Donald August Snyder

Donald August Snyder, 101, passed away peacefully at the Summit in Crookston, MN, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. He was born to August and Agnes (Gibeau) Snyder on the family farm in Fisher, MN. 

Don attended Fisher school through the 8th grade and later obtained his GED. Don helped his father run the family farm from a young age. He married Gladys Peterson in Fisher and they farmed near Fisher. After leaving the farm, Don worked for Jenny O’ Turkey factory in Detroit lakes and then moved to Crookston where he owned and operated Don’s Dray Service, he later worked for Crookston Implement, Alfalfa Plant, and ended his working career as Director of Public Works for the city of Crookston. 

While working for the city, Don took correspondence courses from the University of Michigan and obtained his waste water B license earning MN operator of the year in 1979. He obtained his Boiler license-second class and Pesticide and mosquito license. 

On his own, he learned plumbing and electrical work and after retirement he built a workshop and made first craft items then furniture which he made for family, as gifts, and donations for fundraisers. He was a member of the Eagles for 80 years, and the Cathedral where he was a faithful volunteer, helping to service countless funerals with Gladys, Church cleaning and repair work. He planted big gardens and donated produce to the Care & Share and the mission. He planted lots of flowers and his cut flowers graced many a table. 

Because his mom became ill when he was young, he learned to cook, bake, and sew. For years he donated baked goods to the Care & share and the Mission. He taught Gladys to sew, and continued to help her after she began to lose her eyesight; and for many years he provided care for many elderly neighbors and friends. He, and Gladys, also helped serve Friday night dinners at the American Legion for over 20 years. Don and Gladys walked many miles a day and raised money for many charities, such as Relay for Life by walking in the fundraisers. 

May God Bless the memory of Donald August Snyder. 

Don is survived by his children; Bev and Duane; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Gladys; parents; his sisters; sisters-in-law; and brothers-in-law, 4 nephews, and many other relatives and friends.