Jerry Snyder

Jerry Lynn Snyder, 85, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, a love of music, a strong work ethic, and a deep devotion to his family.
Jerry was born on October 26, 1940, in Evansville, Indiana, to Parish and Helen Snyder. He was raised in Evansville, where he graduated from high school before attending Purdue University for two years. He later transferred to the University of Evansville, where he studied English and mathematics, reflecting a lifelong appreciation for learning.
Jerry and his beloved wife, Judy, shared 66 years of marriage. Together they raised four children.
Jerry began his career with Owens Corning, traveling throughout the United States working on power plants and oil refineries. In 1977, he and his family moved to Minnesota, where he became part owner of Power Insulation Company. In 1984, Jerry purchased Idlewild Resort on Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota. For the next 20 years, he and his family welcomed guests from near and far, creating lasting memories for generations of visitors.
Jerry was an avid fisherman whose happiest days were spent on the water. As the owner of Snyder's Idlewild Resort, he became a respected fishing guide, spending 35 years helping anglers experience the beauty and bounty of Lake Kabetogama. He loved sharing his knowledge of fishing with others, but his greatest joy came from teaching his grandchildren to fish, passing along not only his skills but also his patience, appreciation for God's creation, and the importance of spending time with family. Those who fished with Jerry will always remember one of his favorite sayings at the end of the day: "One last pass before we go in." More often than not, that one last pass became several more, because Jerry never wanted to miss the chance for just one more fish or one more memory.
Above all, Jerry was a man of deep and abiding Christian faith. His relationship with the Lord shaped the way he lived, served, and loved others. Music was one of his greatest passions, and he joyfully shared his faith through singing, directing church choirs, and leading music in worship. He found great fulfillment in using his musical talents to glorify God and encourage others, and his love for hymns and worship music remained a constant throughout his life. His faith was evident not only in what he believed but in the way he treated others with kindness, humility, and compassion.
Jerry will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his servant's heart, his love of music, his strong work ethic, and the kindness and wisdom he shared with everyone who knew him. Whether he was building a career, welcoming guests to the resort, guiding fishermen across the lake at sunrise, or teaching a grandchild to cast a line, Jerry lived with purpose, generosity, and quiet strength.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Parish; his mother, Helen; his brother, Parish Jr; and his sister, Darlene.
He is lovingly survived by his beloved wife, Judy; his children, Tony (Roz), Tammy (Craig), Tim (Cheryl), and Trent (Shannon); his twelve grandchildren, Jared (Beth), Jake (Amanda), Joel, Andrew, Noah (Brittany), Emily (Andrew), Brianna (Lance), Wesley (Jill), Allyson (Bryan), Danielle (Tyler), Alexandra (Jesse), and Wiley; his twenty-four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Martine and Marilyn; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former resort guests, and fishing clients whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Jerry's greatest legacy was not the places he worked, the resort he built, or the fish he helped others catch. His greatest legacy was the faith he lived, the family he cherished, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, encouragement, and unwavering trust in God. His steady presence, gentle spirit, and enduring love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know him.
We take comfort in knowing that Jerry has now made his final journey home, where the waters are still, the peace is perfect, and he is forever in the presence of his Savior.
A celebration of life will be held at New Life Church in Princeton MN on August 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM. A light lunch will follow the service. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, one hour prior to service start.