John "Jack" Knoll

John Eugene Knoll, 95, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, at his home in Bismarck. “Jack” was surrounded by his loving family during the weeks preceding his death. 

Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Saturday July 27, at McCabe United Methodist Church, 1030 N 6th St, Bismarck. Visitation will be held 5-7 PM with a prayer service and sharing of memories at 7 PM, Friday July 26, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery following the funeral service. 

Jack was born on January 24, 1929, to Hazel and Forest Knoll of Cogswell, ND. He attended Cogswell High School and North Dakota State University, where he majored in agricultural engineering. After graduation, Jack joined the Air National Guard and was stationed in California and Georgia during the Korean War, where he repaired and maintained aircraft for the Air Force. 

When Jack returned from the service, he started his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Minot, ND. He then met Marjorie, an elementary school teacher. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married in 1956. They celebrated their 67th anniversary last September.

Jack and Marjorie had four children: Susan, Paul (Cindy), Mark, and Elizabeth (Paul) Pasternock. Jack had a long and dedicated career with the Bureau of Reclamation, which took his family to Grand Junction, CO, and Washington, D.C. He continued working for the Bureau as a professional engineer and moved to Bismarck in 1975, where he later retired after over 40 years of service.

Jack loved the outdoors. He was an avid golfer, boater, and fisherman. Jack was a skilled woodworker and craftsman—and could fix nearly anything. He generously shared his talents, creating displays for Gateway to Science Center and building structures for Sleepy Hollow Theater. He crafted a baptismal font for McCabe United Methodist Church and also designed and built cabinets. Jack was a parishioner and on the Foundation Board. Jack was happiest carefully tending his yard and gardens, watching Sunday talk shows, and relishing Marjorie’s gourmet cooking.

Jack and Marjorie shared a passion for creating beautiful spaces. They built their dream home in Bismarck in 1977. They designed it together, and Jack did much of the construction with the help of his family. They shared many happy memories there, and Jack was able to enjoy the comfort of his home until he passed.

Jack is survived by Marjorie and their children; three siblings, Joy Christiansen, Vivian Chaska, and Dan Knoll; nine grandchildren, Brandon (Kelly), Kristine (Jessie) Steven, Kelci, Jonny (Jessica), Anne Marie (Joey), Michael (Molly), K.B., and Elise; and four great-grandchildren, Harper, Jensen, Jack, and Sawyer. 

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Forest and Hazel; and sister, Jean (Howard) Walterson.

Memorials may be made out to McCabe United Methodist Church and North Dakota's Gateway to Science.