Robert "Bob" Carl Knoles

Bob was born January 25, 1945, in Redlands, California, to Robert Knoles and Lena Ussery.

After his junior year at Scottsbluff High School Bob joined the Army. He served in the regular army from ’63 – ’72, and then he continued his military service by joining the National Guard.

Robert served his country with honor as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army. During his military career, Bob received several awards, the Parachute Badge and Trophy, Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasps, National Defense Service Medal, AFEM (Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal), Safe Driver Badge, Senior Recovery Mechanic, Senior Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, Motor Sergeant, and graduated from Airborne School.

He was part of a distinguished military lineage; his father, Robert M., was also a U.S. Army Veteran, and Robert took immense pride in the three generations of Army service that continued through his sons. He carried on a legacy of dedication established by his father.

After his honorable discharge, Lockwood Corporation employed him as the Galvanizing Plant Foreman for several years. His mechanical mind and work ethic were as steady as the Nebraska horizon. Utilizing his skills from Lockwood, he was offered to work at Door Closure Service with his in-laws. Then he found his wild side at Riverside Zoo as Foreman of the Maintenance Department. Bob’s favorite times at Riverside Zoo were working with young volunteers during the Zoofari days, setting up holiday displays such as the Zoo Spooktacular, in October, and Wild Lights, in December. He also helped build the aviary, splash pad, and several other natural animal habitats. He brought that same pride, ensuring the grounds remained a beautiful place for the community he loved. Bob retired in 2014, to their Minatare home.

Many deep friendships were made in the panhandle of Nebraska. Bob married Margaret Louise Mattley, January 22, 1965, and they had four children and divorced in 1993. He found companionship again, in the valley he called home, when he married Susan (Warfield) Dodge on August 7, 1999, with a fierce love. This union added four bonus children.

Bob enjoyed the antics of the grandkids and great grandkids. He would sit on the porch to keep an eye on them, watching them tear around the farm, climb, and play in the “fort”. If they got in trouble, he would downplay it so they wouldn’t get into trouble with grandma. He taught some grandchildren how to drive the riding mower – some he taught to drive a vehicle. Easter time he would help the littlest ones to find eggs or baskets.

Bob was always his happiest with the third woman in his life, his Harley Davidson motorcycle. His joy was palpable any time he was with her, and he was always available for an adventure. If you heard, “let’s go for a ride!” you’d better grab your helmet, leathers, and boots, because he meant on his bike, like right now. He didn’t usually have a specific destination in mind – just to ride. The weather could be warm, cool, or hot, and the urge would take over. He told stories of riding in extremely heavy downpours where he would have to pull over to empty his boots and every overhead pass was a grit-covered sanctuary from the lashing storm.

Bob is survived by his wife Susan; children Paula (Bill) Fox; Brenda Miller; Kathy (Jason) Schreiner; Rob (Kim) Warfield, Kevin (Jeannie) Knoles; Tonya Appel; Tina Morse; Kory (Kristy) Knoles; brother-in-law Kenneth (Marilyn) Dodge; brother Dave Knoles; his first wife Margaret; 27 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

He’s preceded in death by his father Robert M. Knoles; brother Dennis Knoles; in-laws Byron Morse, Melvin and Ruth Dodge; Eugene Dodge; Cynthia Dodge; Kathleen Dodge; William Covington; and Melba Vick.

His faith may have been quiet, his wit dry, strength internal, and it showed with his deep respect for the traditions of the Panhandle. Whether he was maintaining the zoo, navigating a highway, or enjoying a quiet moment at home, he remained a pillar for his family and his fellow veterans.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Fairview Cemetery, 4109 5th Ave, Scottsbluff, NE, on March 28, 2026, at 10:00 am. An Informal Gathering will follow at Church of Christ, 609 A Ave, Minatare, NE, on March 28, 2026, at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverside Zoo - General Donations or Food Donations, 1600 S. Beltline Hwy. W., Scottsbluff, Nebraska, or www.riversidediscoverycenter.org/donate for more information.