Robert (Bob) Knoll

Robert (Bob) Knoll, 78, of Norwalk, Ohio, died on Monday, March, 4, 2024 at the Gaymont Care Facility in Norwalk.  Robert was born on January 21, 1946, the son of the late Albert and Ruth (Heether) Knoll.

Robert was born and raised in Norwalk, where he grew up on a Jersey dairy farm outside of town.  He was a graduate of Norwalk High School and known for his long-distance running.  He was a school record holder for many years in the one-mile run.  After high school, Robert furthered his education at the Bowling Green State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Education, where he also ran track and cross country.  Robert became a familiar name around the New London area; he married the love of his life, Barbara Landis in 1967.  Robert was a long-time educator and coach at New London High School, where he led the NLHS Cross Country team to the State Championship in 1993.  After retiring from New London in 1998, he continued his coaching career at Norwalk High School.  When Robert wasn’t in the classroom or on the track, he enjoyed woodworking and traveling with his family.  Robert enjoyed gardening and picked up golf following retirement.  He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and had the opportunity to travel and volunteer his time on several missions trips.    

In addition to his wife, Barbara Knoll, Robert is survived by their children, Michael (Kristian) Knoll of Bel Air, MD and Marsha (Kevin) McDaniels of Georgetown, IN; grandchildren, Justin and Bryce Knoll, Emma, Josh, Zach and Eli McDaniels; siblings, Bill (Judy) Knoll of Hamilton, TX, sisters-in-law, Janet Bush, and Yvonne Knoll; brother-in-law, Keith Cole, along with numerous nieces and nephews and the entire Landis family.  Robert was preceded in death by his brothers Charles (June), Tom and Jack; sisters, Jane (Charles) Stumpf, Mary (James) Nicholson and Sue Cole.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main Street, New London, where his Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m., burial will follow at the Rochester Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to Stein Hospice or the West Hartland Church through the funeral home.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.      

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