May 28, 2011 - Rockford Register Star

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.

May 28, 2011 - Rockford Register Star

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.