Robert Knettel

Robert (Bob) E. Knettel Sr, 81 of Opole, passed away peacefully on September 20th, 2025. Robert was born to Carl and Angeline (Blenkush) Knettel on November 14th, 1943. While growing up on the family farm, he attended school at the one-room schoolhouse just northwest of St. Stephen. Upon completion of the 8th grade, he started his life of work on the farm, as well as working for other neighbors. He enlisted in the MN Army National Guard in 1962 and fulfilled his enlistment in 1968, being honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant/E-5. At some point he was on order to report to the mobilization station in Georgia, inevitably to deploy to Vietnam, but his unit never made the trip as the drawdown was in the works. In 1969 he married Linda Vouk and started their life together in Rice where they started a family. After his brother declined to take over the family farm, Bob and his family moved to the farm where they grew the family to seven above average children. Bob would later divorce. Moving forward, he continued to work hard, in fact it’s probably what he will be remembered for the most. While farming, he also held various full-time employment, milking before he left for work, and doing chores when he returned with the help of his family. During his farming years, he’d been known to attend an auction from time to time; notably, mostly every weekend and sometimes 2-3 in 2 days. He loved the game of finding things to make the farm better, but at the right price. He enjoyed farming, amateur baseball, and continuing the tradition of making pork sausage, which his children continue to do. He enjoyed being amongst people. He is a member of All Saint Catholic Church, Holdingford, as well as the Rice American Legion. He is survived by his daughter Ann Meyer (Kerry) of Pillager, sons Ken (Lisa) of St. Stephen, Paul (Alissa) of Royalton, Rick (Melissa) of Rice, John (Katie) of Rice, and Rob (Sarah) of Avon. Siblings: Lavonne, Anita, Margie, Elaine, Joe, and Teresa. He has 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Ray, sisters Valaria, Lorraine, and Mary; and his son Tom in 2005.