Snapp, Irene Lucille

Irene Lucille Snapp, 85, passed away Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after a lingering illness.

Irene was born Aug. 21, 1927, in Freeport, Ill. She married Ralph H. Snapp at Forreston EUB Church on Nov. 4, 1950. Irene raised her son, Dennis and daughter, Judy in Forreston.

In August of 1970, she moved with her family to the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area, where she lived the rest of her life. Irene was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her trademark was her humor. Her Swiss heritage was evident in her attention to detail. When Irene was a teenager, on a baby-sitting assignment in Northern Illinois, the can she was using to fill a kerosene lamp caught fire. To prevent the fire from igniting the house, Irene ran outside with the flaming can, well away from the house. This caused severe burns to her right hand and arm. While many would use this as a disability, Irene saw it as a challenge and an opportunity to teach kids not to “play with matches.” She had the innate ability to turn bad into good. Irene, whose husband affectionately referred to her as the “Swiss Miss” worked various jobs successfully, never complaining or giving her deformed hand and arm as an excuse.

Irene's greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by all who grew to know and love her, including the loving staff at West Ridge Care Center.

Irene is survived by her son, Dennis (Valerie) Snapp of Hiawatha; daughter, Judy (Pablo) Garza of Victoria, Texas; brother-in-law, David (Eleanor) Snapp; sister-in-law, Eileen Snapp; grandsons, Pablo Axel Garza, Michael (Tracey) Garza, David Garza and Ryan Snapp; granddaughters, Stacy Snapp, Melissa Snapp and Vanessa Garza; great-granddaughters, Belle Sophia Garza and Audrey Rae Garza; and sisters, Marguerite (Charles) Roderick, Esther Leggett, Alice (Merle) Bawinkle and Betty (Gerald) Koeller.

In addition to her husband, Ralph H. Snapp, Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Godfrey and Freida (Krebs) Ingold; sister, Dorothy Ingold; and infant brother, Max Ingold.

Irene was laid to rest next to her husband, Ralph H. Snapp, in White Oak Cemetery, Forreston, Ill., at a private interment.

A memorial service will be held for Irene on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Bible Church, 1800 46th St. NE, Cedar Rapids.

A memorial has been established in Irene's name.

Published Nov. 18, 2012 in The Gazette