Neil Louis Snider

Neil Louis Snider, 87, of Chatfield, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.

Neil was born Aug. 9, 1926, in Clayton, Wis., to Henry and Lydia (Meyer) Snider. He attended school in Clayton. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944. He was with the 11th Airborne Division, G. Company, 188th Parachute Infantry and helped open the gates to free prisoners at Yokohama Air Field. Neil was honorably discharged in 1947. On Aug. 31, 1952, Neil and Ramona Quaderer were married in Lindstom. The couple moved to Chatfield in 1953. Neil worked at the newspaper for Merlin Matzke and Gene Lehman before buying the business in 1970. He also owned a dry cleaners from 1955-1965. Neil retired from the newspaper business in 1996.

Neil was very involved in the community. He was president of the Commercial Club, secretary of the Chatfield Development Corp., scout master for Boy Scouts; a 15-year member of the Western Day Board, member of Chatfield Masons, a member of the Dragon Patrol and Shriners. He also had several old cars that he enjoyed.

Neil is survived by his wife, Ramona, of Chatfield; one son, Keith (Pat) Snider, of Bay City, Wis.; three grandchildren, Philip (Jennifer), Lynn and Gregory Snider; and eight great-grandchildren, Serenna, Kaylee, Cruz, Nick, Sydney, Isabella, Cade and Nolan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Norma and Nelda; and two brothers, Norbert and Norval.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, with a 7 p.m. Masonic service followed by the funeral at Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield. Pastor Mark Docken of the Chatfield Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Clayton Cemetery in Polk County, Clayton, Wis.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is in charge of arrangements. 507-867-4310. rileyfuneralhomes.com