year in 1989.

Dan retired from the force in 1992 after a knee injury. A man of incredible energy and drive, retirement at 42 did not suit him. Dan went back to school and received his Teaching Certificate from Wayne State University (WSU) (‘95). He began teaching in Birmingham Public Schools in 1995 with travelling assignments, followed by a permanent position at Birmingham Groves High School starting in 2001. While working full-time as a teacher, Dan completed a Master of Arts in metalcraft (‘01). His Master’s artistic project was inspired by his work for the DPD Underwater Recovery Team and produced three exquisite metal chalices, each representing a different underwater recovery effort.

At Groves, Dan taught jewelry-making and metalcraft. He was beloved by students and colleagues alike and served as a groomsman in one former student’s wedding. He was an effective and inspirational instructor, as shown by the number of his students’ pieces selected each year for the Scholastic Art Awards (and other competitions), as well as by the number of former students who became professional jewelers and artisans. Dan was the Birmingham Groves Teacher of the Year in 2009 and a Scholastic Art Award Outstanding Educator in 2001. He retired in 2012.

A turning point in Dan’s personal life came in 1966 when he met a pretty brunette at a party and later said “from the moment I first met her I couldn’t imagine us being apart.” Cass Tech classmate Stephanie Wroblewski (née Slobojan) became his first and only girlfriend and then his wife (‘74). Dan and Stephanie had a daughter, Danielle Wroblewski, to whom Dan passed on his love of art, his strong work ethic, and (she would like to think) some of his sense of humor.

Dan lived his whole life on the west side of Detroit and moved only once… to the house next door. He loved his city, his neighborhood and neighbors, and, especially, Rouge Park, where as a child he played from sun up until his mom whistled him home. Dan was an active member of the Friends of the Rouge Park non-profit and participated in regular park clean-ups as his health allowed. Rouge Park was also his first ice rink and started his lifelong love of hockey. He played well into his 60s until he physically could no longer get on the ice. He loved the competition, the friends, and the beer.

In retirement, Dan built a backyard art studio from scratch. In his studio, he created many gifts for friends and family and gave demonstrations at family parties. He was active in the Michigan Silversmith’s Guild and enjoyed attending workshops to learn new techniques well into his 70’s. He became a fixture of the Far West Security Patrol #44 where he regularly patrolled with his dog Sally sitting shotgun. His last shift as Base Operator was just 10 days before his death. But, by far, his favorite role and activity in retirement was that of being “Papa” to his grandson Grant, to whom he passed on his love of making funny faces, listening to vinyl records, and doing messy art projects.

Dan is survived by his wife of 52 years Stephanie; Daughter Danielle (Ross Collin); Grandson Grant Collin; Brother Eric (Karen) Wroblewski and sister Jacqueline (Bill Hamilton) Drew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lambert and Jacqueline, and his brother Adam Wroblewski.

Memorial Visitation will be on Saturday, August 1st from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm with Memorial Service at 12:00 pm at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 W. Warren, Dearborn Heights.

To honor Daniel Wroblewski’s love of Rouge Park, fondness for animals, and concern for police families, please consider a memorial contribution to one of the following non-profits instead of flowers. Please note 'In memory of Daniel Wroblewski” with your gift.

Friends of Rouge Park

Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit

Detroit Public Safety Foundation Fallen and Critically Injured Fund (Choose ‘DPSF-All Programs” from the drop down menu)