Robert E. Knox “Bob”, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in East Troy, Wisconsin, on May 28, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born on September 12, 1942, in New York, Bob lived a life defined by service, faith, family, and connection with others. He was especially proud of his New York roots and his Irish heritage, both of which remained an important part of his identity throughout his life.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and served his country with honor.  Following his service, he built a successful career in insurance sales, where his dedication was recognized through many achievements.  These accomplishments provided him and his beloved wife, Cheryl, the opportunity to travel and form lifelong friendships along the way.

A man of deep Catholic faith, Bob was an active member of St. James the Less Catholic Church in Mukwonago, where he gave his time generously—whether volunteering at bingo or helping with the annual festival.  He was also a dedicated member of American Legion Post 375 and the VFW Post 7221 and then Post 11038, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow veterans and often visiting local Legion posts wherever he traveled.  He proudly served as Past Commander of American Legion Post 91 in Oconomowoc and Post 375 in Mukwonago.

Family was at the center of Bob’s life.  While he didn’t always directly say the importance of the people in his life, he showed it through his actions every day.  He took great pride in the lives his children built and the individuals they became, and nothing brought him more joy than watching his family grow across generations.  He loved Christmas, especially gift-giving and watching others open their presents, finding as much joy in their excitement as they did.  A good game of Monopoly became a Knox family Christmas Day tradition—often ruthless, regardless of your age—and Bob was always the battleship.   He was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to boast about them to anyone who would listen, sharing their accomplishments, big and small.

He loved fishing and hunting with his sons, listening to doo-wop music for hours in his office, and reading—especially history books—from the comfort of his recliner.  A naturally social person, he had a gift for conversation and a great sense of humor, always happy to meet new people and share a story or a laugh.  Whether during his travels or at the local bar, he had a way of turning chance encounters into friendships that lasted for decades.

He was a loyal friend, always willing to help wherever he was needed, and someone others could count on for steady support. He loved to tell a good story, share a drink, and have a laugh.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cheryl; his children: Sue(John) Schunk, Paul (Paula) Knox of Menomonee Falls, WI; Rita (Joe) McConkey of Ford River, MI; Heather (Ron) Gerleman of Calmar, IA; Gregory (Telsea) Knox of East Troy, WI; and Martha (Chad) Knox of Commerce City, CO.

He was a proud grandfather to Joe McConkey, Nicole (Jaime) Becher, Hayden Gerleman, Aaron Knox, Reece McCartney, Silas Beyer, Harley Fugett, Tanner Fugett, Brady Fugett, and Beth Fugett, and great-grandfather to Marina Becher, Elena Becher, and Siena Becher.

He is also survived by his sisters, Rita (Jim) Carey and Constance (Stuart) English; his sister-in-law, Lori Knox; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rita Knox; his brother, Thomas Knox; his first wife, Gloria Knox; his daughter, Vicki Knox; and his parents-in-law, Basil Jackson and Joyce Jackson Curran.

Bob will be remembered for his friendliness and the genuine connections he made with everyone he met. His life leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family and community.

Services will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM.  Following the service, there will be a  celebration of Robert’s life on August 21, 2026, at American Legion Post 375 in Mukwonago.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Robert’s memory to St. James the Less Catholic Church, American Legion Post 375, or your local American Legion or VFW, continuing the support of the communities he cared so deeply about.