John Michael Snitko
January 15, 1956 — April 6, 2022
John Michael Snitko, 66, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. A visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Marion. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church, conducted by Jason Christensen and Alice Murray. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.
John was born on January 15, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of John Walter and Geraldine Mary (Krisko) Snitko. He graduated from Groves High School in Birmingham, Michigan, and went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. John met the love of his life, Jill M. Meimann, while at a dance lesson. They both enjoyed ballroom, swing, and salsa dancing. On September 26, 2009, they were united in marriage in Lisbon, Iowa. John worked for Diebold in Michigan and later in Chicago, Illinois. He also worked for Lefebure in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1992, John began JMS Racing Services. He organized and operated the Pigman Triathlon events for many years. John also organized the Marion Arts Festival 5K / half marathon. He and Jill traveled all over the United States timing racing events including running, triathlons, open water swimming, skateboard events, etc. In earlier years, John also competed in triathlons and running events.
John and Jill loved traveling together, scuba diving, going on cruises, camping, and kayaking. He enjoyed roasting his own coffee beans. John was very particular about his coffee and loved to talk about coffee with anyone. John loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
John is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 12 years, Jill Snitko of Marion; two children, Jason Snitko and Ashley Snitko (fiancé, Brandon Price), both of Cedar Rapids; two grandchildren, Coen Lunsford and Aris Price; father, John W. (Jeri) Snitko of Indianapolis, Indiana; five siblings, Christine Bates of Warren, Michigan, Sandy (Jeff) Roy of Indian Trail, North Carolina, Deanna Snitko of Winter Garden, Florida, Wendy (Jim) King of Indianapolis, and Mike (Janie) Snitko of St. Cloud, Florida; aunt, Mary Ann (Tom) Paris of Macomb, Michigan; in-laws, Bob and Liz Meimann of Nevada, Iowa, Julia (Jacob) Wostrel of Pierce, Nebraska, Andrew (Carly) Meimann of Boise, Idaho, Stephanie (Casey) Unruh of Nevada, and Laura (Grant) Severson of Story City, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Nordness; step-father who raised him, Walter Nordness; and niece, Rebecca Wostrel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s memory may be made to either the American Cancer Society or Mercy Hospital Foundation to benefit hospice or the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center.
John was born on January 15, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of John Walter and Geraldine Mary (Krisko) Snitko. He graduated from Groves High School in Birmingham, Michigan, and went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. John met the love of his life, Jill M. Meimann, while at a dance lesson. They both enjoyed ballroom, swing, and salsa dancing. On September 26, 2009, they were united in marriage in Lisbon, Iowa. John worked for Diebold in Michigan and later in Chicago, Illinois. He also worked for Lefebure in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1992, John began JMS Racing Services. He organized and operated the Pigman Triathlon events for many years. John also organized the Marion Arts Festival 5K / half marathon. He and Jill traveled all over the United States timing racing events including running, triathlons, open water swimming, skateboard events, etc. In earlier years, John also competed in triathlons and running events.
John and Jill loved traveling together, scuba diving, going on cruises, camping, and kayaking. He enjoyed roasting his own coffee beans. John was very particular about his coffee and loved to talk about coffee with anyone. John loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
John is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 12 years, Jill Snitko of Marion; two children, Jason Snitko and Ashley Snitko (fiancé, Brandon Price), both of Cedar Rapids; two grandchildren, Coen Lunsford and Aris Price; father, John W. (Jeri) Snitko of Indianapolis, Indiana; five siblings, Christine Bates of Warren, Michigan, Sandy (Jeff) Roy of Indian Trail, North Carolina, Deanna Snitko of Winter Garden, Florida, Wendy (Jim) King of Indianapolis, and Mike (Janie) Snitko of St. Cloud, Florida; aunt, Mary Ann (Tom) Paris of Macomb, Michigan; in-laws, Bob and Liz Meimann of Nevada, Iowa, Julia (Jacob) Wostrel of Pierce, Nebraska, Andrew (Carly) Meimann of Boise, Idaho, Stephanie (Casey) Unruh of Nevada, and Laura (Grant) Severson of Story City, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Nordness; step-father who raised him, Walter Nordness; and niece, Rebecca Wostrel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s memory may be made to either the American Cancer Society or Mercy Hospital Foundation to benefit hospice or the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center.
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