Father Robert Rost

Reverend Robert A. (Bob) Rost, DMin, age 75, Kansas City, went to be with the Lord, February 26, 2024 after a lengthy illness. He was born May 26, 1948 to James Francis Rost, Sr and Marie (Klein) Rost.

“Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace; you have fulfilled your word. For my eyes have witnessed your saving deed.” Luke 2: 29-30

Father Bob grew up in the St. Joseph area spending his early years of learning at St. Francis Xavier School. Additional education included St. John’s Catholic Seminary High School; Conception Seminary College; The Catholic University of America, M.S. of Sacred Theology and Doctor of Ministry, Washington, D.C.; and Center for Aging, Religion and Spirituality, Post-Doctoral Studies, St. Paul, Minnesota.

His ordination as a priest was in 1974 at The Co-Cathedral in St. Joseph. During his time as a pastor he served the following parishes: St. Augustine’s Parish, Kansas City; Sacred Heart Parish/Newman Center, Warrensburg; St. Bernadette Parish, Kansas City; St. Therese Parish, Kansas City; Visitation Parish, Kansas City (included a Sister Parish relationship with Madre de Los Pobres in El Salvador of annual delegations and support); Nativity of Mary Parish, Independence (highlighted by working with the parish team and community to raise funds, design and build a church); Sacred Heart Parish, Hamilton; and Mary Immaculate Parish, Gallatin. He retired from parish ministry on June 17, 2015.

Father Bob served as a Catholic Chaplain for the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs.

As an educator, Father Bob was an instructor for California Lutheran Homes Center for Spirituality and Aging; faculty for Gerontological Pastoral Care Institute, C.A.R.S.; Associate Director at the Center for Aging, Religion and Spirituality; instructor for Kairos Seminars at Luther Seminary; and instructor at Catholic University Center on Aging. He was well published in the area of aging, religion and pastoral care.

Father Bob was a leader in his parochial schools and inspired his church parishioners of all ages for decades with his Gospel teachings, living out his life through faith as a shepherd. Many would remember his meaningful sermons by rating them as a “one sandwich or two sandwich” depending upon the homily’s length. As a pastor, he was a sacramental minister and pastoral counselor for his parishioners. Father Bob’s words during a prayerful reflective moment during his homily may have included, “Close your eyes, but stay awake”, often times leading to a chuckle or tears. He led his parishes in serving the poor and actively promoting social justice.

“We give thanks to our God every time we think of you – which is constantly in every prayer we utter – rejoicing, as we plead on your behalf, at the way you have continually helped promote the gospel from the very first day.” Philippians 1:3-5 As in Father Bob’s words: “Can I get an ‘Amen’?”

Family members who have passed before him are his parents, James and Marie Rost, and two brothers, Jim and John. Survivors include his brother, Greg (Joni) Rost and sister, Carolyn (William) Gronniger,

sisters-in-law, Jeanne Rost and Susan Rost, all of Savannah. Numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great nephew all having loving memories of Uncle Bob.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, Independence, 10021 E 36th Terrace S at 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 16. Prior to the Mass, visitation will take place from 9:00-10:30 AM. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery, St. Joseph in a private ceremony at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Muehlebach Funeral Care, Kansas City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Bishop Sullivan Center, 3936 Troost Ave., KCMO 64110; Journey to New Life, 3120 Troost, KCMO 64109; and Between the Cracks Fund at St. James Catholic Church, 3909 Harrison, KCMO 64109.