Norman Joseph Knott Jr., 71

Norman Joseph Knott Jr. passed away tragically on April 17, 2021, in Newport News, Va., just one month away from his 72nd birthday. Norman was born on May 18, 1949, to Rosie and Norm Knott Sr. in Kellogg, Idaho, at the Wardner Hospital. Norman was the oldest of five children, Gary, Larry, Shelley and Don.

Norman attended schools in Kellogg. During the summer of 1966, Norman took baking classes at Spokane Community College. While in high school, Norman worked at Pik Kwik grocery store in the bakery. He baked wonderful cakes. Many friends and family members appreciated the ones he baked for their special occasions. When he was just 14 years old, he baked a beautiful 50th Wedding Anniversary cake for his grandparents, Perry and Edith Peterson.

Norman graduated from high school in 1967 and went to the Northwest Nazarene College for one year. In 1968, he joined the Air Force and proudly served from October 1968 through September 1972. In 1976, he joined the U.S. Army. During his 11 years in the Army, he traveled to many places, including Texas, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and Virginia. While at Fort Eustis in Virginia, he fell in love with Newport News, so he decided to settle down there and he made it his home.

Norman loved to hike. He had a favorite trail called The Noland Trail. He enjoyed working out and staying in shape and he loved to read. He liked taking the train to come back to Idaho to visit his family. Norman worked at Piccadilly Restaurant as a skilled baker until he retired in 2017. He was a very generous man and donated to a lot of his favorite charities, especially those that help children.

Norman is survived by his sister, Shelley (Dave) Church of Hayden; and brothers Gary Knott of Coeur d’Alene and Don Knott of Lewiston. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews — Stacy, Jennifer, Marcy, Beth, April, Jennifer, Steven, Sherrie, Shannon, Lee, Larry, Michael and Danielle; and two uncles, Paul Peterson of Wardner and Chuck Peterson of Hayden.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Sr. and Pauline Knott, and Rosie and Lee Layton; and one younger brother, Larry Knott. Norman was loved by all and will be missed.

There will be a graveside service for Norman at the Kellogg Cemetery at 2 p.m. Friday, June 18, 2021, for friends and family followed by a gathering at the Kellogg Elks.