Pastor Bob was born in Mentor, Ohio on June 12th, 1948. He moved to Euclid, Ohio when he was five years old. While in high school, he attended Euclid Lutheran Church and credits his youth group advisor, Mr. Paul Kovach, and his pastor, Rev. Fred Bernlohr, for leading him into the ministry. Pastor Bob graduated from Capital University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech. He then attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary and graduated in 1974. He was ordained on June 14th, 1974. Pastor Bob has served three churches and two Lutheran retirement communities in Ohio: Bethlehem in Okolon, St John in Celina, Prince of Peace in Poland, and Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Home in Niles. Prior to accepting the call to St. Luke's, he served as the Director of Development and Public Relations for St. Luke Lutheran Community in North Canton. Pastor Bob strongly believes that the church should be a place where people can come to experience God's unconditional love, and also find an opportunity to use their gifts to serve God and others. His favorite parts of ministry are those that allow him to build relationships with people. Pastor Bob and his wife, Deb, live in Canton, and between them they have seven children and fourteen grandchildren. In their "free time", they enjoy reading, gardening, and taking walks. But most of the time is spent keeping up with all the activities of their children and grandchildren. Pastor Bob has served St. Luke's since September, 1999 and hopes to continue serving for many years to come. St. Luke's is a very warm and welcoming community of believers who are willing to give of themselves, grow in their faith and their relationship with God and each other. Cell: 330-815-1286 |