Rodney "Rod" Max Knowles

Rodney “Rod” Max Knowles, 68, of Menahga, MN passed away on April 6, 2026 at White Pine Assisted Living in Inver Grove Heights, MN, after battling Front Temporal Dementia for many years.

Rod was a devoted husband, father, and his biggest pride was being a Papa. He attended school in St. Paul Park, MN. Rod worked many years as a welder, mechanic, and was a “jack of all trades.” He retired from Warrens Tire in Park Rapids, MN as an auto technician.

On May 15, 1982, Rod was married to Denise Clemens. Their union blessed them with two children. A son Chris (Erin) Knowles of Hammond, WI and a daughter Mikell (Ben) Miller of Ardmore, OK.

Throughout his life Rod enjoyed camping, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, and rebuilding classic vehicles. He was an avid NASCAR fan attending many races throughout the US. He played hockey and loved the sport. He coached Chris’s youth hockey team and has enjoyed watching his passion for hockey be passed down to his grandchildren.

Rod had a huge soft spot in his heart for dogs. He rescued many dogs over his lifetime. He shared this passion for animals with his daughter, who has also dedicated much of her life to rescuing dogs.

The best dads get promoted to Papa. He carried the name Papa with pride.

Rod is survived by his wife, Denise; children, Chris (Erin) Knowles and Mikell (Ben) Miller; grandchildren, Lacie, Max and Jackson Knowles and Brennan, Mackaedan, and Madelynne Miller; many nieces and nephews, and his dog Sam.

Rod is preceded in death by his parents Max and Bernice; siblings, Robert “Bob” and Geri; and many dogs and Kitty Kitty.

A celebration of life for Rod will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, or an animal rescue or shelter of the sender's choosing.