Francis LaVern Snyder Obituary

Francis LaVern Snyder, 90, of Stevensville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters on Saturday, June 13, 2026. He was born October 19, 1935 in Fish Lake, IN to Joseph and Nellie Grace (Van Dusen) Snyder.

Vern, as he was known in his younger days, was born in Fish Lake, Indiana, on the old Mackin place. Soon after his birth, his family moved to Mill Creek, where Vern lived until leaving for college. He attended Mill Creek schools and participated in athletics, lettering in basketball, baseball, and track. His love of sports continued into college through intramural athletics, where he especially enjoyed swimming the breaststroke. His leadership abilities were evident early on, serving as president of his high school classes.

With a love for engineering and a strong work ethic, Vern attended Purdue University — “Boiler Up!” — earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering while working his way through school. After graduation, he began what would become a 38-year career with Whirlpool in global operations. His work took him to Canada, Europe, Asia, India, Australia, and throughout South and Central America, where he built lasting friendships everywhere he went. What an adventure for someone born in a small rural town house in Indiana! Vern’s work ethic was unparalleled. He approached every aspect of life with purpose, discipline, and routine, believing deeply in the value of hard work.

Vern was an outdoorsman at heart. He loved fishing, hunting, and trapping, often bringing his trophies home to the garage or basement where he tanned hides for sale or made deer sausage. He believed strongly in serving his community and gave generously of his time. He served for many years as president of the Berrien County Sportsman Club, was a Boy Scout leader — despite having only daughters — and served on the local Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) board, among many other activities.

He also had countless hobbies and interests. Vern enjoyed woodworking, carving duck decoys and toys for his grandchildren, taxidermy, reloading shells for skeet shooting, and, in recent years, refurbishing and selling antiques — a hobby that became one of his greatest passions.

Though his work took him around the world, Vern’s heart was always at home with his family. That love was especially evident when he purchased land “Up North” in Irons, Michigan, next to property once owned by his grandfather. There, he built a cabin, completing all of the interior work himself. Back home in Stevensville, on “the farm,” he loved mowing the lawn on his beloved John Deere tractor. He treasured family gatherings and meals, taking the grandkids on tractor rides, showing them around his workshop, and making special memories through simple traditions — getting donuts, visiting the Dublin Store, buying jerky and stopping at the Na-Tah-Ka, eating perch dinners, and sharing ice cream together during “Up North” adventures.

In recent years, Vern spent time in Lake Winnebago, Missouri, where he enjoyed lake life with his many friends and companion, Ansel, and her daughter, Lynn; and visits to Florida to see her daughter, Tish, Jeff, and grandson, Ethan. In October of last year, he returned to Michigan to be closer to family.

Vern is survived by his daughters, Julie Snyder, Linda (Mark Walker) Krager-Walker, and Sue Snyder; his grandchildren, Melissa (Matthew) Chesney, Aaron “Aar Bear”(Keri) Krager, Scarlett Morgan, and Steven (Sarah) Walker; his great-grandchildren, Jewel Bounauito, Lydia (TJ), Brandon, Bradley, Nolan, and Sara Chesney, and Noah, Jonah, and “Baby Bear” Walker; and his great-great-grandson, Silas. He is also survived by his brother, Paul (Sally) Snyder; his sisters-in-law, Darlene (Lew) Gilbert, and Marville (Ron) Gilbert; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Priscilla “Pat” Snyder; his parents, Joseph and Nellie Grace Snyder; his sister, Betty June; and his brothers, Joseph (Marguerite) Snyder, and Robert (Hazel) Snyder.

Vern will be remembered for his strength, work ethic, craftsmanship, leadership, love of family, and the countless memories he created for those fortunate enough to know him.

The family will receive guests from 1pm until time of celebration of life service at 3pm, Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., Saint Joseph with Matt Chesney officiating. Burial will take place at 11am, Monday, June 29, 2026 at Hickory Bluff Cemetery, Stevensville. Memorial contributions may be given to Sarrett Nature Center, www.sarett.org/donations.