Profile Facts
- Name
- Joseph W. Kenshol
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Grand Rapids
- Ordained
- 1973
- Status
- Settled
- Died
- 12/19/2022
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Allegations of sexual abuse by clergy surface years, sometimes decades, after the harm occurred. If you or someone you love was hurt by Father Joseph W. Kenshol, the clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC can explain your legal options in a confidential consultation.
This page summarizes the reported allegations against Father Kenshol, a priest of the Diocese of Grand Rapids who died in 2022. According to published records, he was accused in a 1995 civil lawsuit of giving adolescent boys full-body oil massages in the rectory, and the claims were later settled. Because Father Kenshol is deceased, criminal prosecution is not possible, but civil claims may still be available to Michigan survivors.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Grand Rapids
The Diocese of Grand Rapids is one of seven dioceses in Michigan, along with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Saginaw, Marquette, Lansing, Gaylord, and Kalamazoo. The Michigan Attorney General’s investigation, begun in 2018, issued a December 2025 report on the Grand Rapids diocese that included Father Kenshol. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors understand how the report’s findings relate to a potential civil claim.
Kenshol served at Sacred Heart Parish, where the reported incidents occurred in 1992 and 1993. After the lawsuit, the diocese allowed him to return to ministry, a decision survivors and advocates have questioned.
The Allegations Against Father Joseph W. Kenshol
The 1995 Lawsuit
Published records indicate that Joseph W. Kenshol was ordained in 1973. He was accused in a 1995 civil lawsuit of giving adolescent boys full-body oil massages in the rectory of Sacred Heart Parish, with the incidents occurring in 1992 and 1993. The claims were later settled for an undisclosed amount after the underlying suits were dismissed by the courts. The diocese described Kenshol’s behavior as immature and inappropriate, showing poor judgment but nothing more, and he was allowed to return to ministry.
The Attorney General’s Report
Kenshol retired to senior priest status in 2013 and died on December 19, 2022. He was included in the Michigan Attorney General’s December 2025 Diocese of Grand Rapids report. According to the report, one alleged victim said the priest asked him during a massage if he wanted to remove his underwear; two others said Kenshol asked them to massage him and that vibrators were used. These are accusations, and a settlement is not a finding of liability, but survivors may still pursue civil claims based on the reported conduct.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
When clergy abuse is reported, the legal system offers two distinct paths. Criminal prosecution is brought by the state to punish the offender and requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. A civil lawsuit is brought by the survivor to obtain compensation and requires proof by a preponderance of the evidence. Father Kenshol’s death closes the criminal path.
Criminal Cases
Criminal cases depend on prosecutors and aim at punishment. They provide no financial recovery to survivors and cannot proceed against a deceased person.
Civil Lawsuits
Civil lawsuits seek damages for the survivor’s injuries and can name the abuser’s estate as well as the diocese. A prior settlement does not prevent other survivors from bringing their own claims, and each survivor’s case is evaluated on its own facts.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Under Michigan Legislature §600.5805, civil sexual abuse lawsuits generally must be filed within ten years of the abuse or before the survivor turns 28, whichever is later. Michigan law imposes no time limit for first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
It is common for survivors to wait many years before coming forward. Shame, fear, confusion about what happened, and trauma that suppresses memories can delay disclosure well into adulthood. An attorney can review the specific dates and circumstances to determine whether a claim may still be filed.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
A civil claim may provide compensation for therapy and medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Survivors can pursue claims against the abuser’s estate and against the diocese or institution where church leaders knew or should have known of the abuse, failed to prevent it, covered it up, or failed to properly screen, train, and supervise clergy.
White Law PLLC represents Michigan survivors of clergy sexual abuse in confidential consultations. Call (517) 316-1195 to discuss your legal options.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.