Wayne was born September 17th, 1934, in Larchwood, IA.  The first-born child of Jake and Min Snyder.  He led an idyllic childhood growing up on the farm with two siblings: Connie and Norman.  He loved animals including; raising a baby pet fox and his trusty horse "Coco" which he and horse were offered a job in the SD rodeo circuit at the age of 15.  That same year his family moved from Larchwood to a new and larger farm in Graceville, MN. This is where he attended St. Mary's Catholic school and participated in football, choir and his favorite…the drama club.  He was especially fond of the dramatic writing of Edgar Allen Poe.

Upon graduating in 1952, he then joined the United States Marine Corp and was assigned to the First Marine Division, First Tank Battalion and headed off for the Korean War.  Dad couldn't swim so he was very lucky that the marine corps' training pool was broken that week or he may not have passed!  He spent two years driving heavy equipment, trucks and even tanks overseas until returning home in 1955.

On a warm October morning in a beautiful wedding ceremony, Wayne married Carol Gilsdorf and began a wonderful life together. They raised six children together: Greg, Mary, Julie, Lauri, Tony and Dan.  He owned and ran a small trucking company in Fergus Falls, MN with long hard days and endless driving, then moved the family to St. Cloud, MN and started a new career with the Groves-Kelco Co. as a traveling sales representative.  Wayne and Carol had many friends and loved to play cards, host dinner parties and spend their free-time with friends and family.

Eventually moving to Apple Valley, MN, in 1967, Wayne moved up the ladder until becoming a district manager and finished out his career by retiring at the age of 54! He was a founding member of the Apple Valley American Legion Post #1776 and attended The Church of the Risen Savior.  It was at this age and his "gray" look, that it was common for strangers to ask if he was Johnny Carson!

Most important to Wayne was family with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He continued entertaining us all with his quick wit and funny anecdotes…always ready in the evening to share a beer and have some peanuts and simply sit together and tell stories.  With all his family and friends and his strong faith and love in God, he knew he was truly blessed.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, August 21, 2026 at 11:00 am at Church of St. Joseph, 13900 Biscayne Ave. W., Rosemount, MN.
Visitation 1 hour prior to service at 10:00 am.
Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
Celebration of Life from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at the American Legion, Rosemount, MN.