Thomas Snyders
Born: January 31, 1961
Died: May 2, 2021
Tom Snyders, Ottawa's homegrown comedian, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Sunday May 2, 2021 at Pleasant View Nursing Home. He was 60 years old.
Tom was born in Davenport, Iowa and moved with his family to Ottawa in 1974. He was class president at Ottawa High School in 1979 as well as a state wrestling placer. He went on to wrestle at Illinois State University and worked as a disc jockey and wrestling coach at Illinois Wesleyan University. Snyders solidified his professional career as "The Bicycling Comedian" by traveling through mountains and deserts to reach his performances - all on a 10 speed bike. He entertained audiences with humorous pictures of road signs taken during his travels.
At the time of his death, Tom had logged over 200,000 miles on his bicycle. He has pedaled through all 50 states and 6 continents. Snyders has appeared on Good Morning America, Regis and Kathy Lee, The Tom Snyder Show, ESPN and Comedy Central. He attracted sponsorships from Cannondale and PowerBar. He also co-authored the 2004 National Lampoon's Big Book of True Facts. Snyders served as a wrestling coach and referee every chance he got and played competitive beach volleyball for fun.
Snyders will be missed for his competitive spirit, his stories, his great laugh, and his "Pay it Forward" kindness. He has influenced athletes and comedians all over the world.
Tom is survived by his parents, Richard and Irene Snyders of Ottawa, his brothers Pete (Jill) Snyders, Mike Snyders (Kim), Jeff Snyders, sisters Kathy Geiger, Karen (Dennis) Hughes, and his nieces and nephews Dustin, Nick, Jack, Mason, Jacob, Amanda, Garett, Kendra, Macee, and Gannon.
The family will host an End of Life Celebration for Tom to be announced in June. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that Tom's memory be honored by donating to the Alzheimer's Association or Pleasant View Lutheran Home.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by My Web Times from May 8 to May 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Snyders

Sponsored by Ottawa Funeral Home.

10 Entries

Kathy Kern Ross

January 31, 2025

So sorry to hear this. I was Tom´s booking agent for many years. Wonderful man with a great spirit & smile. I know he´s still biking up above!

Matt

January 28, 2025

My wife and I saw Tom perform his comedy in Key West at the La Concha hotel around Christmas 2004. He was very funny and also had a very cool story to tell about his travels around the country. I've been checking in on him once in a while online and was sad to see that he passed. The world is a better place for once having Tom in it.

Aaron

September 17, 2024

I was camping out on the beach in Key West in 2004. I played pickup volleyball with Tom a few times a week for about 2 weeks. One day I lost my wallet and he gave me $10 right away. I was 19 and was blown away. I went back to key west last week and looked through my old photo album when I did. I found this page by trying to reach out to Tom. Of course it was not what I hoped to find but thought I'd share my story of his friendliness and generosity all the same. Thanks Tom. That $10 meant alot. If you're a friend of toms and visit Austin, hit me up for a free kayak tour in his memory. www.boatsandbats.com I owe him one.

Carrie Gordon

April 26, 2024

Remembering Tom, a warm, kind and very funny man! It was an honor to have known you!

Marc Konwinski

May 2, 2022

Remembering Tom today!! Such a Wonderful guy! God Bless Him in Heaven!

Lillian Kazmierczak

May 23, 2021

I will remember Tom as a gentle soul. I did not know him long, but he touched my heart with his smile and his gentle manner. I hope his family will find peace in his memory as time moves on.

Marc Konwinski

May 10, 2021

I used to love to see Tom at PVL when I would go see my Dad! We all used to play bingo together! Tom always had a smile on his face and he was always laughing! Love that guy! My deepest condolences to the Snyders Family! Many thoughts and prayers for you at this time!

Ronald W. Koch

May 8, 2021

Sorry to hear about your loss, Tom will be greatly missed by all. I will never forget all the good times we had wrestling at Ottawa high school and Illinois State University.

Glenn and Melissa Haas

May 8, 2021

Heartfelt sympathy to your family with the loss of Tom.

The Staff of Ottawa Funeral Home

May 8, 2021

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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