Virgil Snitker 1939-2009
GOEKE, SNITKER, PETERSON, ANDREGG, BOLHUIS, LENTH
Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 8/29/2009 at 19:46:55
Virgil Snitker
Virgil L. Snitker, 70, of Waukon died Friday, July 17, 2009 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 21 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon, with Rev. Lynn G. Groe officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.
Virgil Lawrence Snitker was born July 5, 1939 in Waukon, the son of Lawrence Elmer and Helen Minnie (Goeke) Snitker. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon and attended rural area schools. Following school he began farming with his father and then on his own at several locations in the rural Waukon area. Virgil then spent several years working road construction for Carlson Construction out of Decorah. After that he returned to farming for a time, working for the Promnitz family. Finally, he worked as a cheese maker for the Ludlow, Waukon, and Decorah Creameries before health issues forced his retirement in 1990.
He married Betty Peterson and had three children, Michael, Michelle, and Mark. They were later divorced. June 29, 1973 he married Rose Ann Andregg at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon.
Prior to his health issues, Virgil's favorite pastime was fishing. He spent time fishing with practically every member of his family, imprinting many fond memories for all. Virgil also enjoyed gardening and raised both flowers and vegetables. When visiting with Virgil at his home in Waukon, one of the first points of interest was showing off his garden. Many family meals were shared with fresh vegetables from his labor of love.
Upon retirement, Virgil took up the hobby of making bird houses in his garage. Each project became bigger and more colorful and he gave these away as gifts. Virgil also became the caretaker of the neighborhood stray cats. He made certain they had food and even installed a pet door in his garage to give them shelter. Enjoying a good game of cards and listening to Christmas music were other things special to Virgil.
Survivors include his wife, Rose Snitker of Waukon; three children, Michael A. Snitker of Minneapolis, MN, Michelle (Eric) Bolhuis of Greeley, CO, and Mark L. (Lynn) Snitker of Rollingstone, MN; five grandchildren, Allison and Garrett Bolhuis and Brett, Peyton, and Aiden Snitker; a brother, Darrell (Kay) Snitker and a sister, Kathy Snitker, both of Waukon; a brother-in-law, Eldon Lenth; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Snitker. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert Snitker; and a sister, Faye Lenth.
Casketbearers were Lane and Lonnie Lenth, Dustin, Darren, Bruce, and Richard Snitker, and Kyle Johnson.
The Waukon Standard, July 22, 2009
Contributor is not related and has no further information.
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