Fr. Robert William Hunt

Fr. Robert William Hunt departed this life on April 30, 2017. He was Christ’s faithful and loving servant, who touched many thousands of hearts and lives through his very popular Parish Mission and Retreat Ministry which extended over more than thirty-five years. “Mission for Today” was his hallmark achievement – a message of Love, Life and Hope. His sermons were always relevant and laced with a sharp, timely sense of humor. Fr. Hunt was born in St Louis, MO on August 29, 1928. He studied and was ordained for the priesthood in the Society of the Precious Blood on May 15, 1955.

As an honored member of the National Professional Speakers Association, with the distinction of a Certified Speaking Professional, Fr. Hunt delivered countless motivational talks to companies large and small, across the US and Canada. In addition to his public ministry, Fr. Hunt was a very effective counsellor, assisting clients in finding resolutions to difficult personal and spiritual issues. After retiring from his preaching ministry, he assisted at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Orlando. The parish benefited greatly from his gifts. A favorite pastime was golf and lunch with his buddies. When his health began to fail, Fr. Hunt was invited and moved to LaPorte, Indiana to spend the rest of his days with his dear friends who offered and provided their love and care. There will surely be legions of the faithful departed who will welcome him to Paradise and thank him for his role in leading them to Christ. He will continue to live in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. Our lives have been blessed because of Fr. Bob and will not be the same without him. May he rest in the Peace of the Risen Lord.

Fr. Bob is survived by his very dear friend, Margaret (Maggie) LeRoy, her family and his cousins William O’Keefe and Dr. Jerome Wagner. He was predeceased by his loving mother, Alice.

A scholarship has been established in Fr. Hunt’s name by an anonymous donor for youth athletes.org.

Visitation will be held from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C. Street, La Porte, Indiana 46350.  Evening prayers will begin at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017, at St. Joseph Church, where morning prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m.  Reverend Robert F. Kurber, Presider, Reverend Ian J. Williams, Reverend, Jaime Perea, and Reverend William F. O’Toole Concelebrants.  Father's body is being donated to medical science.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to: St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326; 1-800-341-2235 www.stjo.org/dreams or St. Joseph’s Church for the St. Joseph Mariachi Band, 109 C Street, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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