Robert Leroy Kriete

Reverend Robert L. Kriete (73) of Columbia, Missouri was called Home to be with the Lord on June 8, 2022. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 12:00 to 2:00 at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, Missouri, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 at Alive in Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia.

Robert was born in Seymour, Indiana on September 17, 1948, to Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Kriete. He attended school in Hanover, Indiana, where he graduated from Southwestern High School in 1966. He entered Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. After which, he began working for American Electric Power Corporation.

Robert was married on March 22, 1969, to Nancy Lee Preston of Fort Wayne, Indiana. They were blessed with two sons Gregory and Matthew.

In 1981, Robert entered Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to begin preparation for the Ministry. He served his vicarage at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Walnut, Iowa. On November 20, 1984, he received a Master of Divinity degree. He was then called to be Pastor of the dual parish of Faith Lutheran Church in St. Edward, Nebraska and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albion, Nebraska.

In 1987, Rev. Kriete was called to Concordia Lutheran Church in Sikeston, Missouri where he served as Pastor for 10 years. In 1997, he was called to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Union, Missouri. In 2014, the Rev. Kriete retired from full-time ministry. He and Nancy moved to Columbia, Missouri to be closer to their two sons. He continued his ministry serving as vacancy pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Centralia, Missouri as well as preaching at various LCMS churches in Mid-Missouri. He also blessed his family with handmade furniture. His passion was sharing the Gospel.

Robert was preceded in death by his father Harlan Kriete, mother Emma “Curly” Kriete,

and brother William “Bill” Kriete.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Nancy, sons Gregory and Matthew, their spouses, four grandchildren, sisters-in-law Donna Kriete and Cathy Street, and a loving extended family.

Memorial donations can be made to Alive in Christ Lutheran Church in Columbia, Missouri.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com