Melvin J. Snyder

Melvin “Jack” John Snyder, 89, Clear Lake passed away Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Healthcare Center, Mason City, Iowa.

A memorial mass will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 26, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave. South, Clear Lake, with Rev. Josh Link officiating. Inurnment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City; with full military honors conducted by members of the Clear Lake VFW post 4868. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Melvin John Snyder was born April 28, 1935, in Carroll, the son of Lawernce and Frances (Osterholt) Snyder. Jack attended elementary school in Carroll, graduating from Fort Madison High School, he continued his education attending Treasure Island Firefighting School in San Francisco in 1954 and Carpenters School at Alcamino College in 1958. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy on the battleship USS Alfred Cunningham, serving from 1952-1956, during the Korean War. Then transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1960 and awarded several medals. Jack was blessed with three children Karen, Joyce and Andrew.

Jack had many work experiences along the way as a self-employed carpenter, manager at Vickers Gas Station in Carroll, worked for Chicago Great Western Railroad, Iowa Beef in Denison, owned and operated 4 Cafés in Perry, Bloomfield, Montezuma and Jefferson; he was a counselor and area representative for North Central Alcohol Research Foundation in Fort Dodge, contacting new clients, giving speeches and public relations assisting in court appearances, until they lost their funding. In 1975, Jack moved to Clear Lake and opened his own furniture business, Jack’s Midway Furniture Store, until his retirement.

On Aug. 1, 1993, he was united in marriage to Bernice Mundt Doland at the Guardian Angel Chapel, Clear Lake. Jack was a collector, he loved collecting coins, bottles and marbles. In his free time, he would enjoy fishing, and spending time with his wife and family. His most favorite thing to do was heading to the casino, to play the Buffalo Slots!

Jack is survived by his wife, Bernice Snyder; children, Karen Snyder, Joyce Mooney, Andrew Snyder; step-children, Nancy Ebrecht, Tammy Smith, Ronald Doland, Christine Dirksen; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Snyder; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Jack is preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; brother, Albert Snyder; sister, Lorraine Boel; sister, Alvina Weiland; step-brother, Ron Brunning; and step-son, Matthew Doland.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, is in charge of arrangements.