Pella —
Garrett M. Knoth, age 66, Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Hope College, passed away in his home in Holland, Michigan, on Friday, December 14. Garrett, born in Chicago, on November 10, 1946, died from prostate cancer which had metastasized into his bones. Fortunately, XL184 helped extend his life so that he could spend more time in the final weeks with his wife, family, friends, and Hope colleagues. He was preceded in death by his father Harold in 1992.
Garrett is survived by his wife Donna M. Knoth, to whom he has been married since October 20, 1979, his mother Betty of Davenport, his younger brother Kimball of Davenport, and his younger sister Lorrie of Spokane, Washington.
Garrett received his B.A. in History and Physical Education from Cornell College (Mount Vernon, Iowa) in 1968 and his M.A. in Student Personnel from the University of Iowa (Iowa City) in 1976.
Garrett served as Director of Admissions at Carroll College (Waukesha, Wisconsin), Admissions Counselor and Associate Director of Admissions at Cornell College (Mount Vernon, Iowa), consultant to 14 colleges at Stuart Weiner and Associates (Chicago), Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Central College (Pella, Iowa), and Dean of Admissions and Financial Assistance at Augustana College (Rock Island, Illinois).
Garrett joined the Hope staff in 1991 as an assistant director of admissions. He was promoted to associate director in 1996 and to senior associate director in 2007. Colleagues remember him as a tremendous team player who genuinely cared for prospective students and excelled at conveying the message of Hope. Whenever Garrett assumed new territory, the next year’s application counts in that area grew considerably. Garrett would say, “What better use of my time than shaping the lives of young people by encouraging them to join the Hope community where lives are indeed changed.”
Garrett was very active in church communities wherever he worked. While at Augustana College, he was co-chair of the Quad City Interfaith Educational Task Force and helped develop a scholarship program for youth at risk. As a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rock Island, he was Vice President of the Church Council and chaired the 1989 Stewardship Campaign. In recent years in Holland, he was an active member at Fellowship Reformed Church.
Garrett’s family often cited his “CCC” passions—a love of cars, clothes, and cuisine. His other hobbies were traveling, weightlifting, racquetball, reading, crossword puzzles, and watching sports events.
A memorial service took place on Dec 20, at Fellowship Reformed Church, 300 North 168th Ave., with the Rev. Brian Keepers officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Garrett and Donna Knoth Endowed Fund at Hope College or to Fellowship Reformed Church or to Hospice of Holland.
The family is being served by Lakeshore Memorial Services. Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com to share a memory or story with the Knoth family.
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