Robert H. Knuth

Robert “Bob” Knuth, age 90, passed away on December 27, 2023 surrounded by his family. Bob was born on December 22, 1933 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin to parents Herbert and Aletha (Koch) Knuth. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc in 1952. During high school, he played varsity basketball, was student council president, and graduated with a perfect GPA. He attended UW Madison where he took a leave of absence after his first year to serve in the U.S. Air Force. He spent a year in the desert of Morocco in the 737th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron and then served the remainder of his tour in Neah Bay, Washington as part of the 758th AC&W Radar Squadron. After returning to UW Madison, he completed his degree in business administration and began employment with Wisconsin Public Service in Green Bay as a cadet accountant. There he was introduced by his high school basketball coach to the love of his life, Marilyn, who was teaching in Manitowoc at the time. They were married in Laona, WI on June 30, 1962 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage. Bob continued to work for Wisconsin Public Service, and in 1978, he became the corporate secretary and assistant treasurer, which is a role he fulfilled until his retirement on December 31, 1995. He was also a member of the American Society of Corporate Secretaries and worked with members on a state and national level.

Bob enjoyed volunteering with the YMCA at Camp Wabansi and Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya. He also spent many hours volunteering at the Neville Pubic Museum in the workshop and helping set up new displays. He was an ordained elder of First United Presbyterian Church in De Pere. He helped annually with the Men’s Club fruit cake bake, ensuring that each cake looked perfect.

Marilyn and Bob enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad. They especially enjoyed traveling to Sault St Marie, Michigan each summer. Some of Bob’s favorite activities were snowmobiling and spending time with his family at the cottage in Lakewood. He enjoyed partridge and deer hunting near Laona at the “shack”. He frequently spent time in his woodworking shop working on projects for family and friends. Marilyn and Bob enjoyed many music and theatre events in the Green Bay area and especially liked watching their grandchildren’s performances during high school and college.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn. Children Craig (Beth) Knuth and Amy (Andy) Hess. Grand children Tim Hess, Collin (Aly) Hess, Eric Hess, Jonathan (Faith) Fuller, Bennett Knuth and Josie Knuth and her fiancée’ Garrett Jarmolowicz. Great grandchildren Nora, Patrick and Claire Hess. In laws Judy Liesch and Jeanne Liesch, Bayard Liesch, Elisabeth Knuth.

Family and friends may gather on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at First United Presbyterian Church, 605 N Webster Ave, De Pere from 4-7 pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday, January 4 at church from 10 -11 am with the service being held at 11 am. Private interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Allouez.

Memorial donations can be made to the Neville Public Museum in Bob’s honor.

The family would like to thank the St Vincent 6th floor ICU nursing staff and trauma surgeon Dr. Charity Wip, Dr. Cavin Glenn, as well as his personal physician, Dr. Jason Hoppe, for their excellent, compassionate care.

Cotter Funeral & Cremation Care is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.cotterfuneralhome.com