Thomas A. “Tom” Snouwaert, age 67, of 1009 Superior Avenue, Gladstone, MI died Thursday morning February 10, 2005 at Hanger 13 at the West Gladstone Airport where he was the most comfortable. Tom died from complications of a 7 month battle with cancer.
Thomas was born November 26, 1937 in Escanaba the son of Jack and Erma “Nooney” (Chase) Snouwaert. He was raised in Gladstone and attended Gladstone High School. Tom served his country in the U.S. Army and he returned to Gladstone and married the former Patricia DeMars on February 6, 1959 and they resided in Milwaukee, WI. Patricia preceded him in death in 1993. While in Milwaukee Tom was employed for the Ladish Corporation until 1971 when he returned to Gladstone and worked for the Delta County Sheriff’s Department. He later worked for the City of Gladstone for 14 years for the Department of Public Safety where he served the community as a police officer and firefighter. In 1980 he became the owner of Toms Auto Care Center in Gladstone.
Tom was a member of the E.A.A. and was very active in the Young Eagles Program. He was the first pilot in the world to fly over 1000 young children in his plane. Since the Young Eagles inception he has flown over 2500 children. He served as coordinator for the Local Chapter #439 and was also a member of the Aircraft Owners Pilots Association. Tom loved flying and enjoyed sharing his flying with his grandson Jason, who continues to fly his grandpa’s plane. His other hobbies included scuba diving, motorcycling, snowmobiling, building things, flying radio control planes and spending time at his hanger at the West Gladstone Airport.
Survivors include his wife Nathalie “Gal” (VanBrocklin) Snouwaert who he married on June 29, 1985 at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone.
Daughters: Cindy (Dave) Seel of Oak Creek, WI; Julie (Scott) Najda of Gladstone; Nicolette “Nicki” Snouwaert and her twin sister Amanda Townsend, both of Gladstone
Brother: John (Jeanne) Snouwaert of Poulsbo, WA
Sister: Nancy (Gary) Mueller of New Berlin, WI
6 Grandchildren:Jason (Jennifer) Seel of Oak Creek, WI, Jonathan (Erin Kowalski) Seel of Oak Creek, WI, Jeffrey (Amy Martin) Snouwaert of Gladstone, Jaclyn Snouwaert of Gladstone, Hollyann Seel of Oak Creek, WI and Sarah Snouwaert of Gladstone.
1 Great Granddaughter: Ayana Mae Snouwaert of Gladstone
Numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his Aunt Fay Chase.
Tom’s family will receive friends on Sunday February 13, 2005 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Thomas Allen Snouwaert will follow at 4:00 P.M. at Grace Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Stephen Patrick officiating. A luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorials in memory of Tom may be directed to the Hope Lodge in Marshfield Wisconsin a division of the American Cancer Society.
Anonymous
Tom was a greay guy, I would always get gas at Tom’s and he was always soooo friendly! He was a great person!!!
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Sincerely
Pat Pierron
St Ignace, MI
Dear Gal, Nikki and family
We received the note from Charlie and please thank him for us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family at this sad time. We will surely miss Tom as he was a great friend and neighbor. I know the Lord is watching over him and your family as well.
Deepest sympathy:
Sharon and Harold
Coolidge, AZ
Gail and Family,
Tom will be missed very much. We send our condolances to you from Flat Rock. We did not know Tom well but your Mother and Jean Carlson spoke often of him. Please know you will be in our thoughts and Prays.
Jan, Bob Penny Smith
Flat Rock, MI (lived across from your Mom)
Please accept my prayers on the passing of your husband/father. I would also like to Thank-you for sharing him with the EAA Young Eagle program. My oldest son was one of those 2500 kids Tom took for a ride as a child while we were visiting my family years ago. He is now 19, a license pilot and working on becoming a commercial pilot. Tom helped Jason realize his dreams of soaring in the clouds. Thank you for that gift.
Debbie Erkert
Glendale, AZ
We were just talking about Tom the other day wondering how he was doing. Remembering always stopping in at the station to see him when we made it to town. And busy or not he always had time to spend with us. Our prays and sorrow go to all of you at this time we know what you are going though. You are in our hearts.
Jeff, Debbie Shea & Lori Zimmerman
Slinger, WI
We know how loved Tom was by his grandson Jason. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. We know Tom no longer experiences pain on earth, but the eternal peace God promises all his faithful.
Jim & Mona Rattunde
Necedah, WI
Tom/ you were an all-around guy. Now that I think back on it, I guess I took seeing you whenever I went to the store for granted. I feel selfish wishing you were still here. I’m sure you’re better off where you are now, not in pain anymore. You lived your life to the fullest. I’m glad I had the chance to get to know you, thanks for everything.
Brianna Beauchamp
Gladstone, MI
Gal and family, I wish to express my sympathy for your loss. I know he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Tom was my neighbor on Superior avenue for many years.
Jean Johnson
Gladstone, MI