Kevin Knoll

Dependable, loyal, caring and hardworking are but a few words that capture the essence of Kevin Knoll. To all who knew him he was a big man with an even bigger heart. A friend to everyone was his moniker.

1963 saw our country in a state of unrest, “March on Washington”, a civil rights rally held by over 200,000 blacks and whites in Washington, DC. It was a year that witnessed the murder of a President, John F. Kennedy, in Dallas, Texas. Contrary to this turmoil, Ben and Joyce (Kraai) Knoll were blessed with the birth of Kevin, the second youngest of what would eventually become five children. Kevin was born on June 18, 1963 at Holland Community Hospital.

Raised in the country, amongst the farmlands outside of Holland, Kevin appreciated all around him. He was reared in the same house that his parents still live in today. His father, Ben, supported his family by working as an iron worker and welder in Holland, while his mother, Joyce, was a homemaker, caring to the needs of her family.

From an early age, Kevin, took great pleasure from life, especially from activities involving the outdoors. Kevin’s love for the outdoors and animals would be with him throughout his life. While growing up, Kevin and his family enjoyed many camping trips to the UP. On one such camping trip, Kevin became lost on a walking trip and it took his family more than an hour to find him. Although it was a scare for his family, it didn’t change Kevin’s comfort with the wilderness. When at home, Kevin enjoyed playing outside in the woods and building tree forts with his siblings. Another special treat for Kevin was the thrills he experienced with his family on their trips to Cedar Point and Great America.

As a teenager Kevin loved farming and all it had to offer. He spent as much time as he could enjoying the peaceful serenity of working the land. Kevin graduated from Holland High School in 1983.

In addition to his love for the outdoors and farming, Kevin loved tractors. He enjoyed the challenge of fixing a tractor whenever it broke down. Kevin was a natural at mechanical aptitude…there was not a tractor he could not fix. He once took his grandfather’s tractor to the Ottawa Area Vocational center and had it repainted. The family still has the tractor today.

Kevin worked for BBI Enterprises in Holland, a manufacturing company that made parts for the automobile industry. In addition, as a hobby, Kevin worked as a farmer for Teusink’s Pony Farms. Here, where he was truly his happiest, he would give hayrides, cut and bail hay and perform any farm chore that needed to be done. He did not get paid for his time, he did it just for the love of being around a farm. Kevin was committed to his passion for farming exhibited by his drive to get up very early to get the farming chores done before he went to his regular job.

Kevin loved animals of all types. He was especially fond of his dogs Tyronne, a black lab mix, and Amber, a golden retriever, as well as his pheasant, Ringo. Spending time with the animals was something he always looked forward to.

Through the years Kevin had acquired a snowmobile, a quad runner and several tractors…things that let him enjoy life in the outdoors. However, for a good rock concert, Kevin could be brought indoors. One memorable concert was an AC/DC concert in Kalamazoo because he took his sister with him. Some of Kevin’s favorite groups included Pink Floyd, the Doors and Sammy Hager.

Kevin was a special uncle with much love to give. He never married, so he spent many hours playing with his nieces and nephews. Uncle Kevin was like a big play pal for Nicholas, Justin, Kyle, and Shelby. He loved them and cared for them as if they were his own.

Kevin still lived at home and was always willing to help his parents with anything that needed to be done.

Kevin Eric Knoll died Friday, June 18, 2004 from injuries sustained in a farming accident. Kevin’s family includes his parents Ben and Joyce Knoll of Holland; brothers and sisters: Sheila and Eric Whitaker of Allegan, Michael and Lisa Knoll of Holland, Karen and David Moored of Grand Rapids and Heather Knoll of Holland; also several aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes 188 West 32nd Street. Officiating will be the Rev. Vern Swieringa. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 6-9 pm at the Chapel. Please visit Kevin’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution on-line to the American Heart Association or to your choice of charities.

Kevin favorites place and happiest times were on a tractor in a field somewhere. He enjoyed everyday because it was his favorite day. Kevin was loved by all who knew him and will be sadly missed.