Herman Keith Knoop

Herman Keith Knoop, age 93, of Hibbing, MN, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at his residence in Hibbing, MN. He was born on November 7, 1931, in Hibbing, MN, to Herman and Zola (Showers) Knoop.

Keith proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. On June 6, 1961, he married the love of his life, Barbara, in Iowa. He went on to enjoy a long career as a radio announcer at WMFG in Hibbing. Keith was active in his community as a member of the Masons, Experimental Aircraft Association, Pilots Coffee Group, and a mentor for the Junior Achievement Radio Group. He had many passions throughout his life, listening to music, four-wheeling, hunting, riding his motorcycle, and drawing. Keith was a car aficionado, particularly British sports cars and new cars. He was an avid outdoorsman and a proud lifelong resident of Hibbing. Besides his love of his family and his country, Keith's greatest love was flying. He began as a student pilot in 1956 and received his private pilot license in 1960, a total of 69 years in the air. In recognition of his time piloting and his accident-free record, Keith was awarded the prestigious Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" award by the FAA. Only 178 Minnesota pilots have received this honor. Keith was recommended for this award by his pilot friends in recognition of his flying prowess and the respect they have for him.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Knoop of Hibbing, MN; Daughter, Lisa (Jon Giles) Knoop of Portland, OR; sister-in-law, Annmarie Knoop of Hibbing, MN; grandchildren, Lucy Tovar, Paul (Christina) Giles, and Molly Rose Giles; great-grandchildren, Alex, Tiffany, Cullen, and Livi; sister-in-law Karin (Phil) Peterson of Minneapolis, MN; brother-in-law, Kurt (Carol) Sundquist of Virginia, MN. And many nieces and nephews.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents, sibling, Wayne Knoop, and sister-in-law, Re Lacher; and in-laws Karl and Rose Sundquist of Virginia, MN.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, and Interment will take place at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing, MN. 

Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing, MN.