Reverend Albert Robert "Bob" DeSloover

Reverend Albert Robert "Bob" DeSloover

   OTTAWA -- Reverend Albert Robert "Bob" DeSloover of Ottawa and formerly of Monroe, MI passed away 10:59 a.m. Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the Meadows of Ottawa after suffering from cancer for several years..  Born November 25, 1936, he was the son of the late Gustaaf and Elizabeth (Vergouven) DeSloover of Monroe, MI and was the youngest of nine children. 

    Father Bob, as his family and friends called him, grew up in Monroe, MI attended St. Michael's grade school and Catholic Central High School.  After graduating from Catholic Central, he joined Glenmary Home Missioners of America in 1956 as a religious Brother, taking the name Leonard.  He served a cluster of parishes in the Great Smokey Mountains area of North Carolina and also in Oklahoma.  He remained a Glenmary Brother until October 1963.  Then he entered Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, CT for 2 1/2 years, and later attended the University of Toledo where he completed his B. A. degree.  During this time he worked as a social worker for Toledo Catholic Charities.  In December 1973, Father Bob received his Master of Divinity degree from Catholic Seminary of Indianapolis, IN.  He attended Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, OH where he concluded his seminary studies.  His ordination was May 25, 1974 at the Rosary Cathedral, Toledo by Bishop John A. Donovan.  He celebrated his first Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, Monroe, MI where he also celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination on May 23, 1999. 

    Father Bob served as deacon at St. Peter Church, Mansfield, OH, associate pastor at St. Agnes and St. Clement Church, both of Toledo, OH, St. Joseph Church, Tiffin, OH and St. Pius X, Sycamore, OH.  He was administrator pro tem at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Bono, OH.  He pastored at St. Bernard, New Washington, OH and Mother of Sorrows, North Auburn, OH.  He retired on July 1, 2011 after 17 years as pastor of St. Nicholas, Miller City, OH and Holy Family, New Cleveland, OH, where a reception was held in his honor on Sunday , June 16, 2011.  He then moved to Ottawa, OH and assisted the various parishes in the area.

    Father Bob is survived by a sister, Frances VanSlambrouck of Monroe, MI and numerous nieces and nephews, from Monroe, MI and many other states, who lovingly called him Uncle Albert.  He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and sisters-in-law:  Prosper (Margaret), Alphonse (Doris), Cyril (Marie), Frank (Betty), Joseph (Mary Jane) and Arthur (Margaret); one sister and two brothers-in-law:  Emma (Lester) Heitger and Donald Van Slambrouck.

    Father Bob joined the Secular Franciscans in 1956, was a past Chaplain of Holy Family Catholic Radio, a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a Chaplain of the Ottawa Council K of C from 1995-2018, a Faithful Friar 4th Degree from 1995-2014, a K of C Chaplain for 10 years in New Washington/North Auburn, OH and was a member of the Fraternity of Priests.  He also taught a semester at St. Clare Academy in Sylvania, OH.

    In addition to offering the Holy Mass, Father Bob served others, especially with his ministry to the sick, elderly and dying.  For a hobby he played cards.  Father Bob had a keen interest in the monastic life style and when traveling he would visit various monasteries.  He was a man of deep prayer.  People enjoyed his dry sense of humor.

    The Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Miller City, OH with Bishop Daniel Thomas officiating.  Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Erie, MI.  Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at church with Vespers prayed at 7:30 p.m.  There will also be visitation Wednesday from 9am until the time of service at church.  The arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa, OH. 

    Memorial contributions may be given to the parishes where Father Bob Service or to the charity of the donor's choice.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.