Donald L. Snyder

MADISON-Donald LeRoy Snyder, age 88, surrounded by family, entered into eternal peace on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at Drumlin Assisted Living in Cottage Grove. Don was born on Nov. 30, 1931, the son of the late LeRoy Snyder and Ruby Bierce. He was a family man, bright and quick-witted, and his loyalty, integrity, unconditional love, and compassion were known to all. After graduating from the Indiana State Lab School, he served as a medic in the U.S. Army. Once he completed his first master’s degree, he served as an English and Literature teacher and then superintendent of schools. He later was awarded his second master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He became the first high school guidance counselor in the Village of New Glarus, Wis. He later became an Administrator for Vocational Rehabilitation for the State of Wisconsin. Don was involved in many community causes, including Youth Hockey Programs and Goodwill Industries. One of his favorite hobbies was to create quizzes for the online club, FunTrivia.com. Don was predeceased by the two loves of his life, Jimietta Joan (33 years) and Pamela Jo (29 years); a grandson, Luke Snyder in 2017; and a son-in-law, Bryan Thurman in 2020. He leaves loving memories to be cherished by his children, Debbie (Bryan) Thurman of Eugene, Ore., Donald Snyder, Jr. (Linda) of Alamosa, Colo., Karrie Snyder (Stephen) of Chaska, Minn., Geoffrey (Julie) Snyder of Madison, Wis., and Murray Snyder (Megan) of Waunakee, Wis. He spoke often about how his life was blessed by his nine grandchildren, Becky Smith and Jeff Thurman of Oregon; Jennifer Perzentka, Lindsay Snyder, Sarah Hockett, and Mary Snyder of Wisconsin; Steven Snyder of California; and Stephen Snyder of Minnesota. He took great pride in his nine -grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and hundreds of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don also helped lovingly raise Shaun and Kim, Pamela Jo's children. There will be a family graveside ceremony at Highland Memory Gardens in Madison at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Don always encouraged people to give in honor of Pamela Jo. Memorial contributions may be made to the local branch of Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, 3330 University Ave., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53705. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420