Leroy (Lee) Robert Knoll, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, surrounded by family.

Lee was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Roy and Viola. He grew up in Oshkosh enjoying a quintessential childhood, playing baseball and following around his big brother, Skip, who lovingly mentored and included him in activities. Lee attended the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, earning a degree in accounting and meeting his future wife, Lauren (Laurie) Wielgus.

Lee joined the United States Air Force shortly after graduation and headed to officers training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in San Antonio, Texas. From there, Lee went to navigator training at Mather AFB in Sacramento, California, where Laurie joined him to begin their life together. He was then assigned as a Strategic Air Command crew member at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska. Lee received officers commission in 1966 and navigation wings in 1967. He flew over 2,000 hours in support of the United States’ worldwide reconnaissance efforts at the time, earning several air medals and oak leaf clusters before being honorably discharged after four years of active duty.

While stationed at Offutt, Lee and Laurie welcomed two daughters, Tamie and Susan, which Lee viewed as a greater achievement than anything he earned in the Air Force. He loved his family dearly, making sure they knew they were loved and provided for.

Following active duty, the family moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where Lee and Laurie built their life together and raised the girls. He coached t-ball, took the girls camping, and to Milwaukee Brewer games. With Laurie, they attended their daughters’ activities, were season ticket holders for UW Badger hockey games, and took many family vacations.

In Madison, Lee put his accounting degree to work at Oscar Mayer and then sold insurance for College Life Insurance Company of America. In 1980, after 8 years in accounting and insurance, Lee traded a desk for fresh air and a good pair of shoes, delivering mail for the Postal Service. He was recognized as a Hero of the Year for saving the life of a person on his route and retired after 25 years. While working for the Postal Service, Lee also joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard, serving the 128th Air Refueling Wing at Billy Mitchell Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He flew as a navigator on KC-135 refueling planes, served in the first Gulf War, and retired after 20 years with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Following retirement, Lee and Laurie traveled extensively, in the United States and abroad. They often got together with family and friends for comradery, cards, and travel. In 2006, they moved from their nearly 40-year home in Madison to Black Hawk, South Dakota, to be closer to their grandchildren, Josh and Sierra. They continued to travel a lot, met new friends, and provided loving support to Tamie’s family. Lee also participated in a senior’s tennis group and volunteered for Vitalant, the Cornerstone Mission, and Meals on Wheels.

Lee joins his beloved brother, Wayne (Skip) Knoll and his parents, who predeceased him. Missing him terribly but grateful for so much love and many wonderful memories are his wife of 58 years, Laurie, his daughters Tamie (Ron) Hopp and Susan Knoll (Scott Johnson), his grandchildren, Josh, Sierra, and Bodhi, and many close friends.

At Lee’s request, no service is planned. If you would like to honor his legacy, the family asks that you contribute to your favorite charity, or to the Black Hills Works Foundation at blackhillsworks.org/donate or 726 Saint Joseph St, Rapid City, SD 57701.

Lee led life with a servant and sentimental heart. The happiness of family and friends is what made him happy. He leaves us with a tremendous void in our hearts, but in true Lee fashion, he also leaves us prepared to carry on in service of family and others and carry on we will.