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Bellevue Today
By the People, for the People
Longtime Air Force Navigator and Postal Worker Leroy 'Lee' Knoll Dies at 82
Knoll served in the Air Force and Postal Service before retiring to South Dakota to be closer to family.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:55am
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The soft, hazy glow of this abstract image evokes the loving, sentimental spirit that defined Leroy Knoll's life of service and devotion to family.Bellevue TodayLeroy 'Lee' Robert Knoll, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025 at the age of 82. Knoll was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and grew up there before joining the Air Force after college, where he served as a navigator and flew over 2,000 hours in support of reconnaissance efforts. After his military service, Knoll worked in accounting and insurance before becoming a mail carrier for the Postal Service, where he was recognized as a Hero of the Year for saving someone's life on his route. Knoll also served 20 years in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. In retirement, Knoll and his wife Laurie moved to South Dakota to be closer to their grandchildren.
Why it matters
Knoll's life story highlights the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. military, as well as the important role postal workers play in communities. His dedication to family, community, and public service throughout his life is an inspiring example.
The details
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Knoll joined the Air Force and went through officers training and navigator training before being assigned to the Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. There, he met his wife Laurie and they started a family, welcoming two daughters. Knoll flew over 2,000 hours on reconnaissance missions, earning several air medals and oak leaf clusters before being honorably discharged after four years. The family then moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where Knoll worked in accounting and insurance before becoming a mail carrier for the Postal Service, a job he held for 25 years. Knoll was recognized as a Hero of the Year for saving someone's life on his mail route. He also served 20 years in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
- Knoll was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
- Knoll joined the Air Force after college graduation.
- Knoll met his wife Laurie while stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.
- Knoll worked as an accountant and insurance salesman in Madison, Wisconsin before becoming a mail carrier for 25 years.
- Knoll retired in 2006 and moved to Black Hawk, South Dakota to be closer to his grandchildren.
The players
Leroy 'Lee' Robert Knoll
A loving husband, father, and grandfather who served in the Air Force as a navigator, worked for the Postal Service as a mail carrier, and also served in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Laurie Knoll
Leroy Knoll's wife of 58 years, who joined him in California when he was stationed there for navigator training and then raised their two daughters with him in Madison, Wisconsin.
The takeaway
Knoll's life exemplifies the values of service, family, and community that many Americans aspire to. His dedication to the military, the Postal Service, and his loved ones is a testament to the positive impact one person can have over the course of a lifetime.
