Carol Knapp

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. 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.