"Claire and Family, Lowell was a good man who dedicated himself to the residents and vistors of Muscatine County. He was a true professional who worked very hard to do the right thing, for all concerned. While working for MPD, he was always willing to give me a helping hand or offer whatever assistance he could. The world is a dimmer place without him in it. My sincere condolences. "
In loving memory of
Lowell Snyder
October 24, 1948 - October 14, 2012
LOWELL SNYDER
RIVERVIEW, Florida - Lowell L. Snyder, 63, formerly of Muscatine, Iowa, died on Sunday, October 14, 2012, in Riverview.
Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. The Reverend Jason Crossen of the Ss. Mary and Mathias Parish will officiate. Honorary bearers will be Joe Simmons, Bob Grant, Ken Sequin, Tom Summitt, P.J. Brewer, David Perley, Don Bekker, Erica Henderson, Michael Henderson, Burken Snyder, Giovanna Miller, and Nadia Miller. Private burial will take place in Rock Island National Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to a Hospice program of the donor's choice, Muscatine Search and Rescue, or Muscatine County Sheriff's Patrol.
Lowell was born on October 24, 1948, in Muscatine, the son of Delbert and Jennie Decker Snyder. He married Clare Schumacher on July 22, 1972, in Muscatine.
He was a graduate of Muscatine High School, Class of 1967. He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam Era. After his time in the service, he attended Muscatine Community College and graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1973.
He retired as Sheriff from the Muscatine County Sheriff's Department in 2001, after 28 years of service with the department. While he was Sheriff he established the Honor Guard for the department. He worked for the New London, Iowa, Police Department from 2005-2007. He had also worked for Riley Ambulance Service as an EMT-A for several years.
He was a member of the Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon, Florida and had been a member of the Ss. Mary and Mathias Parish in Muscatine, Iowa. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus - Laurent Council # 1305, Lion's Club, and the Moose Lodge.
He enjoyed following his racing buddy, Brian Birkhofer; playing with his grandchildren; and watching the Hawkeye games and NASCAR races.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Clare Snyder of Riverview; two daughters, Amanda Snyder Henderson and husband, M.C. of Muscatine, Iowa, and Amy Snyder Miller and husband, Koko, of Riverview; five grandchildren, Erica, Burken, Michael, Nadia, and Giovanna; four sisters, Sandy Snyder Maxam of Tucson, Arizona, Tammy Snyder Ganoe of Jefferson, Iowa, Naomi Snyder of Moline, Illinois, and Barb Andresen of Muscatine, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and two sisters, Alma Thomas and Violet Hansen.
Tributes
"Lowell was well known and liked as an officer for New London Police Department. He was a friend to many people in town and a great asset to our small community. We're very glad Lowell got to retire in a warmer and hopefully more relaxing environment where he could enjoy his family. We enjoyed seeing Lowell during his last visit to Iowa. Deepest sympathy to Clare and the family, our thoughts will be with you during this challenging time. "
"One of my favorite memories of Lowell is from the summer I was pregnant with Josh, it was sooo hot, so Darrell and I decided to sneek into the pits to cool off. Pretty soon here comes Lowell and he says, now Cindy what would your Dad (Charlie Geertz) say if he had to come bail you out for swimming here. In my mind there were two great Muscatine County deputies over the years my father and Lowell Snyder. And he was a great sheriff. The Lowell Patrol will be missed by the 70's generation.
"
"to the entire Lowell Snyder family---may a memory warm your heart and comfort your loss. We send our prayers and blessing."
" I was the paramedic at Blue Grass raceway and spent a lot of time with Lowell. I used to go down when he was sheriff and ride with him.He was a great man and I had tons of respect for him. He went to Bristol Tennesee with us for the Winston Cup race also.
The world is definitely a lesser place without him.
Rest well old friend."
"Clare: Our prayers thoughts and condolences are with you...Tuesday is our Auction Day otherwise we would be there!!"
"I am so sorry for our loss, Clare.I was checking the obituary for my Aunt when I saw the notice. My sincerest best wishes to you. Hugs, Sarah Kautz"
"I am saddened to learn of the Passing of Lowell. I worked with him 81-84 at the Sheriff Dept. in Muscatine. He was Sergeant then. I was dispatcher. He was a good man and I enjoyed working with him. My Condolences to the Family. He will be greatly missed. "
"Barb & Sandy, I was saddened when I heard about Lowell's passing and want you to know you are in my thoughts. Sending you much love and sympathy. Tammy"
"Now that I am gone, remember me with smiles and laughter. And if you need to cry, cry with your brother or sister who walks in grief beside you. And when you need me, put your arms around anyone and give to them what you need to give to me. There are so many who need so much. I want to leave you something -- something much better than words or sounds. Look for me in the people I've known or helped in some special way. Let me live in your heart as well as in your mind. You can love me most by letting your love reach out to our loved ones, by embracing them and living in their love. Love does not die, people do. So, when all that's left of me is love, give me away as best you can."
"Lowell was a good man. He loved and was dedicated to his family and community and he will be missed. Our deepest sympathy. "
"Clare and Family, Dena and I extend our deepest sympathy on Lowell's passing. When he was in Muscatine, I really enjoyed visiting with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom Schliesman"
"Clare and family, Fred and I extend our sincere sympathy in Lowell's passing. He put up a courageous fight with that awful disease and is gone too soon! We will miss his smiling face and his caring nature. I am so glad that I got to talk to him just a few short weeks ago. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers! Hugs. Sheila Lepley"
"Barb and Family, sending my sympathy for the loss of your brother. Lowell was a caring man."
"Your Dad was just a wonderful man and very kind to everyone who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of sorrow and loss."
"the lough family ,are so sorry for your loss.he was a great man. connie,jim lough,sherri peterson and family "
"Our thoughts & prayers to Lowell's family. He always treated us fair & kind. I remember years back- I was in Trinity in Davenport- he recognized me & came over & said 'hello'- he was a special man."
"Barbara, So sorry for your loss,We were good friends and High school mates. "
"The friendship between Lowell and me dated back to 1971 when we were both co-workers and barracks roommates with the 804th Security Police Squadron at Grand Forks AFB, ND. He was a trusted friend with a sense of humor. He returned to his native Iowa after his USAF military service, and became a deputy with the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office, and later was elected as the Muscatine County Sheriff. His passing was sudden and tragic. My sincerest condolences to Clare, Amanda, and Amy. "
"Barb: Sorry for your loss of your brother. "
"Amy, sorry for your loss please give my sympathy to your Mother and Sister"