Angie Knol

Angie Knol was a devoted wife, mother, and friend to many. A lover of all people, it was no surprise that she touched many lives over the years. No one could deny the love she had for her family, especially her children; Jase and Sutton, as they were her greatest treasure. Deeply loved and fondly admired, Angie, will be forever remembered by her special family and all who knew and loved her.

Angie’s story begins in the year 1984. The first Apple Macintosh computer went on sale and Sally Ride became the first American woman in space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. During the height of pop music culture and the sales of Apple’s Macintosh computers, Doug and Kay VanStee welcomed home their newborn baby girl, Angela Marie, on March 27th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joining her older sister, Stacy, her birth brought great joy to her loving parents.

Growing up on Bristol Avenue, Angie enjoyed a typical childhood of the times. She and her older sister enjoyed cooking and playing together, especially outdoors. Angie fell in love with the water at a young age and enjoyed boating and fishing. A stellar student, she attended Covell Elementary before moving on to Westwood Middle where she played the clarinet, and eventually to Union High School where she swam on the swim team. Her natural ability to be with people led her to have a tight close of friends during these formative years. Ambitious as well as not one to remain idle, Angie started her first job at Walker Street Pharmacy at just fifteen years old. These early experiences working with the public and learning medical terminology sparked her interest in pharmacy work as a career. As soon as she was out of high school, she moved in with three close friends on Aberdeen NE, and enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College to earn her certification as a pharmacy technician. It was truly no surprise that Angie passed her state licensing exam without even studying!

Aberdeen was also the place where she met the love of her life, Kristofer Knol. As neighbors, Angie looked after his dog when he was working late night shifts. They became friends and eventually their feelings led to spending more time together. Sharing many common interests, the happy couple took a proposal trip to Florida and tied the knot on October 7, 2011, at Townsend Park in Cannonsburg with a reception on the fourth floor of the B.O.B. The newlyweds took a romantic honeymoon in the Bahamas before settling back in Grand Rapids. Together, they welcomed home two wonderful children; Jase and Sutton, to Kris’ childhood home they purchased on Bluehill NE.

As a mother, Angie wanted nothing but the best for her kids. She loved making time for them which meant sticking to her schedule, keeping organized, and instilling in them important life skills and values. As a family, they enjoyed riding bikes, taking walks, and camping together. Some of their favorite highlights were the trips to Florida or going to family cottages with their extended family. Angie wanted Jase and Sutton to understand the importance of family and made every effort to make that happen.

When it came to special holidays, such as birthdays and Christmas, Angie always gave thought and meaning to her gifts. Eager to celebrate the season, she was also almost always the first one to put up the decorations for Christmas! Cooking and celebrating went hand in hand. Angie loved trying new recipes and planning each meal. She had perfected some of her favorite appetizers and her kids loved her Mexican dishes and salads! Their strongest cheerleader, Angie showed up for each and every one of their games! Her children always knew they could on her. There was never any doubt that she loved them.

Angie thrived at balancing her role as a mother and a pharmacy technician over the years. She began her career with Spectrum Health on second shift in the Emergency Room at Butterworth Hospital. With 16 years of dedication, Angie landed her career as a Senior Project Specialist for the Pharmacy Department. Many promotions later, Angie landed her dream job as a senior project manager for the pharmacy. Despite her incredible workload, she enjoyed many other pleasures in life. When it came to relaxation, she preferred watching competitive cooking shows and then trying out new tricks in the kitchen. No matter what, her family was her number one priority. As long as she knew they were receiving the best of care, her heart was content.

Sadly, in January 2021, Angie was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. A fierce warrior, she battled through her illness with chemo treatments, surgeries, broken bones, and even more trial chemo treatments. Throughout this incredibly trying time, she never lost her positive disposition. Angie smiled through even her darkest of days, in order to bring comfort to others. She didn’t want anyone to worry or fuss over her. After celebrating her last round of chemotherapy, she developed a virus that her body simply couldn’t fight. A truly loving and caring person, Angie’s bright spirit will continue to shine light for her loved ones and friends. Her legacy of always putting others first is a beautiful example for her family. May they always feel her presence and may her wonderful memories remain eternally in their hearts.

Angela Marie (VanStee) Knol, age 39, passed away on April 1, 2023, at Butterworth Hospital. Angie’s main passion was for her children, her family, and for the happiness of others. For the last 16 years, she was a senior project specialist for Corwell Health. On October 7, 2011, she married Kristofer Knol. She is survived by her husband of 11 years, her children, Jase and Sutton; her parents, Doug and Kay VanStee; her sister, Stacy and Eric Richardson and their children, Dylan and Nicole; her mother and father-in-law, Ronald and Susan Knol; her sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Kevin Schaner and their children, Ellison and Emma, and Kameron and Amanda Knol and their children, Brynlee and Logan; and her aunts, uncles, and cousins. A memorial gathering will be held Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 5-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Memorials may be to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. To read more of Angie’s Life Story, to leave a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.