Snakenberg, Lyle 'Gene'

Lyle “Gene” Snakenberg, 77, of Sigourney, died Monday, May 6, 2013, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Gene was born July 24, 1935, near North English, Iowa, to Kenneth and Ruth (Axmear) Snakenberg and graduated from Webster High School. On Feb. 7, 1957, he married Marietta Snakenberg at the Sigourney United Methodist Church. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 until 1960. Gene then worked at Phelps Auto in Sigourney until purchasing it in 1965. He and Wayne Gwin owned and operated the business until retiring in 2000. Following retirement, Gene worked for Keokuk County during the summer. Gene was a member of the Sigourney United Methodist Church and enjoyed keeping busy, mowing, his flower gardens, Hawkeye football and his grandchildren.

Survivors include two children, Mary Jean (Dale) Goeldner of Chandler, Ariz. and Bradley (Stacey) Snakenberg of Olathe, Kan.; five grandchildren, Justin Goeldner, Sean Goeldner, Katie (Paul) Rheinheimer, Hannah Snakenberg and Alexis Snakenberg; and special friend, Marlene Gwin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Marietta in 2005.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 10, at the Sigourney United Methodist Church with Pastor Rich Pippert officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Sigourney. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Powell Funeral Home in Sigourney.

A memorial fund has been established for the Sigourney United Methodist Church, Keokuk County Hospice or Keokuk County Ambulance.

Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Gene and his family.

Condolences may be emailed at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette May 8, 2013.