Snyder, Walter Joseph “Wally”

Walter “Wally” Joseph Snyder, age 75 passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024.  Walter was formerly from Anoka, Inver Grove Heights, Lake St. Croix Beach, Afton, and Lake Vermilion Tower, MN. He started wintering in Alamo TX in 2006.

Walter was born on July 4, 1948. He was one of seven children of William and Bernadette (Bouley) Snyder.

Walter attended 1^st-4^th grades at St. Stephens School in Anoka, 5^th-8^th grades at Holy Trinity in So. St. Paul, 9^th grade at St. John’s Prep in Collegeville, and 10^th-12^th grades at Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights.  In High School he performed in a play and played hockey.  After graduating High School, he attended TVI and received a two-year degree in technical drawing/drafting.  He worked for Univac and Wisemantel as a draftsman.  A friend, Dave, hired Wally as an electrical helper.  Dave introduced Wally to Gordy & Muriel Miller at the Saint Paul Yacht Club.  The Miller’s hired Wally as a harbor master who helped the dock boy. He also helped the Miller’s build a houseboat in 1971.  Capt. William Bowell offered Wally a job the spring of 1972 to work on his excursion boat (the Padelford).  Wally received his Coast Guard License for passenger vessels in July of 1972.  He became General Manager besides his Captain’s position for the company.  Not only did Wally work for the Padelford but relatives Connie, Shane, Amy and Gina held summer jobs (while they were going to college) Rick and Julie (as second jobs).  Wally did leave his position with the Padeford twice.  He resigned once to be a truck mechanic for Thell Oil.  He resigned the second time to work on tow boats for Pilot River Transportation, Inc. where he received his Coast Guard license for tow boats.  He spent a total of 19 years working on the Mississippi River.

Walter married the love of his life, Shirley Ruth Forester on November 26, 1977.   Wally resigned his position at the Padelford for the last time in 1990.   In 1990 Walter, Shirley and Paul Snyder incorporated Snyder Industries, Inc. and bought an existing custom built dock manufacturing company and barge service on Lake Vermilion.  They renamed the DBA name from Smith’s Landing to Eagle Docks.  The Snyder’s sold Eagle Docks in 2006 and retired.

Walter was an Honorary Life member of both the 3^rd Degree (Council #3659) and 4^th Degree (Msgr. Ravoux Assembly 529) of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a retired volunteer fireman and EMT of the Greenwood Township Fire Department on Lake Vermilion.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ruth Marie, parents William & Bernadette Snyder; and grandparents.  He is survived by his wife, Shirley; brothers David (Clarene), Paul, Rick (JoAnn), Alan (Cathy); sisters Mary Jo (Rick) Thormahlen, Julie Ann (Bob) Kienitz, many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am, Friday, May 3rd, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am prior to Mass at church.