Robert E. Kirtlan, 86, of rural Roann, died at 1 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 2023, at his son's home in Fort Wayne. 
He was born on Oct. 26, 1936, in Wabash County, to Everett Ray and Ruth B. (Kirby) Kirtlan.
Robert married Violet Marie Robison on Aug. 5, 1956, at the Roann Church of the Brethren; she died May 3, 2022. He was the minister at the Roann Christian Church for several years. Robert enjoyed gardening, especially growing irises. 
He is survived by three children, Dennis (Glenda) Kirtlan of Fort Wayne, Teresa (Frank) Baresel of Arlington, Wash., and Todd (Mary) Kirtlan of Roann; 10 grandchildren, Jeremy Kirtlan, Aaron (Trish) Kirtlan, Stephanie (Allen) Miller, Nathan Kirtlan, Danielle (Kevin) Pillow, Anna (Adam) Marsh, Robert Bailey, Christopher Bailey, Zachary (Blakley) Kirtlan, and Kimber Kirtlan, 12 great-grandchildren. 
He was also preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Roscoe R. Kirtlan.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Chris Ponchot officiating. Burial will be in Roann Community Cemetery.  Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are Roann Christian Church or the Roann Volunteer Fire Department .
The memorial guest book for Robert may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.