Robert Knope Obituary

ROBERT H. KNOPE, 67 ROCKFORD - Robert H. Knope, 67, entered into eternal life with the Lord at 12:02 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2011, with his loving family always by his side. Bob was born Aug. 7, 1943, in Green Bay, Wis., to Vera and Harold Knope. They moved to Loves Park early in his life. He graduated from Harlem High School in 1962. He was employed by Barker Rockford Co. from 1962 until his retirement, Oct. 1, 2010. He was a Vietnam veteran serving in the U.S. Navy. Bob met Charlotte in seventh grade. She became his wife on Oct. 17, 1964. They were blessed with two children, Brad and Steve. Brad and Denyse gave them three grandsons, Steve and Erica gave them two granddaughters. Among his interests were his home and family, softball, bowling, restoring antique cars, and trips to Disney World ("Our Happy Place") and had hoped to retire in Florida. Bob enjoyed life, enjoyed helping others, and always had a smile on his face. He fought his battle with cancer courageously, never giving up. His words were always "Whatever it takes." Bob and Char's song "To Know Him is to Love Him" says it all! Thank you to all of Bob's doctors, especially Dr. Hoskins and staff at OSF Cancer Care Center, and to all our friends who kept us in their prayers and for lending us their shoulder when we needed it. He leaves his wife of 46 years, Char, and their loving canine companion, Haley; son, Brad and grandsons, Kevin (Adrianne and Nevaeh), Dan and Chris; son, Steve (Erica) and granddaughters, Jennifer and Catlin; father, Harold Knope (Georgia); brother, Michael (Gail); sister, Judy (Kim); sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and Jim White. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; his work family; many car friends; work associates; and bowling buddies. Predeceased by mother, Vera Knope; grandparents; mother-in-law, Margaret Thurmond; father-in-law, Willard Thurmond; and most recently Denyse Knope. Service at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 29, at Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Rockford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, with visitation from 1 p.m. to service time. Entombment at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, in Sunset Memorial Gardens "Chapel of Love," 8800 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Robert H. Knope. Express condolences and share memories online at honquestfh.com.

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Published by Rockford Register Star from May 28 to May 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Knope

9 Entries

Anna Claeyssen

June 1, 2011

Brad, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I lost mine almost 3 years ago, and it never gets any easier. My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.

May 31, 2011

Dear Char,
I am very sad to hear of Bob's passing. I just got the news today or I would have attended his funeral. I worked with Bob for many years as one of his customers and always enjoyed his big smile everytime we met. And since Bob has been ill I've missed seeing him in the yard most days when I drive by the house. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Steve Pearson

Tim Stoecklin

May 29, 2011

Bob met this obstacle in his life more positively than anyone I have ever known. He would always look to the future as if he would defeat this disease no matter what. Our Disney talks were always first every time we saw each other every Wednesday at bowling. He will be missed by many.

Marcie Sandine

May 28, 2011

Dear Char, I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He & Steve put up a valiant fight against a terrible disease. My thoughts are with you, I do know how you are feeling ~~

Marvin Smith

May 28, 2011

I knew Bob from my days at Barker Rockford. He was a man of great vision and creativity. Everything was always positive with him. I was very proud to work with him.
God bless him on his eternal journey.
Marvin Smith

Jean Lara

May 28, 2011

We are saddened to hear of Bob's passing from his earthly life. We are fortunate to have known him & called him friend. Char, you & family are in our thoughts & prayers.
Mingo & Jean Lara

Jessica Vance

May 28, 2011

I am so sad to read about this. Bob was a very close personal friend of my grandpas (Ralph Resenbeck). Bob was always a very nice guy and always built the coolest cars! My condolences. ~ Jessica Vance

May 28, 2011

Char keep the faith which I have always known you have; through this trying and most difficul time. You and the boys and families are always in my paryers. I love all and may God be with you lovingly and peacefully. Aunt Ginny Thurmond Wilcox

Steve and Rita Timm

May 28, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

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