Robert “Bob” Knock 

March 18, 1936 – October 14, 2026

Robert “Bob” Knock, known to many as “Smoke,” was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on October 14, 2026, at the age of 90. He passed away in his home in Minnetonka, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on March 18, 1936, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Ervin and Rachel Knock. He was the second eldest of eight children and grew up in Marengo, Iowa, where he played football, baseball, basketball, and wrestled. After graduating from high school in 1954, he attended the University of Northern Iowa on a football scholarship. He later earned his master’s degree from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

Bob began his teaching career in Iowa and Wisconsin before settling in Minnesota, where he spent 30 years teaching in the Minneapolis Public Schools. He also coached football, wrestling, swimming and diving. He served for years on the Executive Board of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers Local 59 as first Vice President. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Swim Coaches Association and served for 20 years as a Minnesota State High School League swimming official.

The water was where Bob was most at home. He spent 42 summers teaching children to swim and dive at the Crystal Municipal Pool, and some of the students he took the most pride in were his own grandchildren. As a licensed Water Safety Instructor, he also trained and certified many lifeguards in water safety and survival skills.

After retiring in 1993, Bob filled his days with the things he loved most. He rarely missed his grandchildren’s athletic events, and he was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and time outdoors. A loyal Vikings fan, Bob never tired of watching and talking about Minnesota sports. He loved a good game of cards, especially poker with his close buddies. He also had an interest in photography, and thanks to him, his family has many treasured albums full of memories to look back on.

On June 6, 1959, Bob married Marcia Brown of Albert Lea, Minnesota. In 1965, they moved to their home in Minnetonka, where they welcomed their daughter, Kara, and son, Kyle. Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and his family was his most cherished blessing. He will be remembered for his wisdom and generous spirit, and for the numerous rescue dogs and cats that he and Marcia lovingly welcomed into their home.

Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marcia; his daughter, Kara (John) Koch; his son, Kyle (Diem) Knock; his four grandchildren, Mackenzie (Jenner) Rauscher, Connor Koch, Ella Knock, and Brandon Knock; his siblings, Joanne Custer, Larry Knock, and Karen Schmitz; many nieces, nephews, and in-laws; and his beloved cat and faithful companion, Ninja.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Don Knock, Marilyn Walters, Gerald Knock, and Jerry Knock; and his nephew Jeffrey Knock, as well as extended family.

A memorial service in Bob’s honor will be held on Saturday, November 14th at the David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata, MN 55391. Visitation will be at 11 AM, and the service at 12 PM, with a luncheon to follow.

Memorial donations in Bob’s honor are preferred to the American Cancer Society and the Animal Humane Society.