Vernon D. Sneller

Vernon Dale Sneller, 88, son of Jacob and Janet (Van Wyhe) Sneller, passed away in his sleep on August 11, 2023. 

Vern was born and raised a farmer’s son, near Sheldon, Iowa.  He attended school in a one room country schoolhouse in Carmel, Iowa and graduated from Sheldon High School.  He received a BA degree from Central College in Pella, IA and later earned a Master’s Degree at USD Vermillion, SD.

Vern served his community as a Science teacher in Woodward, LeMars and Sioux City Iowa school districts. Most of his service was in Sioux City at West Jr and East High Schools. In the summer, he painted houses, enjoyed gardening, camping and fishing with his family and selling collectibles on eBay.

During his first year at Central College, he met the love of his life, Pauline Atkins, at a Tulip Festival dance.  Both dressed in traditional Dutch attire and danced in wooden shoes.  They married four years later August 10, 1956, in Pella, IA.  Pauline and Vern were together from then on and celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on August 10, 2023.

Pauline and Vern raised 5 children: LeeAnn, Tim, Ron, Lisa and Michael.  They were both active in their church and Vern served as an Usher.  They also enjoyed square dancing and were committee members for their group named Skirts and Flirts. For a short time, they also ran a small business aptly named VP Enterprise.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife and constant companion, Pauline (Atkins), daughter Lee Ann, sons Tim (Debbie), Ron (Rhonda), and Michael (Lori) of Sioux City, IA and daughter Lisa (Mike) Engeldinger, of Bellevue, WA.  12 Grandchildren, Brysen Sneller, Sarah (Dagan) Davenport, Tim (Heather) Sneller, Cole (Marsha) Sneller, Nate (Missy) Sneller, Ronnie Sneller, Raven Sneller Jessica Engeldinger, Ben Engeldinger, Brandon (Jazmine) Sneller, Karalynn Sponder, Kendra Ahrnkiel and 5 Great-Grandchildren.

Also Surviving are brother Lynn (Denise) Sneller, of Orange City, IA, sister-in-law Peggy Sneller, of Grayslake IL., sister-in-law Rhoda Sneller, of West Des Moines, IA. and brother-in-law Roger Atkins of San Francisco, CA.

Predeceasing Vern were his parents, sister Arlene and brother-in-law Willie Roemmich, brothers Marvin Sneller, Lowell Sneller and Loren Sneller (infant)

A family graveside service will be held Friday, September 22, 2023, at Memorial Park Cemetery Sioux City. IA.  An informal Celebration for Vernon will be held at Brown’s Lake, Bigelow Park Shelter at 5pm where all are welcome to celebrate his life and memories.

In lieu of flowers or memorials please send a donation to Grace United Methodist Church Food Bank - 1735 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106 (712) 276-3452