Death of a Senior Status Priest
Rev. Robert Joseph Kill, a senior status priest of the Diocese of Toledo, died on Sunday afternoon, November 16, 2025, at The Meadows of Delphos. He was 81 years old.
He was born June 12, 1944 at home in Landeck to Eugene F. and Rosalia B. (Gengler) Kill who both preceded him in death. Father Kill was a graduate from Pontifical College, Josephinum, Worthington. He was ordained April 3, 1971 in Columbus, Ohio. He had served as pastor at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Bellevue, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Continental, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Holgate, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Hamler, St. Michael’s Ridge Catholic Church, Defiance, St. Isidore Catholic Church, Defiance/Sherwood, and St. Barbara Catholic Church, Cloverdale.
He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. When asked what some of his fondest memories were, outside of his pastoral duties, he recalled the many camping trips he took with his mother and sisters.
He is also preceded in death by two sisters, Sister Mary Thomas OSF (Beatrice Kill) and Sister Marietta OSF (Marilyn Kill). Father Kill is survived by a close friend and housekeeper for close to 50 years, Anita Bertsch of Delphos.
A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck. Celebrant Bishop Daniel Thomas will officiate. Burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.
Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19 at St. John the Baptist Church, Landeck, with a prayer vigil at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call for one hour prior to the mass on Thursday at the church.
Please remember Fr. Kill in your prayers.
PARISH PROMOTION: Toolkit
Posted November 19, 2025 at 9:49 am