OBITUARIES
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Thomas Snouwaert
Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died February 10, 2005
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Thomas A. "Tom" Snouwaert, age 67, of 1009 Superior Avenue, Gladstone, MI died Thursday morning February 10, 2005 at Hanger 13 at the West Gladstone Airport where he was the most comfortable. Tom died from complications of a 7 month battle with cancer.
Thomas was born November 26, 1937 in Escanaba the son of Jack and Erma "Nooney" (Chase) Snouwaert. He was raised in Gladstone and attended Gladstone High School. Tom served his country in the U.S. Army and he returned to Gladstone and married the former Patricia DeMars on February 6, 1959 and they resided in Milwaukee, WI. Patricia preceded him in death in 1993. While in Milwaukee Tom was employed for the Ladish Corporation until 1971 when he returned to Gladstone and worked for the Delta County Sheriff's Department. He later worked for the City of Gladstone for 14 years for the Department of Public Safety where he served the community as a police officer and firefighter. In 1980 he became the owner of Toms Auto Care Center in Gladstone.
Tom was a member of the E.A.A. and was very active in the Young Eagles Program. He was the first pilot in the world to fly over 1000 young children in his plane. Since the Young Eagles inception he has flown over 2500 children. He served as coordinator for the Local Chapter #439 and was also a member of the Aircraft Owners Pilots Association. Tom loved flying and enjoyed sharing his flying with his grandson Jason, who continues to fly his grandpa's plane. His other hobbies included scuba diving, motorcycling, snowmobiling, building things, flying radio control planes and spending time at his hanger at the West Gladstone Airport.
Survivors include his wife Nathalie "Gal" (VanBrocklin) Snouwaert who he married on June 29, 1985 at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone.
Daughters: Cindy (Dave) Seel of Oak Creek, WI; Julie (Scott) Najda of Gladstone; Nicolette "Nicki" Snouwaert and her twin sister Amanda Townsend, both of Gladstone
Brother: John (Jeanne) Snouwaert of Poulsbo, WA
Sister: Nancy (Gary) Mueller of New Berlin, WI
6 Grandchildren:Jason (Jennifer) Seel of Oak Creek, WI, Jonathan (Erin Kowalski) Seel of Oak Creek, WI, Jeffrey (Amy Martin) Snouwaert of Gladstone, Jaclyn Snouwaert of Gladstone, Hollyann Seel of Oak Creek, WI and Sarah Snouwaert of Gladstone.
1 Great Granddaughter: Ayana Mae Snouwaert of Gladstone
Numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his Aunt Fay Chase.
Tom's family will receive friends on Sunday February 13, 2005 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Thomas Allen Snouwaert will follow at 4:00 P.M. at Grace Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Stephen Patrick officiating. A luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorials in memory of Tom may be directed to the Hope Lodge in Marshfield Wisconsin a division of the American Cancer Society. |
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