Gerald "Skip" Kenneth Knoll, 88, of Elgin, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Mayo Clinic – Rochester, Methodist Campus. He was born December 22, 1935, in Utica, MN to Charles and Ione (Emery) Knoll. Gerald attended school and graduated from Saint Charles High School in 1953. He served his country in the US Navy from June 8, 1955, to June 5, 1959, and then served in the Naval Reserves until June of 1963.

Gerald married the love of his life Emily Mueller on May 14, 1960, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Elba. After marriage they resided in Plainview until 1962 when they moved to Elgin. Gerald was the owner of Knoll's Insurance and was an Insurance Agent, Adjuster, and Investigator for many years, and a Certified Financial Planner.

During his free time Gerald enjoyed going fishing, spending time with family and friends and was an excellent storyteller and joker. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion, and St. Joachim's Catholic Church in Plainview for many years.

Skip is survived by his children, Jeri Lynette (Bradley) Lastine of Gilbert, AZ, Rick (Susan) Knoll of Austin, and Kenneth "Ken" (Jaime Moctezuma) Knoll of Minneapolis; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and a sister Sharon (Mike) Luedtke of Winona. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Emily, a son, Charles Aloysisous, one sister, two brothers, and a special friend of 20 years Rosa Jensen.

Friends and family may visit on Friday, August 23, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel. The graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at St. Joachim's Catholic Cemetery with Father Tojy Jose officiating.