Richard “Dick” Knol

June 25, 1939 ~
November 16, 2025

Richard “Dick” Jack Knol, age 86, of Jenison, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, November 16, 2025, following a lengthy illness. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. After 28 years of dedicated service with the Grand Rapids Police Department, he retired as a Homicide Detective. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he carried his sense of duty throughout his life. He had a lifelong passion for cars—racing, car shows, and metro cruises—and could always be found enjoying anything with an engine. Known for his quick wit, he loved making others laugh. He was truly a people person, friendly to everyone he met. He was also a gun enthusiast and enjoyed spending time at the shooting range. Above all, his faith was deeply important to him, and he remained a faithful church attender throughout his life. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Karen Knol; children, David and Jeanne Knol, Susan and Richard Anderson, John and Sandy Knol; grandchildren, Elisabeth and Arthur Driesse, Caleb and Melissa Knol, Isaac Knol, Claire and Matthew Sandstrom, Lindsey Knol, Alex Knol, Anna Luellen, Mandy and Dan Klein, Jenna Schellinger, Greg Schellinger; great-grandchildren, James, Maria, Anders, Theodore, Ezra, Adelaide, Matthew, Molly, and Dani; and sister-in-law, Janice DeVries. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, at 11 a.m. at Grandville Bible Church, 4122 44th St. SW, Grandville, with Pastor John DenBoer officiating. The burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, November 20, from 5-7 p.m. at MKD Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods.

Visitation: Thursday, November 20 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Visitation
Thursday, November 20
5:00pm - 7:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Funeral Service: Friday, November 21 | 11:00am

Funeral Service
Friday, November 21
11:00am

Grandville Bible Church
4122 44th St SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

November 20, 2025

Dick was one of my couriers at Mercantile Bank. Dick was a great employee and friend who was always willing to go the extra mile. I remember he had a bright yellow car and when he arrived at the bank we would joke and say did someone call for a taxi 🚕 lol. When he was late I would always accuse him of stopping for donuts. What great memories! He always talked so highly about his wife Karen. Sending hugs to the family what a great guy to have had in your lives. Audrey Versluis

- Audrey Versluis

November 20, 2025

I worked third shift with Dick. He was great to work with, never a dull moment. Condolences to his family.

- Wayne Thomas

November 20, 2025

I met Dick when I was a police cadet and our careers seemed to parallel until retirement. He was a true joy to be around and his humor was endearing. We worked the night shift and always had to get a coffee at the Acapulco Cafe on S.Division immediately after hitting the street. We worked the Major Case Team together and I had complete respect for his detective abilities. You will be missed Rico!

- Gary Crum

November 17, 2025

Johnny and Knol Family, I worked with Dick on third shift and enjoyed every minute. He was patient with me as a rookie, and the public. His humor was very much welcomed to break up the seriousness of our job. He knew the nurses at St. Mary's ER and told me to stay away from a certain young naive one. Of course I didn't listen and ended up marrying her, which he approved of and asked about her whenever we ran into each other in later years. It is an honor to have known and worked with Dick. Our most sincere condolences to the family.

- Ed & Sue Hillyer