Richard Lee Snowberg

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Richard Snowberg Obituary

Richard Lee Snowberg

Richard Lee Snowberg was born December 23, 1941, to John (Ed) and Helen Snowberg. He grew up in West Bend, Wisconsin, Valparaiso, Indiana, and Elwood Indiana, and graduated in 1960 from Sterling High School in Sterling, Illinois. Richard received his undergraduate degree in physical education from Illinois State University in 1964 where he was the top-ranked player on the tennis team. He taught physical education for three years in Illinois before pursuing a doctoral degree in educational media at Indiana University. He completed his doctoral degree in 1971 and was hired by University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as an assistant professor. Next, he was hired by the University of Arkansas to start their educational media program. He returned to Wisconsin in 1975 as an associate professor at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-L), where he taught media courses and supervised their campus media center. He retired from UW-L in 2000. A lifelong magician, Rich liked to incorporate magic into his university lectures. This interest evolved into a clown character named "Snowflake" and eventually many years of clowning and performances for parties, celebrations, and in hospitals, sometimes with Jan, Eric, and David.

Richard "Snowflake" Snowberg wrote six books on clowning and founded an adult clown training program called "Clown Camp," which he directed for 30 years. Rich was elected President of the World Clown Association three times where he organized international clown training programs in Scotland, Singapore, and Borneo. Rich was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1999.

Rich was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather and was enthusiastic about any time spent with family. His joy and positivity were contagious, and he brought out the best in those around him. He was a natural leader and gave his time and energy to family, friends, students, and fellow clown arts enthusiasts. Always quick with a smile, his kindness and encouragement will be greatly missed.

Rich is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janice (Tobler); sons: Eric (Jennifer) and David (Michelle); grandchildren: Blaise and Lena; sisters: Karen (Ron) and Jean (Rick); and brothers-in-law: Jack (Beth) Tobler and Jerry (Barb) Tobler.

A Celebration of Rich's life will be held in La Crosse this June. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Garden mausoleum in La Crosse. Please contact the family for more details.

Memorial donations may be made to Illinois State University's Milner Library Circus & Allied Arts Collection, Campus Box 8900, Normal, IL 61790. Milner houses Rich's Clown Camp archives and history. Epitaph by Merritt Malloy: "Love doesn't die. People do. So when all that's left of me Is love, Give me away."

https://www.monarchsociety.com/obituary/richard-snowberg

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Published by La Crosse Tribune on Mar. 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Snowberg

Sponsored by Monarch Society.

26 Entries

Janet (and Kent) Koppelman

April 22, 2023

Remembering Rich with a smile on my face. UWL was his and Kent's home and family for many years. His contributions were an important part of that academic family. Last year Kent and I moved in to The Landings shortly after you left #205 - Loving it here. Unfortunately Kent passed away in August 2022 so we didn't have much time here together. This is a wonderful place to be, though - sorry our paths did not cross here. Hugs to you and your family, Jan, and wishing you all sweet memories to sustain you.

Vickie Sutton

March 28, 2023

Loved going with Dr. Rich on our adventure walks and his wonderful stories. I will miss visiting and helping in his care. Dr. Rich was Amazing! He is missed. Prayers for Jan and the family.!

Merilyn Barrett

March 28, 2023

Richard was the kindest and most generous man I have ever known. He encouraged me to be the best that I could be.
When I first started clowning and was interested in safety programs, I shared my interest with him. The following week, I received a huge box of documentation about presenting safety shows. Richard always believed in me, his trust in me always spurred me on to try harder. I was honored that he asked permission to use my photos to raise money for the Clown Camp Scholarship Auction and felt extremely privileged to have earned his trust and respect to be asked to be the photographer to the Camp. Richard was a very special friend and his kindness and friendship will be forever cherished. He is a legend. He gave his all.

Gerry Cox

March 28, 2023

I host the International Death, Grief, and Bereavement Conference at UW-L. Rich and his clowns used to talk and perform at my Conference and I talked at his camp about others ways for clowns to use their gifts. He was able to convey the use of humor with dying and bereaved people. We shared many parts of our lives. My father went to law school at Valparaiso, I taught at Indiana University, have relatives in Elwood, and grew up in Muncie, Indiana. I taught at Western Illinois and have many friends in Normal, Illinois and at Illinois State. We had many connections! He was a special person who made the world a better place!

Valerie Pedlar

March 27, 2023

I was so sorry to hear about Rich's passing. He was an important person in my husband, Arthur's life. Having met Arthur performing as Clown Vercoe at a clown gathering in Bognor Regis, England, Rich invited him to the La Crosse clown camp in 1988. That started a long and fulfilling association with the world of American clowning. Arthur died last year so on his behalf I want to express his immense gratitude for all that Rich did and the affection that we both hold for him and Jan.

Brad Byers

March 26, 2023

What a deep loss to the clown community and all the lives Richard touched.

He had a way of assessing your spirit and accepted people as they were in all their diversity.

He touched many very deeply with the greatest of ease on his part. I was one of them.

I knew Richard from Clown Camp programs which enriched so many of us who wear the red nose.

Richard has inspired many to follow in his big clown footprints to bring, smiles, giggles (his was infectious!), And kindness.

His spirit lives on with all those he touched.

God Speed, Snowflake.

Brad Byers aka 'Stache the Clown

Sue and Rick Denzer

Planted Trees

Mista Wilt

March 25, 2023

Such a caring person. I loved Clown Camp so much. It was a part of my life for many years. I got to know Rich more as a friend than just the Clown Camp founder after attending Clown Camp in Japan. I cherish those memories. I was thrilled when I could introduce him to my mom in Orlando for her first WCA convention. We had many meals together that week. I send much sympathy to the whole family as well. Rest in peace Rich. See you down the road.