William Lee Snyder

William “Bill” Lee Snyder, 93, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026. He was born on March 21, 1933, in Lake City, Iowa, to Charles and Vera Snyder. Bill grew up in Lake City and graduated from Iowa State College in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Following graduation, he began what would become a distinguished 41-year career as a Product Engineer with John Deere. His career took him from Waterloo to Dubuque and back to Waterloo before retiring in 1997. Throughout his professional life, Bill was known for his dedication, integrity, and strong work ethic. On December 10, 1960, Bill married the love of his life, Mary Lou Stewart. Just nine months after their wedding, Bill was called to active duty with the United States Army Reserves and the couple moved to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where Bill served from October 1961 through August 1962 during the Berlin Crisis. Afterwards, Bill and Mary Lou returned to Iowa. Bill and Mary Lou shared more than six decades of marriage and devoted themselves to raising four children. Their home was filled with love, stability, encouragement, and unwavering support, not only for their own children but also for Mary Lou’s niece, whom they lovingly raised from the age of 13 as part of their family. Faith played an important role throughout Bill’s life. He was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, where he and Mary Lou found great joy singing together in the choir. His commitment to serving others extended well beyond his church. He volunteered as an usher at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls and dedicated more than 20 years as a volunteer at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. When Mary Lou developed a passion for woodcarving, Bill gladly lent his organizational and computer talents to producing the newsletter for the local woodcarving club. Bill was an avid genealogist who enjoyed researching family history and preserving it for future generations. He and Mary Lou shared a love of travel, whether visiting family or exploring new places throughout the United States and around the world. He especially enjoyed classical music, with a particular appreciation for marches and organ music. Bill and Mary Lou were blessed with a close circle of lifelong friends whose friendships began during Bill’s early years at John Deere. Together, they shared decades of laughter, celebrations, vacations and steadfast support that enriched their lives immeasurably. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Lou Snyder; his children, Julie Krull (Scott) of Davidson, North Carolina, Holly Wright of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Alan Snyder (Mary) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and niece Deb Borg (Lindsey) of Lake Ridge, Virginia; his grandchildren, Alex, Jessica, Brennan, Darien, Tanner, and Nathan; and his great-granddaughter, Sheela. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Phyllis Ringgenberg, Marjorie Baumann, and Maurice Snyder. Bill’s legacy is found not only in his accomplishments, but in the countless lives he quietly touched through his generosity, steady character, and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and community. He is deeply missed and will be lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 17, at 11 a.m. at the Diamond Event Center at Jorgensen Plaza in Cedar Falls, followed by lunch. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Western Home Foundation in Bill’s memory.

William Lee Snyder

March 21, 1933 - August 10, 2026