Donald H. Snyder

Donald H. Snyder, 89, passed away at Serenity House in Oregon, IL, after a brief illness. He was born October 27, 1936, in Dekalb, IL to Don and Helen Snyder. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, which he served for two years. After serving he was actively working alongside his uncle Clint on the mink ranch. Don later moved to Freeport, IL to start his own ranch in 1971.

Don loved to dance and was a great dancer, that is how he met his wife Colleen (Knoup) and they were married on February 21, 1959, and just celebrated 67 years of marriage. They were very blessed with two children, Michelle and Michael.

He was a member of Cedarville United Methodist Church. Don loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He went on a yearly trip out west to Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas for deer, elk, and antelope. Over the years he made many friends there and traveled to see them even when he wasn’t hunting. He always said, “the car only goes west!”

He had many different jobs inside the mink ranch, he was a grounds keeper at the Elgin Country Club and Freeport Country Club, he also worked several years in cement construction and his last job before retirement was at Highland Community College.

Don will always be remembered as a loving and very caring person. He loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.

He is survived by his wife Colleen; children, Michelle (Keith) Dassing and Michael Snyder; four grandchildren, Michael Snyder, Tiffany Snyder, Stephanie Dassing, and Hannah Dassing; several great-grandchildren; sister Linda Isely; brother-in-law Ken "Cork" Knoup; and six nieces and three nephews.

Preceding Don in death are his parents, two brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law.

Memorial services will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Cedarville United Methodist Church, Pastor Matthew Smith officiating. A visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established in Don’s memory.