Elwood Jay Knoll

Elwood “Woody” Jay Knoll, age 87 of Grand Haven, passed into his Heavenly home on Friday, May 20, 2022 at Grand Pines Assisted Living, with his family by his side. He was born on April 10, 1935 in Holland, MI to the late Lester and Eberdine (Zeedyk) Knoll. Woody married Gladys Wedeven on January 8, 1954 in Holland, MI.

Woody was a life-long resident of the area and worked at Michigan Bell Telephone Company as a cable repairman, later retiring as supervisor after more than 33 years with the company. He was a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Grand Haven since 1959 and he enjoyed fixing lawn-mowers and donating the proceeds to the church, which he loved.

Woody loved the great outdoors and was an avid sportsman who enjoyed both hunting and fishing. He loved anything with an engine, especially those which could go fast, like motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, and four-wheelers.

Woody and Gladys formed many friendships throughout West Michigan, and also enjoyed new relationships with the many friends they made while wintering in Florida and Arizona over the years. Woody’s family was of utmost importance to him. He was a family man who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was most known for having a wonderful sense of humor.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Grand Pines Assisted Living who took such good care of Woody for the past three and a half years. Kindred Hospice was also so helpful during the past two months. They would like to thank those who remembered Woody through cards, visits, and phone calls.

Woody is remembered and missed by his wife of 68 years, Gladys; his two daughters, Constance (James) Bakker of Holland and Mary (Todd) Hamstra of Grand Haven; two sons, David (Suzanne) Knoll of Grand Haven and Michael Knoll (Laura Lambertson) of Grand Rapids; daughter-in-law, Nancy (Armand) Sherman; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and brother, Blaine Knoll.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Terry Knoll; sister, Sally Knoll; brother, Robert Knoll; sister-in-law, Kristi Knoll; and brother-in-law, Glen Wedeven.

The Memorial Service for Elwood will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at First Christian Reformed Church, Grand Haven with Mr. Art Tuls officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Robinson Township Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation (30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI  48025), Grand Haven Christian School, or First Christian Reformed Church of Grand Haven.

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