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William “Bill” Snyder

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Service Information

William "Bill" Snyder, age 91, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson with interment in Oakland Cemetery.

Gathering of Family and Friends will be on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. prior to the service at the church.

Memorials preferred. 

Military Honors by Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.

Funeral Chapel
Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel
899 Highway 15 South
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone:(320) 587-2128
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Obituary

William John Snyder was born October 26, 1931 in Mountain, WI. He was the son of William and May (Whitford) Snyder. During his childhood he lived in Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Ohio prior to his family moving to Minnesota in 1944. Bill graduated from Olivia High School in 1949 and Macalester College in 1953 where he also received his Master’s Degree in Education in 1959. In 1972, he received an Education Specialist Degree from the University of St. Thomas.

Following his graduation from college in 1953, Bill served in the United Stated Army in Germany until June, 1955. He was united in marriage with Helen Marie Olson on May 31, 1958 at Minnehaha Methodist Church in Minneapolis, MN. They resided in Renville, Minnesota for three years prior to moving to Hutchinson in 1961 where they made their home until April of 2022 when they moved to Colorado Springs, CO.

The first 14 years of Bill’s 38-year career in education were spent teaching and coaching. He began his teaching career at Watertown High School from 1955 – 1957. He taught at Renville High School from 1957 – 1961 and then at Hutchinson High School from 1961 – 1969. Bill also served as head football coach in Renville and Hutchinson (1964-69).

In 1969 Bill became Assistant Principal at Hutchinson High School. In 1974 he began his career as principal of Hutchinson Junior High School and served as principal of Hutchinson Middle School from 1990 until his retirement in 1993.

Professionally, Bill was active in the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals. He served on the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and was elected President in 1987. He was a long-time member of Vineyard Methodist Church where he served as chairperson of the Board of Trustees and the Administrative Board. Bill was a member of the Optimist Club for over 25 years, twice serving as president. He also belonged to the Kiwanis Club for over 20 years and served as president in 2009. He was a charter member of the Tuesday Breakfast Club and served a two-year term as co-president. As a member of the Jaycees, Bill served two years as parade chairman of the Hutchinson Water Carnival. He also served on the Board of Directors of the McLeod County Group Homes.

Bill officiated high school basketball games for 25 years. In retirement, he was a volunteer instructor in AARP’s Defensive Driving Program for 15 years. In 1969 he was one of eight finalists for the “Minnesota High School Football Coach of the Year.” In 1988, Bill was one of eight finalists for Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals award - “Principal of the Year.”

Bill is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 64 years, Helen; son Mark and daughter-in-law Sylvia of Oregon City, OR; daughter Susan and son-in-law Bill Walsh of Colorado Springs, CO; son Paul and daughter-in-law Missy of Westminster, CO; grandchildren Ina Skidmore and husband Todd, Christopher Snyder and wife Doris, and Kathryn Snyder; great granddaughter Kylee DeBray; niece Lisa Johnston and her husband Steve; nephews Scott Olson, David Olson, Don Walker and his wife Nancy, Dale Walker and his wife Merrie.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents William and May Snyder; father-in-law Ralph B. Olson; mother-in-law Ruth Olson; brother-in-law Ralph B. Olson Jr and his wife Donna; brother-in-law Harold Walker and his wife Mary; nephews Richard Walker and Dean Walker.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Donna (Ondracek) Engelen says

    November 2, 2022 at 7:12 pm

    My sympathies Sue and family.

    Reply
  2. Sharae Hogan says

    November 2, 2022 at 7:49 pm

    Helen, Paul and Susan, I’m sorry to hear of Bills passing. You will miss him terribly and love him forever and have good memories.

    Reply
  3. Chad and Jo Piehl says

    November 2, 2022 at 9:15 pm

    We have no words. So sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Just a great teacher, coach, mentor and human being. A man who leaves a legacy.
    Bill was a class act, always respected and admired. He showed by example and made us better people. Was a great husband to Helen and a father who raised successful children.
    You’ll be missed.
    Rest In Peace, Coach.

    Reply
  4. Christian Dobratz says

    November 3, 2022 at 1:10 pm

    My sympathies to you all on Bill’s passing. I will never forget the principal and mentor he was to so many of us. He was true class. Bill never forgot who you were or your name, and was always the first to ask how and what you were doing even as we became adults. May the great memories you have with your dad and husband lift and sustain you in difficult times. Gods blessings to you all.

    Reply
  5. Barb Field says

    November 3, 2022 at 3:18 pm

    My husband knew him as Coach Snyder. My kids and I knew him as Mr. Snyder. But all 4 of us truly respected him and liked him. If my husband were still with us I’m sure he’d add many stories from the football field…like the time they played on a muddy field and the team took showers with their filthy uniforms on and clogged the drains….
    Helen may you and your family have many wonderful memories of him. God bless you in the days ahead!
    Barb, Matt and Amy Field

    Reply
  6. Kathleen Style Homa says

    November 3, 2022 at 3:29 pm

    Sorry to hear of Bills passing. We enjoyed Helen and Bill as neighbors on Circle Drive. They were very kind and caring people. I remember our Beth leaving a May basket on the Snyder’s doorstep. Good memories.

    Reply
  7. Jessica says

    November 3, 2022 at 6:33 pm

    My dad had Mr. Snyder as a teacher and I knew him as a junior high principal. I remember one time I was called into his office and other students thought I was in big trouble!!! It turned out that he has gotten complaints for several students and some parents about a particular teacher. He asked me what was going on in the class because he didn’t know if the complaints were legitimate…they were and he thanked me for my honesty. I always looked forward to seeing Mr Snyder and his smile whether in his office, in the hallway or around town.

    Jessica (Krueger) Tuttle

    Reply
  8. Betty Nielsen says

    November 3, 2022 at 6:39 pm

    Helen & Family,
    I was surprised and saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I worked with Bill at ISD 423 for many years and we also volunteered together at many Kiwanis fundraisers. He was kind and thoughtful and I had the highest respect for him as a principal, co-worker, gentleman and friend. Bill was truly one of the good ones! Helen, may you find peace in the days and weeks ahead.

    Reply
  9. Kevin Lee says

    November 4, 2022 at 1:28 am

    Sorry to hear of Mr. Snyder’s passing. He was always kind to me in school. I graduated in ‘74. Kevin Lee.

    Reply
  10. Jerry and Pat Hoikka says

    November 4, 2022 at 10:42 am

    One of the truly nice guys and a good friend. He was the best administrator that I worked for. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. He will be greatly missed.

    Reply
  11. Ann Johnson Kastner says

    November 4, 2022 at 11:13 am

    So sorry to hear about your dad, Sue and Mark. My sympathies to you and your families. I remember your dad as a wonderful person and a great principal.

    Reply
  12. Peter juul says

    November 4, 2022 at 1:08 pm

    Bill always treated me with respect and would often ask how things were going. Condolences to Helen and the family. He was a positive presence in the lives of many young people.

    Reply
  13. Angela forcier says

    November 4, 2022 at 4:32 pm

    Prayers to your family Sue , your dad was a special man

    Reply
  14. Betsy Connelly Brown says

    November 4, 2022 at 5:47 pm

    Helen I’m so sorry to hear of “ Mr. Snyder’s “ passing. ( He was always Mr. Snyder to Me). I remember his as my social studies teacher and had great respect for him when he was my boys’ principal. I hope your memories bring you peace.

    Reply
  15. Anne hahn says

    November 4, 2022 at 7:48 pm

    Mr Snyder always was a friend, as “my boss” in Jr high and the middle school… Many memories. I will miss seeing him. Take care, Helen. Anne hahn

    Reply
  16. John Christianson says

    November 4, 2022 at 11:43 pm

    To Helen and Family
    My prayers are with you
    While we all cherish knowing this wonderful man and celebrate his life.

    Reply
  17. Kris Laabs Malmberg says

    November 5, 2022 at 6:49 am

    Paul and family you are in my thoughts. Kris Laabs Malmberg

    Reply
  18. Stephen Kerkvliet says

    November 6, 2022 at 12:32 pm

    Prayers being said for Bill and the entire family!

    Reply
  19. Jo Reck says

    November 7, 2022 at 11:17 am

    To the family of “Mr. Snyder,” as he will alway be Mr.Snyder in my lifetime~
    I will remember him as a kind and fair man, even if we did have a few “office chat’s!” Though he scared the daylights out of me as my high school principal, he was someone I respected and liked as one of the good guys. In the years following my graduation from HHS he always remembered me and we’d have a short conversation about what was happening in each of our lives. May your wonderful memories give you comfort in the days and weeks to come~ Jolene (Jo) Moldestad) Reck

    Reply
  20. Patrick Beatty says

    November 7, 2022 at 1:27 pm

    Paul, Mrs. Snyder and family – despite time and distance, I remember Mr. Snyder fondly. Know you are in my family’s thoughts.

    Reply
  21. Dan and Michelle Brague says

    November 8, 2022 at 3:26 pm

    We were so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. He was one of the kindest and generous men I have known. He was always smiling and picked-up from our last conversation as if it had been days when it was actually years since we last spoke. He and Helen raised a fantastic family together and instilled so much of himself in them. Smart, hardworking, loving, loyal, fair and above all else kind. We are better people for having known him and we are thankful to have his children in our lives as he lives in all he taught them.

    Reply
  22. Dan and Jeanne VanOverbeke says

    November 9, 2022 at 9:39 am

    Our sympathies to the Snyder family. I worked with Bill at ISD 423 and along with him for many years in Kiwanis. He was a great friend and mentor.
    Not many will ever be as complete a great human being as Bill.
    Eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him.

    Reply
  23. Mark and Suzette Taylor says

    November 10, 2022 at 1:13 am

    My Snyder — a genuine servant leader who left an amazing legacy through his 64-year love for Helen, through the kind and caring children he nurtured and raised, and through the thousands of young adults he molded. We are all blessed to have known him.

    With love and prayers — until we meet again,

    Reply
  24. LeRoy Fischer says

    November 10, 2022 at 11:39 pm

    Helen and family
    I only heard this trough the grapevine here in the Springs yesterday…
    My sympathy to all of you.
    LeRoy Fischer

    Reply
  25. Mark Anderson says

    November 13, 2022 at 3:26 pm

    Terrific man and administrator … he joins a long list of outstanding people, teachers, and administrators at Hutchinson who have passed on but will not be forgotten

    God’s blessings
    Mark Anderson

    Reply
  26. Judy Sladek says

    November 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm

    My sympathies to the Snyder family. He truly was a wonderful administrator, with the best interest for the students.

    Reply
  27. Karg Peterson says

    November 17, 2022 at 7:59 pm

    Fall of 77’ A couple of ninth graders enjoyed tossing me around in the hallways.
    It was hard to do, but I went to Mr Snyder. I remember being in his office like it was yesterday , him pulling out the year book. He was pretty agitated when I pointed out the two kids. Within a day he took care of the problem and occasionally would make sure everything was good.

    Reply
  28. Betty Schnobrih says

    November 19, 2022 at 7:38 am

    Dear Helen,

    My loving thoughts are with you and your family during this sad time. Bill and you were a stellar couple, always so involved and caring . Bills wonderful life will provide everyone with great memories. I planned on attending the funeral today but I am battling bronchitis and now a very bad cold. I do not want to expose you and all attending.
    May love and peace give you comfort in the days ahead.

    Hugs Betty Schnobrich

    Reply
  29. Verne Meyer says

    November 19, 2022 at 10:28 am

    My relationship with Bill and the Snyder family began when we joined Vineyard church and over time with the Hutchinson school and through community events. Bill had a deep interest not only in the schools, but the greater community as well. For many years I served as a recruiter for health care providers and would sometimes call on Bill to provide a school tour for a couple who were considering a move to the area with children potentially attending school in Hutchinson. Bill was always very helpful, would spend time with the family and show genuine interest in their situation and any concerns they may have. Not only was he professional, but enjoyable to be around. About 8 years ago we moved from town, but about a year ago returned for a church funeral. I was hoping I would get to see Bill there and I did. The last words I ever spoke to him were, “Bill, I was so hoping that I would see you here today.” I am so glad I had that oportunity.

    Helen, Linda and I planned to come to the service, but due to an illness were unable. Our deepest sympathy to you and the family.

    Reply
  30. Beth Cornell says

    November 20, 2022 at 10:38 am

    Bill. had such a full life and really made an impact in the Hutchinson community.

    He was kind, and loved well, particularly his family. Till the end, you could tell how much he loved Helen from the way he looked at her. And I loved to listen to his stories.

    Definitely a life so well lived. And he is dearly loved by his family. Love you all!

    Reply
  31. Megan (Hogan) Mayo says

    November 25, 2022 at 2:26 pm

    My deepest sympathies to your family on the passing of Bill. He was a great middle school principal, and a great man.

    Reply
  32. Richard and Diane Garritson says

    November 25, 2022 at 6:48 pm

    To know Bill was to be touched by his spirit.
    Bill was a wonderful man. We feel so blessed to have been able to get to know him, and to spend time with him. Bill lived a remarkable life, and it was always so delightful to hear his stories and the tales of his family and his experiences. Knowing Bill certainly gave us insight into understanding Susan, Paul and Mark much more! We can definitely see Bill in each of them- his integrity, his wisdom, his faith, and of course his keen sense of humor and sharp wit!
    We absolutely loved seeing Bill and Helen dancing together at Susan’s wedding—they were the last couple on the dance floor during the longest marriage dance! 64 years of devotion and love!
    Bill touched our lives, and the lives of so many. He will truly be missed.

    Reply
  33. Walsh Patrick says

    November 30, 2022 at 12:22 am

    I just read in the Hutchinson Leader that Bill passed away. He and I shared a lot of background. I was the principal at Hutchinson high school from 2011 to 2018. I put your grandpa up for the Hall of Fame and wished that he made it. He was absolutely one of my favorite people in Hutchinson. Please share this with family members. I wish I’d known to attend his funeral. I am so sorry to see that he passed. He was a wonderful man and made a huge contribution to Hutchinson. -Patrick Walsh, 320-583-2972

    Reply

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