Doug Knapp, age 84, of Holland, went home to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 39 years Margie; his children: Kristi and Steve Bareman, and Kurt and Tracy Knapp; his stepchildren: Jane and Joey Eagleston, Susie Shafer, and Jerry and Sue Reid; 22 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren; his sisters: Darla and Harv Ykema, and Darlene and Terry Bouwman; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jane Walton, Dick and Linda Schaftenaar, and Becky and Rick Van Eenenaam. Doug was preceded in death by his father Albertus Knapp in 2012, his mother Lavina Knapp in 2019, and his step son Bob Reid in 2017.
Doug worked with his dad on his RC Cola route and was driving a truck for him at the age of 14. He worked for Charlie Bard at the A&W drive in where he baked pies and brought trays to car windows. Doug worked for Jake Blackburn at the Sinclair Gas Station and later at Mike’s Mobile. At age 18 Doug joined the United States Army. He was a driver for a General and his helicopter pilot, he also served as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. After his time of service in the military Doug worked again with his dad on his RC Cola Route and eventually bought the route from his dad. He sold the route when deposit on bottles started. He then worked at RC Cola in Muskegon, at Thermotron and Fort’s Candies. In his retirement Doug worked at Steele Enterprise, Macatawa Bay Yacht Club and BVW Property Management. Doug spent over thirty years as an Ottawa County Reserve Officer. He also served as the volunteer head of the Ottawa County Reserve Deputies for much of that time. If that wasn’t enough, he drove school bus for West Ottawa Schools.
Doug found joy in boating. He and Margie spent thirty years cruising Lake Michigan on their boat “Knapp Time” where they made many wonderful friends. Doug also served as the Commodore of Anchorage Marina twice. In his spare time he did woodworking, creating beautiful pieces for his grandchildren, friends, churches, and auction fundraising at Anchorage Marina.
Doug’s kindness, intergrity, and love will forever be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to know him.
Visitation will be 4-7 pm, Monday, June 10, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland MI 49423. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch Street, Zeeland MI 49464. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland or Community Reformed Church.
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