Freeman Dale Snyder

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Freeman (Dale) Snyder, age 89, went home to be with the Lord on January 27, 2025. Dale was born on November 1st, 1935 to the late Freeman L. Snyder and Louise (Otis) Snyder in Grand Rapids, Mn.

During his high school years, he was the Minnesota state boxing champion for the Golden Gloves Welterweight division and then went on to box for the Air Force Boxing team. He was very well respected and successful in the ring. After high school, Dale enlisted into the Air Force and was stationed in Fort Egland Beach, FL. Shortly afterward Dale married his high school sweetheart, Betty (Weller) who, predeceased him in 1998. Throughout his life, Dale was a very active man and he loved playing many sports. Other sports which he enjoyed were racquetball, softball, and golf. He especially loved golf and played on a men’s league well into his 80’s until he needed new bionic shoulders. Dale worked the majority of his career as a Medical Products Engineer at the 3M company in Minneapolis, until his retirement in 1996. Throughout his working career he enjoyed being involved in Junior Achievement and Toastmasters as well.

After retirement, Dale went on to pursue his life-long dream of flying and at age 65 became a fully licensed pilot. After Betty’s passing, Dale spent time in Alabama to care for his mom and this is when he met his soon-to-be wife Barbara at a Sunday School function. Dale was a man of great faith and a great spiritual leader for his family. He served in his church in Ham Lake, Mn and in Trussville in many capacities; from singing in the choir to Sunday School teacher to deacon board member. He was also very involved in the Emerald Lake Association and held the treasurer’s position for many years.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Barbara (Lambert-Gwin), his sons Keith (Terri) Snyder, Gerald (Bonita) Snyder, and daughter Susan (Russ) Taylor, step-sons Jerry Gwin IV, Steven (Melinda) Gwin, step-daughter Joy Gwin, grandchildren Brandon (Katie) Snyder, Bonnie Snyder, Tessa (Andy) Donovan, Kyle (Ashley) Taylor, Brooke Taylor, Ashley (Kris) Copeland, and 9 great-granddaughters and 5 great-grandsons, sisters Donna (Norm) Caspersen and Kathy Scheel and many nieces and nephews and great friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty (Weller) of 42 years, brother-in-law Roger Scheel, and step-son Dwight Gwin.

Dale was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone with a project and had a ready smile and a twinkle in his eye for everyone he met. His love for his friends and his family was an extension of his deep love and faith in God. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.