Kilper, Robert W. “Bob”, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of May 25, 2026, surrounded by his family as they prayed the rosary.
Born in St. Louis on September 11, 1934, to Ambrose H. and Marie E. Kilper (née Reily), Bob graduated from CBC High School in 1952. He married his high school sweetheart, Jane Reinagel, in 1956, following his service in the U.S. Army during the final years of the post–World War II occupation of Germany. During his service, he received medals for Exemplary Behavior and Expert Marksmanship.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Jane Kilper (née Reinagel); his children Robert (Ronda Merritt), Janet (Dan) Geldermann, Stephen (Linda Huwe), Kathleen (John) Kindt, and Linda (Mark) Burkart; his many grandchildren—Mandee, Andria, Robert, Stephan, Wesley, Anne, Katherine, Jennifer, Stephanie, Lisa, Molly, Joseph, Candace, Patrick, John Jr., Anthony Joseph, Jennifer, John Robert, and Daniel—and 26 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers James, Thomas, John, and Daniel (Kathy), along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He especially loved his family and frequently amused his grandchildren with his remarkable imitation of Donald Duck. Generous with his time, talent, and treasure, he was always ready to lend a hand to family, friends, and community.
A gifted athlete, Bob played semi‑pro baseball before devoting himself to raising his growing family. He started working in St. Louis in sales and worked his way up through the ranks culminating in vice president of sales and marketing.
Bob was a Fourth Degree life member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an active member of Seven Holy Founders Parish, serving in the Fathers’ Club and as a Boy Scout leader. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he spent more than 40 years officiating youth and college baseball, basketball, and soccer across St. Louis, Central Illinois, and Wisconsin. After returning to St. Louis in 1986, he became an active member of St. Anthony of Padua in High Ridge before returning recently to the parish of his youth, Seven Holy Founders.
Services: Visitation will be held at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois, on Thursday, June 11, from 4:00–8:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m. at Seven Holy Founders, 6741 South Rock Hill Road, with interment at Resurrection Cemetery immediately following.
You always had a gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. Thank you for being such a kind loving person. You will truly be missed
I always enjoyed Bob. He was such a pleasant man, and I could see how much he truly loved Jane. They were a perfect couple! It was always a blessing to have them join our Merritt family gatherings.
Bob and Jane were our neighbors for awhile and fellow parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua for a long time. Bob was a very special man who would help anyone at anytime and with a big smile! One time in 2016 after my husband, Tom, had surgery for a knee replacement, Tom needed a prescription refilled at Jefferson Barracks VA Hospital Pharmacy. Bob drove me to JB so I could get Tom’s prescription. I had never gone with Tom when he went to his doctor’s appointment, so I did not know where to go to pick it up. Bob was a lifesaver for me. We will miss him a lot! God bless!