Roland Clair Knox, 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at Fairview Care Center surrounded by family.

Roland (Rollie or R.C.) was born April 2, 1926, on the family farm in Canton, Minnesota, the son of Leland and Leona (Kimball) Knox. Roland grew up in Canton, graduating in 1944 from Canton High School. While living in Canton, Roland worked at Snyder’s Nurseries, Wicketts Livestock Trucking and drove a school bus for Canton School District. He had fond memories of driving the bus and he could still name the families on his route. Roland worked for Ruan gas transport, Standard Oil Tank Farm, the Municipal Liquor Store and was the proprietor of the Four Winds Truck Stop, all in Spring Valley, Minnesota. His favorite job was working security at Rochester Methodist Hospital.

Roland married Kathleen Balbach on Feb. 5, 1949, in Canton at Assumption Catholic Church. They lived in Rochester, Minnesota, then moved to Spring Valley in 1950 to raise their family. In the late 80s they returned to Rochester to make their home. In September 2006, Kathleen passed away.

Roland loved sports, especially when his children and grandchildren were participating. He had a very strong faith and always put God first. His family meant the world to him and he treasured his time with them.

He is survived by his children, Susan (Ronald) Weltzin of Rochester, Steven (Julie) of Austin, Minnesota, Craig (Martha) of Byron, Minnesota, Patricia (Scott) Schendel of Butte, Montana, Barbara (Richard) Carson of Mesa, Arizona, Roland (Theresa) of Safford, Arizona, and Mary (Brett) Duffney of Green Bay, Wisconsin; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Juanita Clifton of Preston, Minneosta, and Delores Connolly of Canton.

Roland was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; his parents; one brother; one sister; and one grandson.

A special thank you to the staff of Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center, Minnesota, and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care of our dad.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at St. Pius X Catholic Church with the Revs. Russell Scepaniak and Thomas Niehaus co-officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m. Rosary service, on Monday, July 16, 2018, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Canton at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.