Robert L. Knuth, age 85, of Savanna, Illinois, died Thursday, April 28, 2011, in Savanna, surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held Monday, May 2, 2011, from 4 to 7:00 p.m. at the Law – Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, at the Savanna First United Methodist Church with Rev. Larry Thomson officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, rural Savanna.
Bob was born November 8, 1925, in Sterling, Illinois, the son of Glenn and Helen (Rosengren) Knuth. He graduated from Sterling High School. Bob proudly served in the United States Army Air Corp. during World War II. He was united in marriage to Leona “Susie” Onken on February 22, 1947, in Sterling.
Bob was a longtime Savanna businessman, owning and operating Pitts Sporting Goods Store for over 30 years. Bob loved nature, especially the Mississippi River, and was an avid outdoorsman and supporter of conservation efforts. He loved his farm along the Mississippi, which was more of a recreation area for his family and many friends. Bob was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Waterfowl U.S.A., the Savanna American Legion, and founded the Duck Waters Hunting Club in Savanna.
Bob is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Susie Knuth of Savanna, Illinois; one son, Bill Knuth of Savanna; three daughters, Susan (Terry) Noble of Morrison, Illinois, Dawn (Jim) Pfeiffer of Le Claire, Iowa, and Kristy (Gary) Solomon of Nashville, Tennessee; one sister, Dr. Marjorie Johnson of Le Claire; one sister – in – law, Arlene Loos of Sterling, Illinois; ten grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles and Donald Knuth; and one sister, Charlotte Lendman.