Father William Paul "Bill" Kottenstette, 73, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday (April 22, 2015) at the Universityof Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

The son of Frank and Maurine (Kerrigan) Kottenstette, he was born November 27, 1941 in Denver, Colorado.

Father Bill is survived by his best friend of twenty-five years, Chris Koch of Kirksville, MO; four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Fred and Marge Kottenstette of Columbus, OH, Jim Kottenstette of Denver, CO, John and Betsy Kottenstette of Denver, CO and Michael and Kathleen Kottenstette of Laramie, WY; three sisters, Teresa Jensen, Sr. Mary Kay Kottenstette and Sr. Maurine Kottenstette all of Denver, CO; one sister-in-law, Bettye Kottenstette of Aurora, CO; one brother-in-law, Martin Borrok of Novinger, MO, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Tom Kottenstette and one sister, Patricia Borrok.

Father Bill attended Regis High School, Denver, Colorado, receiving his diploma in 1959. In August of 1959, he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in St. Louis. He then attended St. Louis University, receiving his Ph.L. in Philosophy and his Masters in Spanish in 1966. From 1966 to 1969, he was a teacher, counselor and coach of Rockhurst High School in Kansas City. In 1969, he entered St. Louis University School of Divinity and received a Masters of Divinity in 1973. From 1969 -1973, he taught at Xavier High School and St. Louis University High School, both in St. Louis.

Father Bill was ordained a priest for the Society of Jesus on May 19, 1973 in Denver and his assignments were, Dean of Students, Regis High School in Denver, Colorado, 1973-1976, Teacher/Counselor, DeSmet High School in St. Louis, Missouri, 1976-1978, and Dean of Students, Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School in St. Louis, 1978-1982. Before professing solemn vows, he was released from the Society of Jesus in February 1983 in good standing. He then worked as public relations officer, intake manager and counselor of Stout Street Foundation in Denver, Colorado, 1983-1984. From 1984-1989, he held various other jobs. Since November 1989, Father Bill lived in the Kirksville community, ministering to recovering alcoholics and addicts as well as those in search of recovery.

After contacting Bishop Michael F. McAuliffe for consideration of Service in the Diocese of Jefferson City, his assignments were, Associate Pastor, Mary Immaculate Church in Kirksville and the Mission of St. Rose of Lima in Novinger, April 7, 1991-July 1, 2004, Canonical Pastor, St. John Church in Memphis, Missouri, June 18, 1993-August 1, 2008, Chaplain, Catholic Newman Center at Northeast Missouri State University, now (Truman State University) in Kirksville, January 1, 1996-present, Incardinated in the Diocese of Jefferson City, May 22, 1998, and Pastor, St. Joseph Church in Edina and St. Aloysius Church in Baring, July 1, 2004-August 1, 2008. Father Bill celebrated his 25th Anniversary of Holy Priesthood on April 26, 1998 at the Baldwin Auditorium, Truman State University in Kirksville.

Family will receive friends from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday (April 25, 2015) with a liturgical vigil service, led by Father Chris Cordes at 3:30 p.m. at the Catholic Newman Center in Kirksville.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 3:00 p.m. Sunday (April 26, 2015) at the Catholic Newman Center in Kirksville, with Bishop John R. Gaydos presiding. Interment will follow Mass at Mary Immaculate Catholic Cemetery in Kirksville, under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Catholic Newman Center. Memorials may be left at the Catholic Newman Center or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.