Ike Robert Okonkwo

Ike Robert Okonkwo, age 72 passed away on Friday October 1st, 2021 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Ike Okonkwo was born on August 21, 1949, in Enugu, Nigeria to the late Robert Chinwuba Okonkwo and Josephine Azogini Mbaneme. He was the fifth of ten children. Ike grew up in Enugu, Nigeria and attended Enugu College of Technology, in Nigeria. Ike Okonkwo immigrated to America to study Chemical Engineering at Clarkson College of Technology in Potsdam, New York. At Clarkson, he was active in student life and was on the collegiate soccer team. He completed his degree in Chemical engineering and continued his studies at University of Detroit Mercy where he earned an MBA in Finance. Ike met his wife Sonia Stewart as an undergraduate in Potsdam, New York. They later married in New York City on September 3rd, 1983. Ike and his wife settled in Detroit, Michigan. To this union a daughter, Xiomara Okonkwo was born in 1988. He was a devoted and loving father. His daughter was his pride and joy. He was very active in her fitness and careers goals and bonded with his daughter through the years with running and going to belle isle for talks. Through his many conversations he made sure to alwa...[more]

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mention "Not to count Detroit out! It's coming back!" Ike Okonkwo was a die hard Detroiter and lived most of his adult life in Detroit Michigan. Detroit was in his blood. He worked for the City of Detroit as a Chemical engineer. Through working for the city, he also found a way to express his love for the city through his many volunteer efforts. He was an avid volunteer for Friends of Belle Isle, The Parade Company, Tour DeTROIT, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Detroit Jazz Festival, and the Detroit Free Press Marathon to name a few. His love for Detroit, poured over to his friends that became his extended family in Michigan. Ike Okonkwo was a dedicated volunteer and a dear friend to all. He loved spending time with family and friends. He was a man that showed up for his community. His relationships were very important to him; and he enjoyed traveling, playing soccer, and dancing with friends and family. Music and exercise was Ike Okonkwo's stress reliever. His smiling face was frequently seen when he was cutting a rug on the dance floor. His smiling face is what will be missed the most. His jokes, his playful banter, and his love for life will live on through his beloved daughter Xiomara Okonkwo, and siblings Edith Iloh, Stella Okonkwo, Mike Okonkwo, Ndu Okonkwo, and Ngozi Onyekaba, and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends. A visitation for Ike will take place Friday, November 12, 2021 from 5-7 pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe. Funeral Service Saturday, November 12, 2021 at 11 am at The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 4800 Woodward Ave, Detroit.