Person:John Snapp (1)

Obituary: John Lee Snapp age 85 of Polson, passed away at his home on Monday Jan. 12, 2004, from natural causes. Surrounded by family & friends, his passing was peaceful. Mr. Snapp will be missed by all who knew him. He touched the lives of everyone who came in contact with him in a very meaningful & special way. John Snapp was born in Momence, Ill. Born on October 6, 1918 John was one of 7 children by parents Lee & Hazel Snapp. Raised along the banks of the Kankakee River, the family spent many happy times fishing and swimming right outside the back door of their home. Upon graduating from Momence Community High School in 1936, John joined the Civilian Conservations Corps and worked on many projects in the Pacific Northwest for two years before moving to California. John married Kathleen Brady of Momence and they eventually had four children. Upon his arrival in California Mr. Snapp worked as a welder in the Los Angeles shipyards. He joined the Navy in 1942 and served on Adack Island in the Aleutians until his honorable discharge. His return to the southern California area was the beginning of a new life and career with Manchester Tank & Equipment Company where he remained until his retirement in 1984. Even though John had only received two years of business classes at a local college, his personal determination and drive made him a key player in the development and growth of the company which eventually expanded it’s production plants throughout the United States & Canada. John designed much of the automated machinery to improve production & quality at Manchester. He also designed machinery for the special needs of customers. As Corporate Senior Vice President in charge of production he was fondly respected by his employees and he always took the time to greet them warmly with a smile and hand-shake. Manchester Tank owners Daryl and Robert Reifschneider not only depended upon his business savvy but looked up to him as a role model of exemplary character. Retirement in 1984 was the beginning of a new and adventurous life for John. He continued to serve on the board of directors for Manchester Tank. He re-located to the Flathead Lake region of Northwest Montana with new wife Virginia Copp. His love of flying which began at the age of 55 continued throughout his later years as he explored various parts of Montana and nearby states from the air. John & Virginia enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Mexico and Central America, with frequent visits to the southern California area where most of their children and their families reside. Between John & Virginia they have 7 children 18 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. In the winter months they resided in Wickenburg, Arizona. John was a very patriotic American and served as a Boy Scout leader for many years. He also formed a car club for troubled boys in Long Beach, California. It pleased him to have the boys return to say hello and tell him their life had turned around because of him. John received a Congressional tribute on June 13, 1988 for his service in Morocco as a member of the International Service Corps. He was a member of the American Legion. He has always been proud to fly the American flag in front of their home. John is survived by his wife Virginia, children Penny Lippincott , Livingston Montana, Nancy Newberry, Corona California, Dorey Schug, Huntington Beach, California, John Snapp, Conyers, Georgia, nine grandchildren, siblings Woody Snapp of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Jane Rotondo, Bloomfield, New Jersey and Amy Gannon, Peoria, Illinois. He is preceded in death by parents Lee & Hazel Snapp, brothers’ Claude (Bud) & Joe Snapp & sisters’ Ruth Wyant. A memorial service in honor of John’s life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Polson at 11:00 am on Sat. Jan. 31, 2004. A luncheon will be served after the service. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson. By Dorey Snapp Schug & John Snapp