Robert Edward Knochke 1924–1998

Personanteckningar

Robert Edward Knochke, the son of Loren and Irma (Johnson) Knochke, was born at New Richmond, WI, on May 6, 1924. He grew up in Harris.

Bob graduated from North Branch High School in 1942 and later served as an ensign in the Merchant Marines.

On June 8, 1946, Bob was united in marriage to the former Dorothy Sederberg of Rush City.

In the years following his honorable discharge from the Merchant Marines, Bob worked for a short time at the Twin Cities Arsenal in St. Paul.

In September 1955, he became a member of the Minnesota State Highway Patrol. Bob served proudly with the highway patrol and was the recipient of several outstanding awards. He received the Safety Patrol Award in 1972 and Trooper of the Year in 1978.

Bob retired from the highway patrol in 1983 and had more time to indulge in his favorite hobbies of traveling, cooking, gardening and spending time with his family, which was so dear to him.

He was gifted with a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh, as well as making other people laugh. He incorporated humor in his talent for public speaking, making everyone feel comfortable and at ease. But most of all, he enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest.

Bob was always an active member of the Rush City community. He was a Boy Scout leader for 16 years, served, on the Rush City Hospital Board for 16 years and was Sunday school superintendent for nearly 20 years. He was a 43-year member of the Masonic Lodge of Rush City and Past Grand Patron of the Minnesota Order of the Eastern Star.

Bob died May 18, 1998; at Roseville. He was 74. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Rush City; daughters: Kitty Knochke-Laudert, Mora, and Pat Knochke, Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren: Tausha and Jason Blackowiak; great-granddaughter Allissa RoseMarie Kaul; sisters-in-law: Bernice (Don) Gallmeier, Pine City, and Arlene Kahl, Rush City; brothers-in-law: Dale Olson, Cambridge, Kenny Olson and Robert Kennen, both of Rush City; Nieces: Candy Peterson, Mary Ann Pieterick and Penny Boyce; nephew Steve Pieterick; many other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Delores (Sis) and Stanley Pieterick.

Funeral services were held May 22, 1998, at the First Lutheran Church in Rush City with the Rev. Laurie O'Shea officiating. Music was provided by Ann Knoche, Dianne Kirchberg and the First Lutheran Chapel Choir. Honorary casket bearers were Steve Pieterick, Mark Peterson, Arlene Dahl, Jason Blackowiak, Rolly Johnson, Hardy Boyce and Connie Knoche. Interment was in the First Lutheran Cemetery at Rush City. Arrangements were by the Olson Funeral Chapel, Rush City.

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SOURCE: The ECM Post Review, XX-May-1998