Willis Lester Snook
Willis Lester Snook
Willis Lester Snook
November 21, 1927 – January 23, 2016
Grinnell, Iowa | Age 88
Willis Snook, 88 of Grinnell, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, January 23, 2016 at Winsor Manor in Grinnell. Willis Lester Snook, the son of Lester and Eva (Tish) Snook was born on November 21, 1927 northeast of Montezuma.
Willis attended several area country schools before graduating from Montezuma High School. Willis enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and was honorably discharged in 1946.
On February 26, 1950, Willis was united in marriage to Phyllis Huffman. To this union one son, Dennis, was born.
Willis held several jobs that included: working construction, working on the gas pipeline, Raleigh Products and running the Texaco Gas Station before beginning his career with the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1953. Willis was the area supervisor for the Iowa DOT before retiring in 1987 after 34 years of service.
Willis was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren whenever they came to visit. Willis loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter.
He was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grinnell and a former member of the ODD Fellows, the Elks Lodge and the Eagles Lodge in Grinnell.
His memory will be honored by his son, Dennis (& Ann) Snook of Grinnell; a granddaughter, Chanda (& Dave) Knutson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; two great grandchildren, Kaden and Kenna Knutson; seven siblings: Gladys Arthur of Pella, Francis Schillenger of Orion, IL, Betty Van Dee of Montezuma, Donald Snook of Grinnell, Eldon (& Reca) Snook of Grinnell, Keith (& Pat) Snook of Parachute, CO and Roy (& Kathy) Snook of Parachute, CO; two sisters-in-law: Joan Snook of Searsboro and Betty Snook of Montezuma; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis Snook on February 14, 2008; three siblings: Lucille Tish, Floyd Snook and Edward Snook; a sister-in-law, Eleanor “Ellie” Snook; and three brothers-in-law: Keith Arthur, Marion Van Dee and Walt Tish.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma.
Burial will be held in the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm on Friday, January 29, 2016 with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grinnell or the Grinnell Regional Hospice.
