Robert Charles Knarreborg

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto H Knarreborg and Vivian M (Demars) Knarreborg; wife, Elizabeth "Betty" J (Undlin) Knarreborg; and granddaughter, Melanie D (Lowery) Rosa.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathy (Knarreborg) Lowery, (husband Dan); son, Michael Knarreborg (wife Victoria); 3 grandchildren, Chrissy (Lowery) Cathers (husband Eric), Shea Knarreborg, Otto V. Knarreborg (wife Skylin); 10 great-grandchildren, Kayleigh O'Day, Christian Rosa (wife Sarah), Sydney (Rosa) Santiago (husband Javier), Abigail Cathers, Molly Domsten, Jerimiah Knarreborg, Greyson Knarreborg, Haidyn Knarreborg, Otto J. Knarreborg, Loki Knarreborg; and 4 great-great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Stiggins, Charlotte Rosa, Marisol Santiago, and Georgia Rosa.

He grew up in Devils Lake, ND, and moved to Alexandria, Minnesota where he graduated high school and met his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Undlin) Knarreborg. After graduation, he joined the Army Signal Corp. He worked for Martin Marietta, International Laser Systems and then he bought Office Equipment Exchange which became Access Control Technologies. He spent his whole life moving away from cold weather and while he ended up in Florida, we are certain he would have preferred a tropical island as he loved the water and enjoyed the heat! He had many fond memories of boating and vacationing with lifelong friends William (Bill) and Frances (Fran) Sanislow.

Bob loved his family, friends, inventing a "better mouse trap", music and life. A self-made electrical and mechanical engineer, he was always thinking of a new device to improve the quality of life for Betty, himself and the world. In cleaning his garage, it was full of prototypes of these inventions. He was forever learning. Spiritual enlightenment, music, the lives and dreams of family and friends, cooking, drinking and celebrating were all part of his learning quest. His quick wit and sense of humor were always present and a joy to be a part of. Bob was always buying musical instruments to learn how to play them. He got a guitar for Christmas in 1965 which, his son (Michael), who was 3 years old at the time, immediately laid claim to it and that started a love for guitar and music that is still strong today. Michael remembers, while in middle school, in his bedroom trying to study, having to ask his dad to turn down his Black Sabbath album so he could concentrate on his studies. We had the pleasure of growing up in a house filled with music, celebration and love. Bob was the key to it all and a role model that was truly a hard act to follow. He truly influenced and improved the lives of the people in his life circle. He will be greatly missed.

I (Michael) was fortunate enough to have spent the Saturday before he passed with him and, though I did not know at the time, I was able to tell him how much he was loved, and that he had given our family a wonderful life. Though he will be forever missed, I was able to say all the things everyone usually regrets not having said. I had no idea he would be gone the next day, it was just the right thing, at the right place, at the right time.

I (Michael) want to acknowledge that his daughter, (and my sister), Kathy, was his care giver in the three years that followed his stroke. She made his life happy for the final years, allowing him to spend those days with family and friends, at home, rather than in an assisted living environment. He and his wife Betty had made provisions to cover all the costs that would have been required to stay in assisted living, but he would not have been able to survive in that type of environment. Kathy dedicated her life, and her husband Dan supported her, in making Bob's final years as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. While my wife Victoria and I would visit and have him stay with us to allow Kathy and Dan time to go on cruises, she always had to have Dad come home as soon as possible so she could take care of him to her "standards". I am forever grateful for all she has done for our father.

A celebration of Life for friends and family will be announced when the place and time are confirmed.

No flowers, gifts or donations will be necessary. We ask that you honor him by keeping his memory alive through the stories he created with all the ones he loved.