Michael Snyder, 68 of Neoga, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, January 29th after complications from a stroke.
Mike was born January 7, 1951 in Charleston, Illinois. He is survived by his mother Lorene (Rogers) Snyder. He was older brother to Norma (Ed) Carter and Steve (Donna) Snyder.
He will be greatly missed by Jean, his wife of 47 years. They have three children – Erin (Kevin) Engels of Pittsboro, Indiana, Benjamin (Jennie) Snyder of Murphysboro, Illinois and Andrew (Erica) Snyder of Chicago, Illinois. He enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren – Lucas, Joshua, Reagan, Greta, Everett and Lincoln.
Mike graduated from Charleston High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. Mike impacted the lives of hundreds of students during the 33 years he spent teaching special education classes at Neoga High School. He was committed to influencing the lives of students through one on one teaching. During his career he also worked with students as a 7th grade basketball coach at Neoga Jr. High, class sponsor, President of the Neoga Teachers Association and mentor to many. He enjoyed serving as an AFS advisor and working with students from all over the world. He and Jean hosted students from New Zealand and Italy. Fiona Gibb and Fede Gronda were always counted as part of his family.
Mike and Jean were a great team that sought to promote stewardship of the land and the community. They spent their retirement years volunteering for many local organizations. They managed a community garden in Mattoon for Fit 2 Serve and taught many young people as part of the group’s Farm 2 Table program. They also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and with group homes in Charleston. Mike served the Neoga community as a member of the Fire Board. He was a master gardener and grew hundreds of plants each spring for local community gardens and all his friends. Mike also set up a backyard maple sugaring operation to share syrup with others.
Mike never met a stranger and he truly cared about people. He was able to bring out the best in people. Mike had a great sense of humor and knack for storytelling. He was able to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds and inspire them to be their best.
To know Mike was to be his friend and you did not have to be a friend long before you were counted as family. He is survived by numerous brothers and sisters in laws, nieces, nephews and so many friends turned family.
Services will take place on Saturday, February 2nd at Neoga Elementary/Middle School on East 7th Street with visitation from 3:00-6:00pm. A celebration of Mike’s life will immediately follow the visitation at 7:00pm at the school.
Donations in Mike’s memory will be used to establish a scholarship at Neoga High School.
The Swengel – O’Dell Funeral Home of Neoga is assisting the family.
To express Online Condolences go to www.swengel-odell.com.
