Brian Snyder

Funeral services for Brian Snyder were held on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Burke Civic Center in Burke, SD, with Pastor Mark Tuttle officiating.

Marilyn Grossenburg was in charge of registration.

Interment was in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine, NE, with Pastor Aaron Sprock officiating. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Brian Paul Snyder was born May 26, 1975, in Valentine, NE, to Tim and Julie (Anderson) Snyder, and joined his brother John. Brian learned to conquer adversity at the early age of 2 1/2 months when he nearly died of encephalitis. But, against all odds, we were blessed to have him for 47 years. He was baptized in the First Presbyterian Church in Valentine, NE. A very busy little boy, sometimes mischievous, he always displayed that big, happy smile. Toddler days took him to Spencer, NE, and then to Rapid City, SD where he attended K-12.

Brian always had a thirst for tinkering and all things mechanical - traits he inherited from the Anderson-Snyder gene pool. On school breaks, you would frequently find him at the farm southeast of Gordon, NE, with his cousins, at times trying to stay out of trouble, though trouble frequently found them.

Shortly after graduation, he joined the Army; basic training was at Ft. Sill, OK. He was stationed in Germany, and was an inspiration and a leader to his fellow comrades. His army career earned him many awards and citations including the: Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, NATO Service Ribbon, as well as many other awards and citation. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E-5. After leaving the army, Brian worked with heavy equipment in Wyoming. He then attended Diesel Mechanic School at Western Dakota Tech. He worked as a mechanic in Rapid City.

He met and married Tammy Kahler, and they made their home in Burke, SD. Brian graciously took on Tammy’s kids as his own, especially Shawna, who is disabled. He excelled in patience with her, encouraging her to do things for herself, but readily assisting her when necessary. He served our Lord and Savior by uplifting others; he never had a bad word to say about anyone, ever.

Brian worked for Rosebud Concrete in Winner, SD, for six years, and as always, his Big Ole’ Teddy Bear attitude won him many friends. During their marriage, Brian and Tammy had fun going places and seeing things. He enjoyed chauffeuring his family to the western and southern states, as well as Illinois and beyond.

Brian was an active and involved member of the community. He was a member of the Burke Volunteer Fire Department, the VFW, the DAV, and the American Legion Club in Gordon, NE.

The highlight of Brian’s and his son Malachi’s lives was when he recently gained custody of Malachi. Those few short weeks were full of memory making adventures: train museums, air and space museums, visiting parks, swimming, swinging, viewing Christmas lights, and just cruising.

Brian’s life was prematurely cut short on November 28, 2022, in a cement truck accident.

Brian is survived by his wife Tammy, Burke, SD; mother Julie Snyder, Chadron, NE; son Malachi Snyder, Burke, SD; half-brother Toby Snyder, Martin, SD; sister-in-law Kristi Snyder of WV; step-children Steve, Shawn, Lucy, and Shawna; step-grandson Andrew; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and coworkers.

Brian was preceded in death by his infant son, Brian Jr.; infant nephew Gabriel; maternal grandparents Leonard R. Anderson, Dorothy and Francis Frohman; paternal grandparents Mary and Ronald Snyder; uncle Max Anderson; father Timothy R. Snyder; brother John T. Snyder and mother-in-law Rose Kahler.