The Rev. Robert Dekker
Fr. Bob Dekker is serving as Trinity’s continuing supply priest.
He grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He moved with his family to Glendale, California, where he finished High School.
Raised in the Christian Reformed Church and School in Sheboygan, he found the Episcopal Church in his 20s in California, and the welcome he experienced there turned out to be a life-changing event. He graduated from Claremont School of Theology with an M.A. in Religion and Theology in 1986. Between high school and seminary, he served in the United States Air Force in England and Germany; studied elementary education at California State University, Los Angeles, taught for 13 years in the California Public Schools, and earned a Master’s in education/school counseling during that time. He was ordained priest in the Diocese of Los Angeles in 1987. He served as curate of St. Gregory’s Church, Long Beach, California, and then as rector of St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, Arlington Heights, Illinois, Diocese of Chicago, where he served for 20+ years, retiring at the end of 2011.
Since his arrival in the Diocese of Indianapolis, he has served as supply priest, interim rector and assistant rector for Christian education in Shelbyville, New Castle, Indianapolis and Noblesville.
“Through these several ministries and callings, I have enjoyed teaching with children, young people and adults; seeking out and building up leaders for the Church, developing Junior and Senior High Youth programs; caring for God’s people; and helping to lead the community in wonderful liturgies and music.”
He and his wife, Helen, were married 54 years ago in the chapel on R.A.F. Alconbury in East Anglia, United Kingdom. Helen is a retired professional nanny who has transitioned to “Nana.” Their son and daughter-in-law, Jolyon and Colleen, live in Fishers with have two children. Fr. Bob enjoys traveling, hiking and fishing near their home in Noblesville.
