Fred J. Snider

March 2, 1935 - February 10, 2021

Fred J. Snider, age 85 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at the MediLodge Nursing Home of Clare. On March 2, 1935, Fred was born one of three children to John and Margaret (Bouvet) Snider in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. He was united in marriage to Patricia Payment on December 1, 1967 in Sault Ste Marie, and together they shared just over fifty-three years of marriage together. Shortly after his graduation from Brimley High School, Fred proudly served as a member of the United States Army. Upon finishing his enlistment, Fred went to work for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company, a career that lasted thirty-eight years until his retirement in the late 1990’s. After Fred’s retirement from the phone company, he and Pat relocated from Sault Ste Marie to Clare, where they would enjoy their retirement years and become very involved in the St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Fred’s passions included rooting for the Detroit Red Wings and getting together for monthly card games with his fellow Bell Telephone family, but those that knew Fred well, knew that outside of spending time with his grandkids, his greatest passion was that of music. He loved to play and build steel guitars and even recoded and produced music himself in his basement studio. He looked back on his younger years in his local band as many of his fondest memories. Fred is survived by his wife Patricia Snider of Clare, and his four children Marlaina (Kevin) Mitchell of Grand Rapids, MI., Jackie (Ron) Bernard of Sparta, WI., Nancy (Dennis) Drake of Jackson, MI., and Dana (Mike) Reid of Cedarville, MI. Other survivors include his fifteen grandchildren, his five great-grandchildren, and his sisters Janette (Mike) DiPiazza of Gowen, MI. and Darlene (Jerry) Graffis of Clare. Fred was preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret Snider and his daughter Debbie Laponsie. In keeping with Fred’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial Mass in honor of Fred will take place on Friday, October 22, 2021 at the Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Cecilia Site at 11 A.M. with Monsignor Francis Koper officiating. Burial will follow after his mass in the St. Cecilia Catholic Cemetery of Clare. Memorial contributions in honor of Fred may be directed to either Heartland Hospice or to the MediLodge Nursing Home of Clare. Online condolences may be expressed on Fred’s tribute page at www.stephenson-wyman.com