Flat Rock (734) 782-2755 Carleton (734) 654-2000 Facebook

Our knowledgeable staff are passionate about providing families guidance and support during the funeral planning process and well after the funeral. Together, we can honor your loved one's life while beginning your grief journey.

Robert J. Gilbert CFSP, CPC, CMFP

Funeral Director / Owner

Born Robert Chesney in Detroit, Michigan and having both parents deceased before the age of 7, Bob was adopted within his family and moved to Alpena. Returning to the metro area at the age of 10, Bob was once again adopted within his family, changed his surname to Gilbert and resided in Dearborn Heights. Before graduating from Riverside High School, Bob began his career in the funeral industry at the age of 15 working for McFarland Foss Funeral Home in Dearborn. Continuing along this career path, Bob enlisted in the US Army in 1983 with a classification of Graves Registration Specialist assigned to the 16th Field Service Company in Fort Lee, VA.

Read more about Robert

Upon return from enlistment, Bob was employed at Howe Peterson Funeral Home in Dearborn when he met his future wife, Frann. Married in 1988, Bob and Frann were blessed with 2 daughters, Ally and Shelby and had resided in Garden City for nearly 29 years. They recently relocated to Waltz (New Boston) in 2021 to reside near the areas they serve. Bob coached both daughters in Slow Pitch Softball for GCYAA for 12 years.

Taking a career detour, Bob left the funeral industry in 1989 to work for the U.S. Postal Service during which time he attended Wayne State University and received a Bachelor of Mortuary Science Degree and was the recipient of the distinguished Walter D. Poole Student Achievement Award. Upon graduation, Bob became a Funeral Director and Manager for Uht Funeral Home in Westland for 16 years, eventually, joining the staff at Stark Funeral Service in Ypsilanti, then Neely-Turowski/Thayer-Rock Funeral Homes, Livonia and Farmington as General Manager.

At last, in 2019, an opportunity of a lifetime came along when Bob became owner of Bobcean Funeral Homes in Flat Rock and Carleton. Bob's intent as owner and operator of Bobcean Funeral Homes is to bring his vast knowledge, education and decades of experience, along with compassion and professionalism to the families in the communities he serves.

Aside from his devotion of Funeral Directing, Bob enjoys spending his free time with Frann and their family at their retreat in the woods affectionately named “The Hamptons”, where he enjoys hunting deer, bonfires, meandering around the lake and taking their granddaughters Rylee and Piper on “Papa's tractor rides”.

Professional/Volunteer/Organizations: Earned designations of CFSP (Certified Funeral Service Professional), CPC (Certified Preplanning Consultant), and CMFP (Certified Michigan Funeral Practitioner), Ambassador and Lifetime CFSP Member, Section Chief for the DPMU (Disaster Portable Morgue Unit) of the MIMORT (Michigan Mortuary Response Team), Flat Rock Elks, Flat Rock American Legion Post 337, NFDA (National Funeral Directors' Association), MFDA (Michigan Funeral Directors' Association) currently District 1 President and served as District 2 President (twice), former member of Livonia Elks, Westland Moose, Wayne Rotary (past President), Friends of Eloise (past President) and Wayne 100 Club.

Bob has organized and ran charity Euchre Tournaments for many years, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the needy, most notably the World's Largest Euchre Tournament in 2010 with nearly 600 players in attendance.

Trudy Reno

Family Care / Office Coordinator

With more than 25 years of dedicated service, Trudy began her career in 1998 at a family owned funeral home in Dearborn. Her journey has laid a strong foundation in organization, ethics, and meticulous attention to detail, which continues to guide her today.

Read more about Trudy

As our Family Care and Office Coordinator, Trudy plays a key role in daily operations. She oversees administrative functions to ensure smooth office management. She also works closely with families to arrange visitations, services, and memorials. Behind the scenes, she collaborates with funeral directors to prepare for services, always offering careful attention to every detail. Her goal is to comfort families through dignified, compassionate support that honors each life and legacy.

In 2019, she joined the team at Bobcean Funeral Home, bringing decades of experience, genuine compassion, and a deep understanding of the needs of grieving families.

Originally from Dearborn Heights, Trudy resides in Southgate with her fiancé, Brian, and her son, Nicholas.

Ally Roberts

Accounting / Bookkeeping

Ally is the eldest daughter of Bob & Frann Gilbert. Raised in Garden City and a graduate from Garden City High School in 2007, Ally was an academic child that also excelled in softball within the GCYAA. She went on to earn her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education in 2012 from Eastern Michigan University, and her Master of Arts in Educational Technology from Michigan State University in 2020. Ally utilized her education in both the Southgate Community and Lincoln Park Public school districts as an Interventionist, and STEM teacher from 2012-2019.

Read more about Ally

Ally's responsibilities include all in house accounting, including payroll. In her leisure time, Ally enjoys crafting, hiking, and utilizing her vast computer skills.

Ally has two amazing daughters, Rylee and Piper, and resides in Wyandotte, along with their rescue cats and Great Dane.

Negia Alexander

Funeral Attendant

Negia was born and raised in Pikeville, Kentucky. She embarked on a life changing journey to Michigan in 1960. In 1965, Negia married her beloved Mike, and they chose Flat Rock as their forever home.

Read more about Negia

Throughout her life, Negia has cherished her role as a loving mother to Douglas and David. She is also a devoted grandmother and great grandmother. Her heart is as vast as her love for her family, and her nurturing spirit knows no bounds.

Negia has been employed with Bobcean Funeral Home for over 40 years. Her dedication to serving families during their most challenging moments is truly invaluable to us. She is an enduring pillar of strength and support within the funeral home, and those we serve.

Negia is a longtime member of the Church of God in Flat Rock. Her commitment to her faith is mirrored in her willingness to assist others in any way possible, a true reflection of her kind and compassionate nature.

Paula Puruleski

Funeral Attendant

Paula has been with Bobcean Funeral Home for more than 10 years. Paula and her husband called Flat Rock home for 44 years, where they raised 3 children. She is a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Family has always been at the core of her life.

Read more about Paula

In addition to her commitment to her own family, Paula is an active member of St. Roch Catholic Church, where her faith plays a central role. She spent many years teaching Catechism to first-grade students, instilling values and spirituality in the young minds of her community.

Beyond her church involvement, Paula selflessly delivers Meals on Wheels to the homebound, ensuring that those in need not only receive nourishment, but also a warm and caring connection.

Jeri Lou Simpson

Funeral Attendant

Jeri Lou was born and raised in Flat Rock, and graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1960. In 1963, she married Jerry Simpson, and they established their home in Carleton, where they lovingly raised three children. Over the years, she has embraced the joys of grandmotherhood, with five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Read more about Jeri

Jeri Lou's faith is an integral part of her life. She attends the Stewart Road Church of God in Monroe. Her commitment extends to the Senior Ministry. She serves as a greeter, and assists in preparing funeral luncheons, offering comfort and support to her community.

Beyond her dedication to her faith and community, Jeri Lou has a passion for gardening, decorating, and she is an amazing baker. Her greatest joy comes from spending quality time with her family, creating lasting memories, and carrying on family traditions.

Nicholas Reno

Director's Assistant / Funeral Attendant

Originally from Dearborn, Nicholas Reno graduated from Southgate Anderson High School in 2022. While at Anderson, Nicholas was actively involved in the Big Brothers Program and the Interact Club. He also played on the Varsity Golf and Bowling Teams.

Read more about Nicholas

Having been deeply embedded in the funeral service industry his entire life, Nicholas is furthering his education in the Pre-Mortuary Science Program at Wayne County Community College. His dedication and passion for the field led him to his current position at Bobcean Funeral Home, where he has been employed since June of 2023.

Nicholas currently resides in Southgate with his mother, Trudy, stepfather Brian, and his adorable dog, Charlee.

Shelby Gilbert

Funeral Attendant / Office Assistant

Shelby is the youngest daughter of Bob & Frann Gilbert. A 2011 graduate of Garden City High School, she excelled in GCYAA softball and her high school tennis team. Shelby entered the workforce at the age of 17 working for a Michigan based theater chain while attending Schoolcraft Community College, then Eastern Michigan University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 2015.

Read more about Shelby

Considering a different career path, Shelby became an insurance representative. Having never left and after receiving a promotion, her career path was clear, and she stayed with the theater. Shelby is currently a General Manager, and operates the chain's Saline location. Her job duties at Bobcean are at need and include payroll and funeral attendant.

She purchased a home in Monroe for her rescue cat, Phoenix which allows Shelby a place to stay. Shelby's interests include reading in her personal library, yoga, legos, and puzzles.

Lee Bobcean

Lee Bobcean

Retired Funeral Director / Former Owner

Lee is a life long resident of Flat Rock, Michigan. A graduate of Flat Rock High School, he attended Ferris State University, Wayne County Community College, receiving an Associate of Arts degree. He attended Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, which lead to licensure in Mortuary Science from the State of Michigan.

Read more about Lee

Lee is a charter member of the Flat Rock Historical Society, the Michigan Embalmers Society, and Concerned Citizens of Huron Township. He is a former Vice-President and now member at large of the Downriver Guidance Clinic. A member and past President of the Flat Rock Rotary Club, and a member of the Flat Rock Planning Commission serving for 10 years as its chairman.

Lee is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Waltz, where he has held several different offices, and presently sings in the Praise and Worship Team. Married to his soul mate Maeila, they have two children, a daughter, Allison, and a son, Jared.

When not working, Lee enjoys being with his family, fishing, traveling, and being involved in school and community activities.

James C. Bobcean

James C. Bobcean

Retired Funeral Director / Former Owner

James is a life long resident of Flat Rock, Michigan. He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, earning a bachelors degree in Biology. He attended Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science receiving a Michigan Mortuary Science License in 1971.

Read more about James

James served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968. He is an elder at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waltz, Michigan, a life member and past President of Flat Rock Historical Society, past Commander of American Legion Post #337, and member and past President of Carleton Rotary.

James is a member of the Michigan Embalmers Society. He is a past President of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association from 1987-1988. He also served as National Funeral Directors Association Policy Board member from 1995-1998 and is a Verified Funeral Service Practitioner by the Academy of Professional Funeral Services Practice.

James has 3 step-children, and 3 granddaughters.