Carol Knapp
July 22, 1939 – July 15, 2026
A service in witness to Carol’s life and faith will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. noon at Bethany Reformed Church, 1833 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family one hour to the service at the church in the Gold Room beginning at 11:00 a.m. and following the service at a reception in Bennink Hall. Memorial Contributions may be made to Bethany Reformed Church Music Fund, in ℅ the funeral home.
Obituary
Carol (Nederhoed) Knapp went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 15, 2026. Carol was born on July 22, 1939 to Steven and Wilma (VanDam) Nederhoed and was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo. Carol graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1957. She was engaged shortly after high school to Robert Knapp. Bob and Carol were married on April 11, 1958.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents Steve and Wilma (VanDam) Nederhoed, brother Jack Nederhoed, brother and sister-in-law Don and MaryLynn Knapp. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years Robert, her three children Cheryl Knapp, Dave (Amy) Knapp, and Sue (Andy) Valler, her grandchildren Lisa Valler, Matthew (Autumn) Valler, Taylor Valler, Kyle (Becca) Knapp and Natalie Knapp, her great-grandchildren Ada and Henry Valler, Parker Valler, and Cora Knapp, her Aunt Marion (Bob) Tracy, sister-in-law Judy Nederhoed, and many nieces and nephews.
While growing up, Carol was a stay-at-home mom for Cheryl, Dave, and Sue. She returned to work in 1984 working in the Admissions Office at Western Michigan University where she retired in 1996. She then became a faithful volunteer at Bronson Hospital where you could find her every Tuesday giving directions to families and patients and laughing with her co-volunteers. Carol had an engaging smile and loved to laugh with friends and strangers.
Carol was an avid golfer and played in leagues in Kalamazoo in the summer months and in Orlando in the winter. Bob and Carol bought a condo in Orlando, FL in 1987 and have enjoyed many family vacations with their kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Her great grandkids called her Grandma Disney.
Another important part of her life was her church, Bethany Reformed Church. She has been a life-long member at Bethany and a choir member for close to 70 years. She sometimes sang duets with Bob & Carol’s close friend, the late Bill Zomer. She was heavily involved in the Women’s Bible Studies and volunteered around the church when she could.
Carol has met many close friends in her life, but none as special as her lifelong friend Carol Jean (Zomer) DeRuiter. They have spent many great times together and had so many fond memories.
Carol’s life has been a testament to love, strength, and unwavering dedication. She has been the heart of our family, the guiding light that has led us through joys and challenges alike.
Her wisdom, kindness, and boundless generosity have touched so many lives. She taught us the value of resilience, the importance of compassion, and the joy of finding beauty in everyday moments. Her laughter has been a source of comfort, and her love has been our foundation.
As we celebrate her, we reflect on the countless memories and the immeasurable impact she’s had on all of us. Thank you for being our rock, our inspiration, and our beloved wife, mom, grandma and great grandma.
We love you more than words can express.
I was so fortunate to have had the joy of knowing Carol. Of the 61/2 years I lived in Michigan and staying with my sister Nancy and her late husband Richard (Andy) Huizenga, Carol made me welcome to Bethany Reform Church. I enjoyed the Women’s Bible Study on Thursday’s and all the other Social events that the church had. She was a special person to have been around and along with others at the church that made me feel at home. Nancy and myself have since moved to Ohio, and was so sorry to hear of her passing. I Thank You from the bottom of my heart for all your kindness.,You will truly be missed. My condolences to Bob and your family and may God welcome you into His Loving Arms and say Welcome Home my True and Faithful Servant.
After choosing Bethany Reform as my church home Carol and Carol DeRuiter had talked me into singing in the choir. Carol made everything seem like fun and what a joy to be around.
My condolences to you Cheryl and to your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Knapp family💗
A solid foundation of love, respect and generosity taught by both Carol and Bob! Always thinking of people and putting others first.
Cheryl you are so much like your mother so you know she did a great job raising you! We are so sorry for your loss! With all our love, Dawn & Jim Kalinosky
We are so sorry for your loss. Carol was a wonderful person, she was always ready for a good time. She will be missed.
Uncle Bob, Cheryl, Dave and Sue~
I was so surprised to hear of Aunt Carol’s passing. I loved her and will miss her. I have fond memories of her. She had such a great laugh and fun personality. I am comforted in knowing she has joined my dad and other family members in heaven and am sure they are yucking it up right about now. Lol. My heart goes out to you all, so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and big hugs ❤️
Lynn Tsurapas (Nederhoed)
Bob and all the family,
My deepest sympathy. Carol was so much fun and I am so happy to have been in choir with her and our after church lunches were all fun. Keeping you in prayers each day.