Date of death: 2/12/2026
Saint Meinrad Class: C 1989
Fr. Robert A. Van Kempen, age 66, went home to be with the Lord on February 12, 2026 with his family by his side at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN. He was born on February 25, 1959, in South Bend, IN to Henry and Mary Grace Van Kempen.
Fr. Bob is survived by his sisters, Linda Fleese of South Bend, IN and Kathryn Belich of Granger, IN, nephews Nick Belich, Ian (Amanda) Belich and Matthew Fleese and his niece Amy (Scott) Czarnecki, great nieces and nephews, Madison, Logan, Ethan, Anthony, Eli and Aidan. He was preceded in death by his mom Mary Grace (Scott) McCaw, and his father Henry (Margaret) Van Kempen.
He was baptized on April 5, 1959, at Christ the King Catholic Church.
His first communion was in 1966, at Christ the King Catholic Church.
He was confirmed on May 16, 1971, at Christ the King Catholic Church.
He became an Ordained Deacon on January 2, 1993, at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew.
He became an Ordained Priest on November 27, 1993, at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew.
He celebrated his first mass at Christ the King Catholic Church.
Fr. Bob had devoted his life to serving others. He had a servant heart. As a priest, he served at Saint Jude Parish (Fort Wayne), Saint Joseph Hessen Cassel Parish (Fort Wayne), the Cathedral of Saint Matthew (South Bend), and St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Bristol. Fr. Bob enjoyed shopping, vacationing and travelling, especially cruising to fun places. He loved to entertain friends and family by spending time together enjoying good food and fine chocolates. He will be sadly missed.