Robert P. Knowles

Robert P. Knowles
President pro tempore of the Wisconsin Senate
In office January 1967 – January 1975
Preceded by	Frank E. Panzer
Succeeded by	Fred Risser
Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 10th district
In office April 19, 1955 – January 3, 1977
Preceded by	Warren P. Knowles
Succeeded by	Michele Radosevich
Personal details
Born	(1916-02-25)February 25, 1916 River Falls, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died	November 3, 1985(1985-11-03) (aged 69) St. Croix County, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting place	Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, New Richmond, Wisconsin
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Madelyne Lucille Armstrong ​ ​ (m. 1941⁠–⁠1985)​
Children	Robert Pierce Knowles II (b. 1944; died 1998)
Relatives	Warren P. Knowles (brother)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army Army Air Corps
Years of service	1942–1945
Rank	1st Lieutenant
Battles/wars	World War II

Robert Pierce Knowles I (February 25, 1916 – November 3, 1985) was an American businessman and Republican politician. He served 22 years in the Wisconsin State Senate (1955–1977), representing several counties in western Wisconsin. He was the younger brother of Wisconsin Governor Warren P. Knowles (1965–1971).

Biography

Born in River Falls, Wisconsin, Knowles served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He then graduated from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. He was in the insurance and real estate business. Knowles served in the Wisconsin State Senate from 1955 until 1975; his older brother was Warren P. Knowles, the 37th Governor of Wisconsin. Knowles was defeated for re election in 1976 by Democrat Michele Radosevich 52%-48%.