Snajder, Gerald "Jerry" John, and Kathleen "Kay" Alice (Klemp), of Tellico Village, loving parents of Gary (Janet), Glen (Kathleen), Kristene, Karen Jaffe, Gregory (Jessica), dear grandparents of Amanda, Kathleen, Courtney (Brendon), Danielle, Michael, Kayla, Grace, Alden, and Lilah, died peacefully at home on June 13th and June 15th, respectively, surrounded by their family. They are both survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Jerry Snajder
Jerry was born on September 1, 1934 in Chicago, IL, to John and Josephine (Mikrut) Snajder. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister, and only sibling, Eugenia (John) Lestarczyk.
He was a member of the graduating class of 1951 of St. Mel High School in Chicago. He grew up rooting for the Chicago Blackhawks, living only miles from the original Madhouse on Madison stadium. He and his buddies would attend games after school and watch the team play when only chicken wire was used along the top of the boards. He was eventually a season ticket holder. He was also an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan, and rarely agreed with recent coaching and player moves of either team.
He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army where he mastered trigonometry as an artillery surveyor and earned "the most accurate artillery survey" at the US Army installation at Schwabisch Gmund, Germany. He returned home, went to night school on the GI bill, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree from DePaul University in Chicago.
His entire professional career was in the transportation industry where he served as a traffic manager (modern day logistics manager) for several companies, including Sperry & Hutchinson (S&H Green Stamps), Sears, Roebuck & Co., and General Electric. He retired from GE in the mid-1990's and shared his vast knowledge of the transportation industry in a number of consulting roles. His proudest accomplishment outside of his family is that he earned a license to practice in front of the Interstate Commerce Commission after passing a grueling exam in 1979.
Jerry had a love of polka music while living in Chicago and often listened to the Sunday Polka Hour on the radio. He also enjoyed coaching his children's Clear Ridge Little League baseball teams. He was especially proud when one of his first teams won the minor league championship.
In retirement, he was an avid reader of mystery novels, often going from library to library to find books from his favorite authors, including J.A. Jance and Stuart Woods. He also loved painting ceramics and sharing them with his wife, family and close friends.
Kay Snajder
Kay was born on September 13, 1937 in Oak Park, IL, to Werner and Alice (McIntyre) Klemp. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother Ronald (Sandy) Klemp, and sister Linda (Frank) Klopcic. She is survived by her loving sister Valerie (Thomas) Sorchy.
She was a graduate of Proviso Township High School in Maywood, IL. Post high school, she became an executive secretary. Back when penmanship mattered, Kay's was beautiful. She also mastered Gregg shorthand and her typing skills were second to none.
She took a hiatus from the workplace to stay home with their children. During that time, she presided over many, many school field trips and attended various school functions. She re-entered the workforce once her children were of school age. She worked various administrative positions at numerous companies. She ultimately retired from Vitramon Inc., in Monroe, CT, where she was an executive secretary and company receptionist.
She loved to dance when given the opportunity. There are many fond memories of Kay on the dance floor with family and friends. She also loved to bowl and was on many mother daughter bowling leagues.
Kay loved her brain games: crossword puzzles, word jumbles, sudoku, and any word challenge game. She also loved to crochet, and each child and grandchild has at least one blanket to cherish.
She was a sports enthusiast and never missed a good game regardless of the season. Her children will cherish the many conversations they had following a big sporting event, be it the 2016 Cubs World Series Championship win or devastating loss for a favored team. She often agreed with her husband regarding recent coaching and player moves for her beloved Cubs and Bears.
After retiring to Tellico Village, she became an avid bunco and card player. She would play with groups of ladies on a regular basis, and many became cherished and lifelong friends. Although she said she was not a card counter, she always knew what was in her opponents' hands. Her fellow card players knew they needed to bring their "A" game when playing against Kay.
*********************
Kay and Jerry were devout Catholics who lived their faith and put family first. They raised their children with Catholic values and traditions, and instilled the importance of a loving, respectful family. They supported each other and their children and grandchildren unconditionally. They were lifelong partners and died just shy of their 63rd wedding anniversary. They spent the last 26 years of their life in TN fully retired and able to do the things they loved with the people they loved.
A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Lenoir City, TN on July 1st, 2024, t 11:00 a.m. so that friends and family can pray for their souls and celebrate their life. The family will receive friends from 10 - 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Caris Healthcare (Hospice) of Lenoir City, TN or St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Lenoir City, TN. |