After a short and courageous battle with cancer, David H. Snell was 65 years old, when he passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, May 10, 2016, with his family present at his bedside at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, MN. He was a resident of Lydia, MN.

David’s life will be honored with a Celebration of Life Service on Friday, May 13, at 11 am, led by Pastor Brent Parrish, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, all at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake, 20200 Fairlawn Avenue, Prior Lake, MN. His nephews Jeff Will, Kevin Gruetzmacher, Tim Will, Mark Gruetzmacher, Brian Snell and Brad Snell will act as pallbearers. Lifelong friend, Doug Jasmer will be an honorary bearer, with David’s nephew Brent Snell as his heavenly bearer. He will be laid to rest at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Prior Lake, MN.

Edwin and Dora (Grapper) Snell, proudly announced the birth of David Henry Snell, who was born on September 5, 1950, in New Prague, MN. The younger brother to Betty, Barb and Doug, the children all grew up in the small town of Lydia, MN. As a young boy, David took a fond interest in hunting. It did not matter what type of hunting. His rule of hunting was…if it moved, it could and would be shot!!! When David wasn’t in the woods, he also enjoyed participating in sports. David liked to play baseball, softball and was a good wrestler for the Jordan High School, where he later graduated in 1968.

After completing high school. David proudly enlisted and served in the United States Army Reserves. He fulfilled his reserve duty from 1969 to 1975. Working various jobs at first, David nestled in a job with the Prior Lake/Savage School District. Over those years, he was responsible for the maintenance of the buildings and grounds for the entire district. A job he took seriously and was proud to serve the Prior Lake community until retiring just a few years ago.

Through mutual friends, David was introduced to Kim Ernst. They later eloped and married in 1972. From this union, David was blessed with a precious baby boy they named, Derick. Unfortunately, his parents parted ways in 1975. Regardless, they were still able to spend quality time together. Derick would tag along and watch David’s softball games. Countless hours were spent playing catch and teaching Derick the craft of playing ball. After the sun would set, David and Derick would head out to the woods in search of the coon. During the day light hours, they were always on the hunt of the next prey. As Derick grew up, David was once again there teaching him the moves of wrestling and cheering him on in the stands. He watched him graduate and became most proud becoming a grandpa to two special granddaughters, Samantha and Alexandra. David relished the time spent with the girls.

An avid outdoorsman, David was always sporting the camo wear. His passion of hunting and fishing continued throughout his life. David became quite competitive in sporting clays at the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club. He won many, many trophies and awards over the years in different tournaments with in the local region. When he wasn’t hunting or competing, David was in the basement reloading tens of thousands shot gun shells. In his spare time, he too was a mentor to many youth and young men wanting to learn the skills of sporting clays. David also like to do summer and winter fishing at the area lakes. He could be found in the garage working on wood projects and refinishing furniture. If it wasn’t a gun, a fishing rod or a brush, David always had a tool in his hand tinkering on something. In later years, he found great companionship with his black lab, Smoky, by his side.

David’s legacy will live on in his only child and son, Derick (Christina Burns) Snell; beloved granddaughters, Samantha and Alexandra Snell; devoted siblings, Betty Gruetzmacher, Barb (Warren) Will, Doug (Carol) Snell; lifelong friend, Doug Jasmer; four legged friend, Smoky the dog; many relatives and friends.

There to greet David home in heaven are his parents, Edwin and Dora Snell; brother-in-law, Myron Gruetzmacher and nephew, Brent Snell.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Jordan Chapel proudly cared and served the Snell family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

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