William John Snyder

William J. (Bill) Snyder, 87, died Friday January 25th, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family.He was born January 21, 1926 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Lloyd and Irene Snyder, and spent his boyhood in Beloit, Wisconsin. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in Rockford and Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.He also attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He served in World War II in the U. S.Navy on the Destroyer USS Anderson in the Pacific Theatre. He was employed by several newspapers including the Rockford Morning Star for 17 years as a reporter and held several editorial positions. He later became director of public information for the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, retiring in 1988. Bill served on the board of directors of the Winnebago County Paratransit System and The Northwest Illinois Area Agency on Aging as well as its advisory council.He volunteered with several other charitable agencies including 19 years at St. Anne Center Nursing Home.He is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Bill married Judy Danielson in 1974 in Rockford and was a loving devoted husband to her for 38 years.Bills life was filled with the love of family and friends and his faith, including the many friends he made during 40 years as an art and craft exhibitor throughout the area.Of special value was the annual summer gathering at the Snyder Cabin in Northern Wisconsin of the family where his fishing skill was evident.He was an optimistic gardener and a not as optimistic Cub fan.Being a Packer fan helped. Bill was the author of Up North, a collection of articles and poetry based on experiences of more than 50 years at the familys summer cabin in Northern Wisconsin as well as silly songs he wrote for his children and grandchildren.He was a member of Friends of the Beckman Mill in Beloit and a regular contributor of articles to the Beckman Mill News. Survivors include his wife Judy, daughter Mary (Tony) Stevens, Roscoe, Illinois; daughter Theresa (Fred) Beste, West Bend, Wisconsin; daughter Elizabeth (Dale) Beyers, Walworth, Wisconsin; Son Michael (Kathy) Snyder, Stone Lake, Wisconsin daughter Margaret Snyder, Rockford; daughter Catherine Snyder, Machesney Park, Illinois; and son Mark (Laura) Snyder, Rockford. Grandchildren Adam (Nicole) and Lucas Stevens, Amanda and Lisa Snyder, Claire and Ava Beyers, and Luke Snyder.Great Grandchildren Jett, Violet, and Leo Stevens. Bill is also survived by numerous other family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents and sister Marian Mulligan. Special thank you to Jamie, Lori, Christina, Zetta, Ed, and the rest of the staff at OSF Hospice as well as Fr. Geary, Fr. Edward, and Fr. Gerard for their loving care and support. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30am Wednesday, January 30, 2013 in Holy Family Catholic Church.Burial in Calvary Cemetery.Visitation From 5pm until 7pm Tuesday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home 1860 South Mulford Road with rosary at 7pm.Visitation also from 9:30 am until 10:15 Wednesday in the church.Donations in Bills memory may be made to The Carpenters Place of Rockford.