Rod S. Snyder

Roderick S. Snyder, 77, of Missoula, Montana, passed away on February 7, 2025. He was born on November 18, 1947, to Stanley and MaryBeth Snyder in Havre, Montana.

Rod was raised in Havre, where he attended local schools. During his youth, he spent summers working as a lifeguard at the Havre pool and on his cousin’s ranch. A talented drummer, Rod performed with a local band throughout high school. He also excelled in wrestling, earning a scholarship to the University of Montana. While at the university, he was an active member of the SAE fraternity. Rod was a proud lifelong supporter of the Montana Grizzlies.

Rod graduated from the University of Montana with a double major in Psychology and Elementary Education, with an emphasis in Microbiology. He later dedicated his career to teaching, retiring from Conrad Public Schools. During his tenure, he played a key role in developing the Little Giant Wrestling Program, establishing the Prairie View weather station, and creating a classroom menagerie that featured an impressive collection of reptiles. His passion for education and his love of teaching left a lasting impact on his students. Additionally, Rod volunteered with the Pondera County Ambulance.

After retirement, Rod purchased a Subway Sandwich Shop in the Missoula Mall, where he found joy in mentoring his employees. He also volunteered with the Montana Natural History Center and the Missoula Butterfly House, bringing his enthusiasm for natural history into classrooms and leading educational field trips for local students.

On July 14, 1972, Rod married Susan Heien of Brady, Montana, at the Conrad Presbyterian Church. They met while attending the University of Montana. Together, they raised three sons, Nathaniel, Aaron, and Landon, and welcomed five foster children into their care. Rod’s pride and joy extended to his sons’ families, including his daughters-in-law and nine beloved grandchildren: Jasmine, William, and Tinsleigh (children of Nathan and Jessica); Madeline, Naomi, and Jackson (children of Aaron and Jenny); and Kaytlyn, Athena, and Aria (children of Landon and Kara).

Rod had a deep passion for gardening and spent countless hours cultivating his Missoula yard. He built a greenhouse, raised garden beds, and installed tall fencing to keep wildlife out of his garden.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan; his sister Louise Krumm and brother-in-law Don of Washington, D.C.; his cousin William Cowan and wife Barbara of Havre, Montana; his sister-in-law Shelley Will and husband Terry of Missoula; his brother-in-law Dale Sheneman and nephew David Sheneman; as well as nieces and nephews, including Michael and MaryBeth Turner and children Ella, Nora, and Patrick of Ottawa, Canada; Mark and Sara Krumm and children Tillie, Hannah, and Miles of Portugal; Tyler and Sara Will and children Avery, Dmetri, and Nichole of Missoula; and Cale and Sara Will and daughter Nora of Missoula. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Louanne Sheneman, and his cousin Earl Marble.

Memorials may be sent to the Montana Natural History Center, the Missoula Butterfly House, Conrad Public Schools, Brady Community Hall, or a memorial of choice.

A memorial service will be held at the Conrad Presbyterian Church in Conrad, Montana, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Pondera County Cemetery, west of Conrad. A reception will be held in the church basement following the burial.

Rod's family expresses their deep gratitude for the love and support of all who have been part of his life. His legacy of kindness, teaching, and dedication to the community will never be forgotten.