Harriet Snitker
Harriet L. Snitker, 96, of Waukon died Monday, February 5, 2018 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services were held Thursday, February 8 at Zalmona Presbyterian Church in rural Waukon, with Pastor Tim Rupert officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Harriet Lucille (Hanson) Snitker was born April 7, 1921 in Waterville, the daughter of Albert and Stella (Larson) Hanson. She was baptized and confirmed at the East Paint Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waterville. She attended the Waterville Schools where she was a member of the 1936, 1937 and 1938 Basketball State Tournament teams. She was a member of the 1938 Girl's All-State Tournament Team. Harriet graduated as Valedictorian in 1938 from Waterville High School.
After graduating, Harriet worked at The Hagen Store in Waterville for several years. July 1, 1944, she married Richard Snitker at the Trinity American Lutheran Church in Waterloo. They were blessed with six children: Judy, Alan, Clark, Debbie, Carol and Shawn. They farmed the Snitker Family farm in Ludlow Township until 1975, when they moved to Waukon. Harriet worked at Northgate Care Center, and then began her own cleaning service for multiple businesses and for people in the area.
Harriet was a member of Zalmona Presbyterian Church where she was an Elder, Deacon and PW leader and member. Harriet loved listening to music, dancing and watching sports on TV. She also liked to go to household auctions to find a bargain and socialize. Harriet liked family get-togethers, cook-outs, going to the river and trips to Arizona to visit her sister, Evelyn, and her family. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Harriet was always willing to help someone less fortunate than herself.
Harriet is survived by four daughters: Judy (Fred) Meierkord of Ames, Debbie (Wayne) Rissman of Waukon, Carol (Dennis) Gulland of Rosemount, MN and Shawn (Jim) Hodina of Cedar Rapids; a son, Al Snitker of Waukon; and a daughter-in-law, Sheri Snitker of Oelwein. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Tara Meierkord, Kelly (Mike) Wild, Erin Meierkord, Lindsay (Christian) Hershner, Andrea (Travis) Berry, Sarah Snitker, Jodie (Aron) Liebe, Jamie and Jaide Snitker, Colby (Amy Sorenson) Rissman, Matthew and David Gulland, Tyler and Regan Hodina, Meghanne (Kushan) Edussuriya, Morghanne Teel and Mitch (Krissy) Teel. Harriet is also survived by 26 great-grandchildren: Makenna, Colton, Ryleigh and Deakon Fleming, Owen Wild, Olivia, Nora and Mia Hershner, Stella and Maddox Berry, Blake and Emilee Liebe, Kenzo and Micah Snitker, Emma, Elyse and Raelynn Rissman, Trevor, Nolan, Mya and Gia Teel, Rishan, Elias and Rowyn Edussuriya, and Mason and Ethan Wild. She is also survived by her sister, Evelyn Kolsrud of Mesa AZ.
Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Stella (Larson) Hanson; her husband, Richard, who died in 1982; a son, Clark, in 2017; a sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Bill Paine; and a brother-in-law, Clyde.
Casketbearers were Harriet's grandchildren. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
