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BORN
1922
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Kline Obituary
Father Kline died Friday, June 24, 2011, at his residence in St. John Vianney Rectory.
Born Nov. 6, 1922, in Cleveland, he had been a Lake County resident for the past 42 years, living in Mentor.
He was a 1941 graduate of St. Ignatius, a 1943 graduate of St. Mary's College in Kentucky and a 1948 graduate of St. Mary's Seminary. He was ordained at St. John's Cathedral May 22, 1948, and served at St. Ann's Church in Cleveland Heights for six years, St. Joseph's in Cuyahoga Falls for two and a half years, Epiphany in Cleveland for five years, St. Martin of Tours in Maple Heights for five years, Ascension on W. 140th St., in Cleveland for three years and Immaculate Conception in Willoughby for six months. Father Kline was appointed founding Pastor of St. John Vianney Church in Mentor in 1969.
He was a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Knights of Columbus and co-founder of the Breadth of Life Group. He enjoyed nine trips to Ireland, spent three months in Rome on a sabbatical and visited Marian Shrines in France. But, one of his highlights was a trip to Ars, France, the birthplace of St. John Vianney.
Father Kline was very involved with athletics, played all sports and enjoyed the sportsmanship. In August 1977, Father Kline and St. John Vianney Parish established All Saints School in Wickliffe.
Father Kline retired in 1998, and lived as Pastor in Residence for seven and a half years at Borromeo Seminary, returning to St. John Vianney in 2005.
He was the cherished brother of Mary Knapik of North Olmsted, Sr. M. Consolata, H.M. of Villa Maria, Pa., Betty Ondus of Cleveland, Joseph P. (Elisa) Kline of Fairview Park; twin brother of Rev. John J. Kline of Avon Lake; uncle of 13 nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John J. and Catherine (nee, Ryan) Kline; brother, Thomas I. Kline; sister-in-law, Eleanor Kline; and brothers-in-law, Andrew Knapik and Frank Ondus.
Friends may call from 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center St., (Route 615, north of Route 2), Mentor.
Vesper services will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor. Most Rev. Edward Pevec will officiate, with visitation following the vespers until 9 p.m. at St. John Vianney. Burial will be private.
Donations are suggested to St. John Vianney Poor and Needy Fund or All Saints School of St. John Vianney Endowment Fund, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor, OH 44060.
www.MCVfuneralhomes.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kline
Kelly in NC and the Luke family in
July 1, 2011
Rest in Peace Father Kline. Our family has always loved the SJV parish/family.
As a member of the 1st graduating class from All Saints school I saw all the hard work you did for all of us.
Most of us now live in other states and have found other catholic churches to belong to – we’ve noticed that other churches are not the same as SJV and the great parish family. Thanks for all the great memories; Church Picnics, Sunrise Easter Services, communions, confirmations and weddings.
During our trips “home” we would go to mass and see you and you never did "retire"! You also never forgot us and were so nice to chat with after mass.
SJV will always hold a special place as will you Father Kline. Thanks for all the years of service you provided to all.
We also want to send our condolences to the SJV staff and parish families who are feeling his loss.
Pam Suhan
June 30, 2011
Today was a beautiful service for a beautiful man. He will be truly missed by many. He was a wonderful role model & we are all better people for knowing him.
Jacki Ormston
June 29, 2011
He was a wonderful priest and I cherish my memories of him. He was kind and compassionate. RIP Father Kline, til we all meet again.
The Fier Family
June 29, 2011
Fr Kline has been a huge part of our family, All Saints, and the community. His wisdom and faith has changed the lives of so many. Thank you and we will all miss you.
Richard Lehto
June 29, 2011
I treasure my association with Rev. Kline while pastoring in Mentor. The two of us restarted the Mentor Ministerial Association.
June 29, 2011
Sorry to hear of his passing.
P Kulcsar-Lesso
Elyria, Ohio
Gary and Michelle Gersin
June 29, 2011
This is a very sad day for us but it's a great day for heaven as a saint has gone home. We just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary on the 27th at it was fr kline who married us. He will be missed. We love you fr kline.
Janice Kopy
June 28, 2011
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Fr. Robert. Our family has enjoyed many memorable events with the Kline families. Love and prayers the Kopy and Habart families.
Cindy & Del Martin
June 28, 2011
Father Kline was very special to my husband and myself. He married us 30 years ago and was a wonderfully kind, compassionate and thoughtful person. He was an amazing priest and we will always remember him with love.
June 28, 2011
Father Kline was such a kind and loving presence for our family. Back in 1968, at Ascension Parish, he helped support and guide our family through the loss of our husband and father. As the years went by, he prayerfully offered his friendship and gentleness, even returning to the west side two years ago to concelebrate our mother's funeral. He certainly embodied and reflected the love of God. May he rest in peace, job well done.
- Mary Gallagher LeClair
Pamela Catullo
June 28, 2011
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Fr. Kline. He was such a caring person. My father had suffered a stroke and the only place he liked to go was Lake Catholic Bingo on Thursday evening. Father would always stop and talk with him. When my father passed Father Kline came and spoke at his service even though my father was not Catholic. I will always remember his kindness.
Barb and TomO'shea O'shea
June 28, 2011
we were parishioners of Father Kline. since he had mass at Salida Road School before he
started the vew St. Johns.
Everyone was so proud of Father. he loved us all and we love him.
Prayers are with his family
June 28, 2011
To our friends at St. John Vianney - we are so sorry to learn of Fr. Kline's passing. What a true servant of God he was. He will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Fitzmaurice Walsh and family
Evelyn Darpel
June 27, 2011
When my daughter, Lisa made her First Communion, she would not
leave until she had her picture taken with "God" (Fr. Kline). That was
about 37 yrs ago. When I told my son about his passing, he said
there was a reason we all thought he was God. We were all so
blessed to have him in our lives. Bill, Evelyn Darpel & Family
Eunice & Don Ginley
June 26, 2011
All our prayers and condolences to all the Kline families on the loss of Father Rob.
After hearing so much about him for years we felt we knew this devoted priest.
Sr. Loretta Spotila, CSA
June 26, 2011
My condolences to Fr Kline's family and his family at SJV parish! He was a great friend of my mother, father and stepmother and my brothers and me; I was also proud to call him my pastor; I know he's with my parents have a great party and telling stories in heaven! eternal rest to you, Fr. Kline!
Richard Theus, Jr
June 26, 2011
Father Kline was always there for the Theus Family. He concelebrated the funeral masses for our father and mother. As we mourn the passing of our sister, Christine (Theus) Kluemper, we are reassured that Father Kline is there with her in heaven. He was an inspiration to all the people that he touched.
The Theus Family
Harriet Franko
June 26, 2011
Dear Family of Fr Rob,
It gives me great saddnes to know of the death of your brother & uncle. You have touched so many in our Cleveland area. I will always remember your welcoming spirit when you had the famous St. Patrick's Day parties. I treasure the prayer book Fr. Rob wrote and gave to me.
Michele Kline
June 26, 2011
It was a privilege and an honor to know you and care for you. Your smiling face will be missed. You had to be one of the most kind and gentle-hearted people I know.
Rosemary Borelle
June 25, 2011
I am so saddened by the loss of Father Kline. He said prayers at my mother's grave side a few years ago and I know my mother was honored to have him there. He was a wonderful man and a very special priest. He will be missed.
June 25, 2011
I thank God for your wonderful life. Father Tom Johns, Father Jered and to our new Priest, Fr. Russ, we offer our deepest sympathy. He will be missed. His miracles will surround us for ever. Glad I have known this man! The Young Family
Christy Bielek
June 25, 2011
Our condolences to Father Kline's family as well as his Religious family at the rectory. He will be missed but he left behind a wonderful legacy for our parish. He was a great founding pastor for the physical and religious foundation of the parish and All Saints school; and he certainly made sure that our Parish was left in superior hands to carry forth what he started. Our prayers will be with him always as well as those he left behind.
June 25, 2011
We are very sad to have lost you. You have been so special to all and especially to St. John Vianney Parish. Our condolences to all of your family.
Marty McMahon
June 24, 2011
I was saddened to hear of Father Kline's passing. I met him back when St. John Vianney first started, and I was touched by the fact that just about a year ago, he showed up at my mother's funeral for the prayer service. I know she would have been honored to have him there. I also feel honored to have known him.
Rebecca Fishley
June 24, 2011
Father Kline you married us in 1976.we send our condolances to all your family and St Johns Vianney family. we last saw you 5 years ago and we had a pic. taken of us.we were planning to leave
Florida and come see you and family members.a
Aug 12, we will be arriving.we will always keep you in our prayers, we will all so be celebrating our 35 wedding aniversary.we were going to have a 35 wedding pic taken.
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McMahon - Coyne - Vitantonio Funeral Home - Mentor6330 Center Street (Route 615, north of Route 2), Mentor, OH 44060
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