William “Willie” Snelling, age 73, of Isanti died peacefully at home surrounded by his family August 17, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. Croix Hospice, North Branch, Minnesota.
William Oscar Snelling was born April 2, 1948 in Park Rapids, Minnesota to Floyd and Adeline (Budde) Snelling. He was raised and attended school in Park Rapids. On August 21, 1971 Willie married Sharon Foster and they made their home in Fridley. They later lived in Soderville, and in 1980 they moved to their current home in Isanti. Willie worked as a machinist for several companies including Horton Manufacturing and he retired from Motek. Willie loved old cars and trucks (Chevys!); he was a true motor-head. He enjoyed going to car shows, threshing shows, fishing, woodworking, and visiting with friends, especially with his BORED of Directors buddies at the Creamery. He enjoyed traveling with Sharon, including several winters in Florida. Willie loved music and concerts, especially trips to Branson, Missouri. Spending time with his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was also very important to Willie.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sharon; sons, Trevor Snelling (Kari), and Ryan Snelling; brothers, David (Tish) Snelling, Floyd Jr. (Dana) Snelling, James (Eileen) Snelling, and Gerald (Roxanne) Snelling; sisters, Carol Hutchinson, and Gina (Roger) Aukes; sister-in-law, Carol Snelling; brother-in-law, Richard Schauer; grandchildren, Cody (Kelsie), Chelsea (Tia), Breanna (Chris), Remy, Rylee, Zane and Emiley; great-grandchildren, Aria, Oakley, Mylee, Louie and Alice; and by many other relatives and friends. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by an infant brother, William; brother, John Snelling; and sister, Betty Schauer.
Sharon and family am so sorry to hear about Willie my prayers and Thor’s are with all of you
Willie will always have a special place in my heart. He cared so much for people.. my granddaughter met him has silly Willy. Yes he liked to tease her a bit. That name will stick with her. He’s not only my cousin but he too held a special place in my parents hearts. I will cherish my thoughts of Willie forever and pray for his loving family.💕
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our very dear friend. We are so grateful for the many years of love, laughter and memories. Sharon, Trevor and Ryan we pray that you to feel God’s peace and the love that surrounds you. Willie fought the good fight for six years and his struggles are over. We continue to be here for all of you.
Sending prayers of peace and love. Dennis and Debbie Christenson and family 🙏🏻❤️
Oh grandpa, where do I even start? You were the most stubborn, big hearted guy that I knew. I am so grateful that I had you to look up to while growing up. You and grandma have helped me be the woman I am today, and I will always be grateful for everything that you guys did for me and the kids. We love you so much and will miss you dearly. I know you will be watching over your loved ones, probably pulling some silly trick on us here and there ;)
You have forever left an imprint on so many people, and you have been loved by even more. ❤️
We can’t wait until we can squeeze you again! Love- Breanna, Chris, Aria, Oakley, and Mylee ❤️
Sorry to hear of your loss Sharon.
there was never a better man! he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him!
Willie thanks for being a kind hearted man to everyone around you. Emiley says fly high angel, she will never forget being “your girl”. You will be missed by many. Love you. Till we meet again!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God grant you peace and understanding.
Sharon,
I am so sorry to hear of your Wiilie’s passing. I have enjoyed reading your amazing travel and family stories over the years. I have thought so many times about the love story you have.
You will always cherish those times. Hugs to you and family.
Our deepest sympathy to the Snelling Family. Willie was a true individual who was easy to make friends with. God grant this Family Peace.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your beloved Willie. He was such an amazing soul and we are blessed to have known him. Please accept our heart felt condolences we are sending prayers of love and strength to you and your family Sharon.
Kelly & Rob Levine
I am so sorry Sharon. Willie was a gentle soul. He was fun to visit with and very creative. I always think of him when I wear my bracelet he made. Peace and Prayers. Hugs and Love.
Sharon, I am so very sorry for your loss. Willie was one of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Sending love and prayers for you and your family.
Willie was a special fun loving, kind gentleman.
My favorite memory is of him the day of his sons wedding in Duluth. My coworker Krista, Willie and I escaped to the rooftop bar for some conversation. Unbeknown to us the family was searching high and low for him. He was entertaining us with delightful stories.
I now apologize for stealing him that day but thank you Snelling family for sharing him with us.
Sharon I am so sorry to hear this. Love to you and your family
I’m so so sorry to hear this! He was an amazing person. He is happy and healthy now and is with many people and family and friends with our Lord. I’m sending you multiple hugs and love dear one. I know you’re going to miss him very much but remember your family and friends are here for you. It’s OK to miss him, he became a part of you when you were married and all of us that witnessed you two together saw the love you had for each other. I love you very much. Let me know if I can do anything for you.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are sent your way.
My memories of Willie always there for me & his patience no matter what the request. I cherish the five days I spent with him & our “private dining room” for dinners. “Willie the Owl” he tried to repair hangs on my patio a constant reminder of my dear friend.