Robert Harold Knabenbauer

In Memory of
Robert Harold Knabenbauer
March 26, 1940 - August 19, 2013
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of artist Robert (Bob) Knabenbauer on August 19, 2013.
Bob was born on March 26, 1940 in Appleton, Wisconsin to Melvin and Marie Knabenbauer. He was the oldest of five siblings. The family moved to Los Angeles, California when Bob was very young. After graduating from St. John Vianney High School, Bob attended Los Angeles Trade Tech College to study art. Bob began his work career as an illustrator for Aerospace Corporation. He and his young family transferred to San Bernardino when Aerospace moved to the former Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino. When Aerospace relocated back to Los Angeles, Bob chose to remain in the area. He took a position as a medical illustrator for Loma Linda University Medical Center, eventually becoming the Chief Artist. Bob remained at Loma Linda for over 38 years, retiring in 2008.
Although an illustrator by trade, Bob enjoyed honing his artistic talent in so many ways. Over the course of his career, Bob did numerous paintings. The one he was most proud of was the painting of man's first walk on the moon; a painting that hung in the U.S. House of Representatives for many years. Bob was always interested in WWII history and built many model airplanes from the era, all authentically painted. Over the years he also built a full size suit of armor; scale models of ships; illustrated many books; and created numerous carvings using all types of materials from wood to marble, including designing a Desert Storm commemorative coin.
Bob is preceded in death by his son John and his parents, Melvin and Marie. He is survived by his daughter Cynthia (Cordova) and son-in-law Charlie; grandson Lt. Robert Cordova, USMC and his wife Marissa; grandson Christopher Cordova; grandson Caleb Cordova; granddaughter Alyssa Knabenbauer; daughter-in-law Jeanette Knabenbauer; great-granddaughter Gwendalyn; sister Mary (Killingsworth) and her husband Dick; brother Eugene Knabenbauer and his wife Barbara; brother Richard Knabenbauer and his wife Mary; brother Gary Knabenbauer and his wife Patricia; and many nieces and nephews. We will greatly miss his humor and incredible artistic talent.
A visitation is scheduled for Thursday August 29, 2013 from 4-8 p.m. at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 East Washington Street, Colton, CA 92354. Services are set for Friday August 30, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 East Washington Street, Colton, CA 92355 with burial at Montecito Memorial Park, at the conclusion of services.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the San Bernardino Humane Society, 374 W. Orange Show Road, San Bernardino, CA 92408. On line condolences may be left for Bob at
www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com