Duane Snyder

Duane Snyder age 85 of Decorah, IA passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Wellington Place in Decorah Funeral Service will be held at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Peter Kowitz presiding. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 East Water Street in Decorah, and after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Monday morning. Duane was born in Ridgeway, Iowa on May 5, 1939, to Bessie and Toney Snyder. He graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1958. Duane met his beautiful wife Rita (née Hammel) after high school, and they were married at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church on April 7th, 1962. They were active members of the church their entire lives. Shortly after they married, Duane was drafted into Active Duty US Army and was stationed in Germany. He also served in the Reserves until 1968. After his honorable discharge from the service, Duane and Rita settled in rural Decorah to raise their family. Duane liked to tell people he was from Decorah, Iowa. He loved his community. Duane was a well-known builder/carpenter in Decorah. He worked for many years with Berg Inc/Brown Builders. He eventually formed Snyder Builders with his son Brian where he stayed active until his late retirement. If you couldn’t find him, he was probably in his shop building something or woodworking. Duane enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Lake Winnibigoshish in northern Minnesota. He also enjoyed camping with family and friends. Duane and Rita spent many weekends with the Minowa Dancers Square Dancing Club in their younger years. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed watching the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Duane especially loved watching his grandkids in their various sports and activities. Duane will be remembered for generosity and his gift of gab. He would often accept a smile as payment. He enjoyed helping people and was a constant caregiver for those around him. Duane never met someone he didn’t like. His legacy will live on in those that knew and loved him. Duane was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren. He would often brag to anyone who would listen about their many accomplishments. Duane is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rita, daughter Kim (Steve) Pettit, sons Brian (Jody), Steven (Dana), and David (Tron), grandchildren Lindsey (Derek), Leah (Jordan), Drew, Lily, Mya, Abby, Kinzie, Ryann, and great grandchild Quinn, sister Leona Rosendahl, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Wellington Place for their compassion and care.