Duane A. Knoll's Obituary
Duane A. Knoll, age 91, passed away on March 26, 2025, at Chestnut Fields. He was born on November 29, 1933, to John and Iva (Gunn) Knoll in Muskegon. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict where he received a Purple Heart.
Duane worked for 30 years in transportation with VerPlank Trucking and was a dedicated member of Jibson Immanuel Baptist Church. He was also inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. An avid racing enthusiast, Duane loved driving race cars and spent many years at the Berlin Raceway, as well as racing across the Midwest. He cherished his family time, fishing, and camping. Along with his wife, Sondra, they owned and operated Coastline Realty and Hearts Content Resort in Silver Lake, along with several rental properties throughout the area for many years.
On January 22, 1966, he married Sondra Pennell, who preceded him in death on July 16, 2023. He is survived by two sons: Rod (Jean) Knoll of Muskegon and Bruce (Rita) Knoll of North Carolina; step-children, Susan Bennett of Ravenna, Shelley (Craig) Bessinger of Ferrysburg, Richard Pennell of Hart, Dennis (Sue) Pennell of Linden, MI, Cindy (Terry) Zaagman of Muskegon and former daughter-in-law, Dianne Barker; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Norman (Carol) Wolbrink; and sister, Sara Jane Weaver.
Duane was also preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Rochelle Hathaway, and son-in-law, Owen Bennett; and two grandchildren, Jillian Pennell and Kelsey Knoll.
FUNERAL SERVICES and Military Rites will be performed by the Ravenna American Legion Post 297 Honor Guard at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451, with Pastor Mickey Fehler officiating. Visitation with the family will be 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, also at the funeral home. BURIAL will take place at St. Catherine Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to Gentiva Hospice. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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