Obituary
We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Robert (Rob) Niels Knudsen on August 22, 2026, in Johnston, Iowa.
Rob was a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, an entrepreneur, and a visionary. His endless curiosity brought energy and excitement to everyone around him. He loved deeply, laughed often, and always believed that anything was possible. Being Lynn's husband and the father of Robert, Michael, Elisabeth, and Thomas were at the heart of his life.
Rob was born on February 11, 1970, in Alexandria, Virginia, to Herb and Barbara Duff Knudsen. He grew up in Downers Grove, Illinois, and graduated from Downers Grove North High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from Drake University.
Rob married Lynn Margaret Cilik of Woodridge, Illinois, thirty-two years ago. As they built their family and businesses, they also built an incredibly strong friendship. Rob and Lynn were like yin and yang. They balanced each other, each bringing different strengths to their life together. They loved to laugh, could talk for hours, and created their own language filled with words and phrases that held special meaning only for them.
As a father, Rob was a storyteller, teacher, protector, and his family’s biggest cheerleader. He believed in sharing life lessons with his children, often drawing on wisdom from his high school cross-country coaches and his wide reading. "Approach everything with a goal-crushing attitude" and "You can learn something from every person you meet" were among the lessons his children heard most often. When the kids faced something tough, Rob would make up a funny little song on the spot, bringing laughter and lightness to difficult moments.
One of Rob’s greatest gifts was his authentic enthusiasm for the people he loved. Whatever Lynn or one of the children became interested in, Rob became interested in too. He would research it and then find a way to help launch them toward whatever they hoped to accomplish. He rarely accepted that something couldn’t be done. For Rob, there was always a way forward, and he would keep working until he found it.
Rob was also an accomplished businessman and entrepreneur. His career brought the family to Des Moines in 1999, when he joined Iowa Paint Company as Vice President. He later founded Redstone Painting Company, Net Eagle Finishes, and RedNet Environmental Services, growing and scaling the specialty contracting firms from startup to one of Iowa’s largest subcontractors. Rob loved learning and continued his education through EO's Entrepreneurial Master’s Program at MIT. In every sales and leadership role, including earlier positions with Sherwin-Williams, Duron Paints, and OrthoVita, Rob showed the same drive, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit that defined his life.
To many of his longtime friends from Downers Grove, Rob was known as “Knu,” the person you always wanted in your corner. It didn’t take long for Rob to build a wide group of friends in Iowa. His friendships stretched across decades, interests, and professions. Rob believed shared experiences made relationships stronger, and one of his greatest enjoyments was creating them for others. Whether it was golf, a trip to the Kentucky Derby, fishing, hunting, a concert, or just gathering everyone together, Rob cherished the memories he made with friends and colleagues.
Rob gave generously to his community and believed every day was a chance to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Of all his community activities, he especially loved coaching West Des Moines soccer. One of his playful instructions to the kids was “Go grab a leaf” (IYKYK). Rob was proud to be named one of the Des Moines Business Record’s 40 Under Forty, to graduate from the Des Moines Leadership Institute, and to serve as a board member and leader for several nonprofits, including Variety, The Children’s Charity.
In his later years, Rob faced challenges he never expected. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and went through personal and professional losses that tested his strength. Rob chose to be open about his diagnosis. He spoke honestly about mental illness and worked to reduce the stigma around it. He became someone others could turn to when they faced their own struggles with mental health.
Those years were difficult for Rob, but we will remember him for much more than his hardest times. At his core, Rob loved deeply, shared lessons and stories, always went the extra mile, laughed with joy, and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Rob is survived by his wife, Lynn; their four children, Robert, Michael, Elisabeth, and Thomas; his parents, Herb and Barbara Duff Knudsen; his brother, Chris (Becca); his sisters-in-law, Jeanie (Glenn), Mary Ann (Colm), Joanie (Bob), and Jennifer (Kevin); his nieces and nephews, Kendall, Grace (Kevin), Sean, Katharine, Quinn, Elise, Audrey, Griffin, Aidan, Owen, Annie, and Wyatt; his beloved dog, Phoenix; and many, many friends from across the country. He was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Joan and Mike Cilik, and his grandparents, Andy and Duff Anderson and Harold and Virginia Knudsen.
Two Celebration of Life gatherings will be held to honor Rob:
• Thursday, October 22, 2026, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Raccoon River Nature Lodge, West Des Moines, IA
• Saturday, November 21, 2026, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Downers Grove, IL (location details to come)
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rob’s honor to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or a charity of your choice.
Memory wall
I was so lucky to call Uncle Robbie my godfather. I’ll never forget the time we were visiting our cousins in Iowa and my phone broke. Because I was his goddaughter, Uncle Rob insisted we replace it that very day and brought me to the mall to get a new one. It’s such a small example, but one that perfectly captures his generosity and kindness.
I also remember Uncle Rob giving us a tour of all his tattoos. He was so passionate about the meaning behind each one, and I remember thinking, wow, I really want tattoos when I grow up! Now I have over 20 LOL. I love that I’ll always have that memory tied to him.
He always knew how to make us laugh—cracking jokes, poking fun, and somehow making light of any situation with a song.
I love him so deeply and will miss him every day. I feel so grateful for all the special memories I get to hold close to my heart. I know he and Grandma Joan are reunited in heaven, laughing and smiling together. 🤍
The first time I met Mr. Knudsen was when Thomas, a group of fraternity brothers, and I went to Iowa City over the summer, going into our Sophomore year of college. We had plans to paint the main living room of our fraternity house.
All of us were super excited to live in our fraternity house, but we definitely needed some guidance. Mr. Knudsen was one of the few dads who came along to help out as well.
Mr. Knudsen gave me so many different pointers and tricks on how to perfect my painting skills. I learned a lot from him, and appreciated him taking the time to help us young guys.
To know you is to love you, and to love you is a gift I will never overlook. The only thing keeping me sane is knowing how lucky heaven is to be graced with your smile, your laughter, and your contagious presence.
Fly high, Dad. Throw the tennis ball extra far for Lucky and Eckers, say hi to Grandma Joan, and I hope you can sit back, relax, and unwind with a Mt. Dew, some Cinnamon Bears, and a “tin of Copenhagen long cut too please,” you deserve it❤️
**Squeeze squeeze squeeze**
He always felt like a home base, holding a special groundedness that grounded you (and sometimes literally for the Knudsen kids haha!) Never did he waver, even amidst struggles that I can’t say I could withstand myself, he never gave up. Encouraging and so special was his soul.
He and I connected deeply once he opened up about his mental illness and it bred a new level of understanding between us. I know he is at peace now, free from the asphyxiating nature of bipolar disorder. That is what has made my tears dry warmly and the image of his spirit lifted up ever higher.
I love you Uncle Rob and I love you Knudsens, Lynn, Robert, Michael, Elizabeth, and Thomas. We’re always here with you, despite the distance, and so is Rob.
How very sorry we are to hear of your loss. Nothing prepares you and the children for this. Even though
we haven't seen all of you, you are in my thoughts. I remember the last time you and the kids came to the lake. How nice it was to have all of the family together.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I am so sorry for the loss of my good friend, Knu! He and I met in first grade at Longfellow and became fast friends...that friendship lasted 50 years! Although we had grown apart a bit in our later years, whenever we were together, it was like we were just together the day before.
Will always remember the good times, the mischief and fun we created, and the many laughs. Just like Rob's family could count on him, so could his friends.
Heaven got a good one in Rob. Rest easy my friend...
"Ah hui hou, kaʻu hoaaloha"
Matt Neustadt ("Newey")
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