Funeral services for Keith Snavely were held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery in Emmetsburg.
Keith D. Snavely, son of Gene and Marie (Strodtman) Snavely was born March 29, 1930 in Jolley, Iowa. He received his education at Emmetsburg Community School.
On September 10, 1949 Keith was united in marriage to Jeanette J. Gates in Jackson, Minnesota. They were blessed with three children.
Keith and Jeanette made their home near Emmetsburg where Keith farmed. He later began managing the fertilizer plant. Keith purchased a backhoe and began doing excavation work throughout the area, doing tiling work for farmers, digging basements for new homes or any other excavation jobs needing done. Keith continued this work until his retirement.
Keith was a faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg.
Keith never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was a great storyteller and knew countless people throughout the area and their connections to other individuals. Keith was an avid John Wayne fan as well as Chuck Norris. He could often be found having dinner and his favorite drink, a “7 and 7”, at the Cornerstone, visiting with fellow patrons. Keith enjoyed his family and loved sharing stories about his children and grandchildren.
Keith passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the Emmetsburg Care Center, at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Marie Snavely; his wife, Jeanette; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Jeannie, Ron and Jeannine, and Don and Lois Snavely; and a sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Bob Mortenson.
He is survived by his children, Terry Snavely and his wife, Trudi of Iowa City, Iowa, Larry Snavely and his wife, Linda of Nevada, Iowa and Pam Stillman and her husband, Rich of Emmetsburg, Iowa; his grandchildren, Nick Snavely (Jane Lawson), Molly Jamieson (Daren), Seth Snavely (Jocelynn), Tara Higgins (Josh), and Matt Stillman (Erica); great grandchildren, Hudson Jamieson, Natalie Higgins, Jackson Higgins, Charlotte Higgins and Sienna Stillman; nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
