Who died in Dr. Pol family? How Veterinarian Deals with Loss and New Life?

After 24 seasons, The Incredible Dr. Pol came to an end in 2024. The series followed Dr. Jan Harm Pol , a veterinarian in rural Michigan, through thousands of farm visits, late-night emergencies, and routine checkups that formed the backbone of his daily work. Viewers saw animals being treated, lives being saved, and a small-town clinic becoming a nationally recognized name.

Off-screen, a separate story unfolded. In 2016, Dr. Pol’s son-in-law Gregory Butch, married to his adopted daughter Kathy, died from cancer. In 2019, his grandson Adam James Butch died at age 23. Other family losses included Dr. Pol’s brother, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law. Years earlier, his adopted daughter Diane Pol Jr. had lost her biological mother to cancer.

During these years, Dr. Pol kept his clinic operating. He continued appearing on the show, attending farm calls, and managing cases as he had always done. His routine stayed consistent. His professional focus did not change. Publicly, he made few statements about personal events.

With the show concluded, the full timeline of Dr. Pol’s public and private life now exists for reflection. The series documented a working veterinarian’s career across more than a decade. The background included personal events that shaped the context, even if not featured on camera.

This article will examine the personal side of Dr. Pol’s story—specifically, the family members he lost over the years. It provides a factual account of who they were, what happened, and how these events aligned with the timeline of the show. Through this closer look, readers can better understand the human experience that unfolded alongside the well-known television narrative.

Death of Diane Pol Jr. Biological Mother

Diane Pol Jr.—full name Diane Louise Pol—is a woman who knows the pain of losing a mother. Born on March 27, 1973, she was only nine years old when her biological mother, JoAnn, passed away from cancer in 1982. JoAnn, a close friend of Diane Pol, made a final request before her death: that Diane and her husband, Dr. Jan Pol, adopt her daughter. The Pols agreed without hesitation.

At the time of her adoption, Diane Jr. became the third child to join the Pol household—but she was the eldest among the children already being raised in Weidman, Michigan. Kathy Pol had been the couple’s first adoption, followed by Charles Pol, who would later become well-known as part of the television series. Though last to be legally adopted, Diane Jr. assumed the role of older sister within the family dynamic.

Uprooted from her previous life, Diane Jr. adjusted to a new environment filled with animals, routines, and the quiet landscape of rural Michigan. It was a difficult transition, shadowed by grief and uncertainty, but one marked by the steady support of her new family. She later attended Chippewa Hills High School and went on to study at Central Michigan University. Her bond with her adoptive parents grew strong over time, grounded in mutual respect and a shared sense of family.

Years later, in a public tribute shared on Facebook for 2016 Mother’s Day, Diane Jr. reflected on her experience:

“On Mother’s Day I am yet again reminded how blessed I am to have had two mothers. One who gave birth to me, raised me for nine years and loved me enough to ask her best friend to take care of me after she died. The other took me in and chose to love me, a broken child with many, many issues. Mom Diane loved me as her own from the day I moved in, no questions asked. SHE is the one I refer to as my Mom, because she is … No questions asked. The greatest compliment I received lately was when someone told me how much I look like her. I love you mom! I thank JoAnn for bringing me into the world, but I thank you for being my Mom and for loving me.”

Diane Jr.’s story is just one chapter in the broader family history of Dr. Pol—a story shaped by both compassion and loss. As we continue, this article will explore the lives of other Pol family members who passed away, and how their memories intersected with the public life of a man best known for healing animals but who, quietly, also carried the weight of personal grief.

Remembering Adam James Butch: A Quiet Loss Behind the Pol Family Legacy

Adam James Butch was born on August 20, 1996, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Gregory and Kathy Butch. He passed away at his home on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at the age of 23. He was the firstborn grandchild of Dr. Jan Pol and Diane Pol and spent much of his early life surrounded by family in a close-knit community. Adam had a younger sister, Rachel, and both siblings occasionally appeared on The Incredible Dr. Pol, offering viewers brief glimpses into the family behind the clinic. Adam made his on-screen debut in the 2017 episode, “Show Me the Bunny.”

Episode 11 of Season 15, “Little Pol Peep,” aired on September 21—just three days after Adam’s passing. While the episode did not include a spoken or visual tribute during its broadcast, online episode credits later listed Adam James Butch as a “beloved son, grandson and brother,” suggesting a quiet acknowledgment inserted post-airing. The Pol family chose not to address the loss on-screen, keeping the show’s focus on veterinary care. Viewers at the time were largely unaware of the tragedy unfolding behind the scenes. For longtime fans, Adam’s absence in later seasons became a silent marker of the family’s grief.

Adam’s academic journey included MacGregor Elementary, St. Stanislaus Elementary, and Holy Family Middle School. He graduated from All Saints High School in 2014, where he played varsity football and was a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, Adam enrolled at Michigan State University and later worked as a certified pharmacy technician at Rite Aid.

According to his obituary and those who knew him, Adam was known for his kind demeanor and easygoing personality. He enjoyed playing guitar, creating music, spending time outdoors, and being around friends. Many tributes described him as someone who was deeply loved—a reflection of the genuine relationships he built throughout his life.

Though his life was short, Adam left a lasting impression. On May 9, 2022—nearly three years after his passing—his mother, Kathy Butch, shared a digital artwork on Facebook. The image depicted Adam with angel wings, seated beside her and his sister Rachel. The words above read: “Forever your babies we’ll be.” It was a quiet yet powerful tribute to their enduring bond.

Earlier that same year, in February 2022, Kathy also participated in a fundraiser for the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network, an organization focused on suicide prevention and bereavement support. Her involvement underscored the family’s quiet commitment to mental health awareness following their personal loss.

Adam’s connection to the show—and to Dr. Pol—offered fans a rare, humanizing view of the people behind the clinic. His sister, Rachel Butch, also appeared in two episodes: first in “Show Me the Bunny” (2017) and again in “Cow I Met Your Mother” (2019). In her final appearance, she visited the clinic with her coonhound Pete and spoke warmly about her relationship with her grandfather and family life. Her scenes offered light-hearted insights into their family dynamic earlier that same year—just seven months before Adam’s death. She did not return to the show afterward.

Adam’s story stands as a reminder that mental health struggles can touch any family, even those whose lives are shared with millions. His presence—and his absence—remain part of the Pol family’s larger story.

Adam James Butch – Wiki Bio Facts

Field	Details
Full Name	Adam James Butch
Date of Birth	August 20, 1996
Place of Birth	Saginaw, Michigan, USA
Date of Death	September 18, 2019
Place of Death	At home, Michigan, USA
Age at Death	23 years old
Parents	Gregory Butch (father), Kathy Butch (mother)
Grandparents	Dr. Jan Pol and Diane Pol
Siblings	Rachel Butch (younger sister)
Education	All Saints High School (2014), Michigan State University
Occupation	Certified Pharmacy Technician
Employer	Rite Aid
Known For	Appearances on The Incredible Dr. Pol
TV Appearances	“Show Me the Bunny” (2017), tribute in “Little Pol Peep” (2019)
Cause of Death	Not officially disclosed (family raised mental health awareness afterward)
Memorial	Tribute image shared by Kathy Butch on May 9, 2022
Notable Tribute	Posthumous mention in episode credits of Little Pol Peep
Legacy	Raised awareness around mental health; remembered by family and fans
Social Media	Facebook

Remembering Gregory Butch: A Devoted Father and Husband in the Pol Family

Gregory Butch was the husband of Kathy Pol, the adopted daughter of Dr. Jan Pol and Diane Pol. He was also the father of Adam James Butch and Rachel Butch. While not a regular face on The Incredible Dr. Pol, Gregory did appear once on the show. He was featured in Season 6, Episode 2, titled “Udderly Frozen,” which aired on January 17, 2015, where he was credited as Dr. Pol’s son-in-law. Though brief, his appearance offered viewers a rare moment of visibility into his role within the family before his illness became more serious.

Gregory Allen Butch was born on November 4, 1964, in Bay City, Michigan. A lifelong resident of the state, he graduated from All Saints Central High School and earned a degree in business management from Michigan State University. He went on to work as a chemical technologist at Dow Corning, where he dedicated 22 years of service. Outside of work, he was known as a man of faith, humility, and steady devotion to his family.

At home in Bay City, Gregory and Kathy raised their two children, Adam and Rachel, in a household marked by love, consistency, and shared values. He was described by those who knew him as a “kind soul” and a generous man who prioritized his family above all else. He was active in his church and community, offering quiet leadership through service and example.

Gregory battled cancer for four years before passing away on February 20, 2016, at the age of 50. His passing occurred during the earlier seasons of The Incredible Dr. Pol, but like other deeply personal family events, it was not acknowledged on the show. The family chose to grieve privately while the series maintained its focus on clinic life.

His death marked the beginning of a sorrowful period for the Pol family—one that would later include the tragic loss of his son, Adam, in 2019. Though Gregory’s role in the series was minimal, his presence within the family’s story remains significant. As a devoted husband, father, and pillar of quiet strength, Gregory Butch remains part of the deeper, unspoken narrative behind The Incredible Dr. Pol.

A Legacy of Quiet Loss: Family Deaths in the Life of Dr. Pol

Dr. Jan Pol was born on September 4, 1942, in Wateren, a small village in the province of Drenthe in the Netherlands. He was the youngest of six children raised on a dairy farm, where the values of hard work, family, and resilience were deeply instilled. Dr. Pol was born into a large Dutch farming family as the youngest of six children. Among his siblings were two brothers named Jan—a reflection of a traditional Dutch naming custom, where a name might be reused in honor of a relative or, in some cases, after the loss of a child. Though it’s unclear whether the first Jan passed away young, this custom led to Dr. Pol also being named Jan. The family also included a brother named Harm, and two sisters: Hennie and Dorette, who was affectionately known as Dodie.

These early years shaped not only Dr. Pol’s work ethic but also his deep sense of familial connection. One of his sisters later relocated to Canada, where she lived for many years. Though she remained out of the public spotlight, Dr. Pol maintained close ties with all his siblings and has occasionally mentioned visiting his sister abroad.

Remembering Harm Pol

Harm Pol, one of Dr. Pol’s elder brothers, followed in their father’s footsteps and became a dairy farmer in the Netherlands. In interviews and his autobiography, Dr. Pol described Harm as a quiet, dependable figure who remained deeply connected to the land and family tradition. Harm passed away over a decade ago—a loss that Dr. Pol has acknowledged in writing and conversation with quiet reflection. Though Dr. Pol built his career in the United States, he remained closely bonded with his family in the Netherlands and made regular visits home.

Hennie, Jan Bergveld, and Bontje

Dr. Pol’s sister Hennie married Jan Bergveld, who became a well-regarded and trusted member of the extended family. Jan later passed away, though the exact date of his death is not publicly known. He is remembered fondly for his gentle presence and the meaningful connections he shared with family. Dr. Pol and Hennie also experienced the loss of their sister-in-law Bontje, the wife of their brother Jan Pol. Bontje was a deeply rooted figure in the family, admired for her kindness and the nurturing relationships she fostered. She passed away on September 22, 2012, at the age of 84, and was laid to rest in Appelscha, Netherlands. The timeline of her passing in relation to Jan Bergveld’s death remains unclear, as his date of death is not publicly documented.

Although these family members were never seen on The Incredible Dr. Pol, they helped shape the emotional foundation of Dr. Pol’s personal and professional life. Their influence—quiet, steady, and enduring—played a significant role in shaping the values that Dr. Pol carried with him throughout his career.

A Private Legacy Behind the Public Figure

These personal losses unfolded largely outside the spotlight, even as Dr. Pol’s television presence grew. In various reflections, he has credited his siblings with helping instill in him a strong moral compass—one grounded in compassion, perseverance, and humility. Their legacy lives on not through televised tributes, but in the way Dr. Pol has continued to live and serve.

While The Incredible Dr. Pol focused on veterinary care, animals, and rural life, the man at its center has quietly endured a history of grief and remembrance. The deaths of siblings, in-laws, and extended family members were not part of the televised narrative, but they are foundational to the deeper story of Dr. Pol’s character. Through each loss, he has held fast to the core values instilled during his childhood in Wateren.

It is within this private legacy of love and loss that the enduring spirit of Dr. Pol takes shape—not only as a veterinarian, but as a man whose quiet resilience continues to inspire those who have followed his journey, both on and off the screen.

Although these family members were never seen on The Incredible Dr. Pol, they helped shape the emotional foundation of Dr. Pol’s personal and professional life. Their influence—quiet, steady, and enduring—played a significant role in shaping the values that Dr. Pol carried with him throughout his career.

Editor’s Note (Last Updated: April 1, 2025)This article has been revised multiple times since its original publication. While the initial release date is not definitively recorded, it predates August 1, 2024. The most recent update in April 2025 includes expanded sections on family history, accurate timelines aligned with The Incredible Dr. Pol (2011–2024), and details drawn from Dr. Pol’s memoir and public records. These updates aim to preserve factual accuracy while respectfully honoring the private experiences of the Pol family alongside their public life.