Doctor Richard Carl Knoll
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January 27, 1929 – October 19, 2015
Resident of Kansas City, Missouri
Richard was born on January 27, 1929 in Burlington, Iowa to Carl and Rose Knoll. He died October 19, 2015 surrounded by his family at his bedside in Kansas City, Missouri. Richard and his loving wife Janice were married for 65 years and had 8 children. Survivors are his wife, Janice and five of his children, Sherri Anne Hellums, Deborah Knoll-Ewers, Carla (Tina) Bass, Richard (Erich) Knoll, and Patrice Schmitt, and their spouses, Roger Hellums, Scott Ewers, Robert Bass, and Gerry Schmitt. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, & Shannon Hellums, Jeremy & Jason Tercey, Erica Bass Miller, Justin Ewers, Caleb, Addison & Cameron Schmitt, Alaina, Olivia & Joey Knoll, and their spouses , Holly Hellums, Andre’ Ruiz, Becky Tercey & Alyssa Ewers; and 6 great grandchildren, Arron, Nathan & Quinten Ruiz, Brendon & Breanna Hellums, and their spouses, Jessica Ruiz. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Knoll, brother Tom Knoll and his wife Judy, and nieces and nephews, Sister-in-laws, & Brother-in-laws.
Richard was a professional opera singer with the Lyric Opera companies, singing lead tenor roles. He blessed thousands with his beautiful voice all over the world. He sang Irish songs and released them on CD’s.
Dr. Knoll taught voice at Indiana University, and the University of Missouri. While at UMKC Conservatory, he founded a sister school program at Pusan National University in South Korea. His talents were many, not only in voice but as an artist and master carpenter.
He was a wonderful, loving and caring husband and father. A true family man! Richard worked hard but always provided great family times at the Lake of the Ozarks on our different boats. Holidays were always special. We will miss his laughter and his jokes.
He was a blessing and we were lucky to have him in our lives.
In celebration of Richard Knoll’s life, we are having a memorial service on Friday November 6th at 3:30 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64133.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the family, or can be donated to the Alzheimer’s association in Richard Knoll’s name.
Visits: 1
Janice, my prayers are with you and your family. I so enjoyed Richard’s singing in church. He gave such joy to so many people with his voice. We miss you in our Bible Study Group and think of you often. Eva
So sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. We have missed you in our Bible Study Class. Always loved hearing Dick sing at church. I especially enjoyed the time Linda Mann “interviewed” Dick. We learned so much about him. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Janice, My belated condolences to you. Dick Knoll is missed much more than you can imagine! Patrick William Tegtmeyer (son of William Klein Tegtmeyer)