John Mansfield "Jack" Snider, Sr.

John Mansfield Snider, Sr., better known as Jack, made his final journey peacefully on November 7th, 2023 with his family by his side. Jack was born to Lora Holland Snider and Richard Snider in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the Old University Hospital on January 23, 1927. His parents were Cadillac residents, and the families Cadillac history goes back as far as the 1870’s. As a toddler Jack moved to Cadillac and was raised by his paternal grandparents, Edna and Herbert Snider, a probate judge. Jack attended the Cadillac schools graduating in 1945. In 1946 he was drafted to the U.S. Army where he was discharged in 1948 as a Sergeant. During his time in the army he qualified for the U.S. Army swim team where he swam many international events, including a benefit swim in Florence, Italy, in the Arno River. He later attended University of Michigan where he graduated in 1951 with a bachelor of science degree in geology. He became a Michigan Wolverine fan and was always proud to sport his Michigan garb. Jack met the love of his life, Loretta Rae DeJulian from Detroit. Their love story began at Caberfae Ski area in the early ‘50’s and they were married on September 24, 1955. Their next 65 years were spent on the shores of Lake Cadillac, either in their home on the north shore or at the family restaurant, the Marina. Jack retired January 1, 1992, from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the State of Michigan after 42 years of dedicated service where he managed all oil well drilling activities in northwestern lower MI. Jack raised his four children and instilled in them a love, passion and appreciation for the outdoors and all sports (particularly snow skiing) along with an added competitive edge! Jack lived a very fulfilling and accomplished life in his 96 years winning numerous awards and accolades. He was many things; a husband, father, son in law, brother in law, father in law, grandfather, great grandfather, grandson, geologist, WWII army vet, alpine ski racer and instructor, restaurateur, coach, sailor, swimmer, competitor, x-country skier, canoeist, certified scuba diver and instructor, historian, airplane pilot, bicyclist, teacher, U of M fan, fisherman, hunter, jock, charming, witty, dog lover, bartender, and skipper. Jack shared his knowledge and was a teacher and instructor to many over the years here in the Cadillac community. He traveled the country competing in various ski races. Jack was a member of the first ski school at Caberfae Ski Resort and one of the founders of the Caberfae Ski Club. He managed the marketing for Caberfae in the mid ‘50’s and was a Board member in ‘61. Jack paddled & placed in the AuSable River canoe race several times, ‘47 through ‘52, with his buddy Chuck Froman and in the Annual Paddle Push on Huron River in 1952 with his buddy, Bill Dahlquist. In February of ‘63, 14 x-country skiers left Cadillac on a 50 mile x-country trek to Traverse City. Jack lead the pack of four finishers in 11 hours and 50 minutes. Jack sailed in many of the Great Lake sailboat races back in the ‘70’s; Chicago to Mackinac and Port Huron to Mackinac. Jack was involved with the Cadillac Sailing Club in the 60's and 70's. Jack was a true hero in saving lives during his time as a lifeguard and while managing the oil fields. Jack sat on many boards and committees; such as the planning commissioner for Cadillac and was a member of the planning committee during the conceptual stages of the Mackinac Bridge. The stories could go on because he lived an amazing life. Jack’s kids joke, that they will never accomplish what their dad accomplished in his lifetime! The Cadillican is survived by his four children; Roxane Anderson of Evergreen, CO, John Snider Jr., of Cadillac, MI, Mark Snider of Cadillac, MI, and Rock Snider of Bellingham, WA, his grandchildren; Tanya, Travis, Brock, Amy, and great grandchildren. Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Rae DeJulian, his parents, Richard and Lora, brother, Billy Wagner, step parents, Raymond “Pete” Wagner and Lee Snider and the family dog, Bianco. The family thanks the staff at the Curry House, Hospice of Michigan and Dr. Helen Kiomento, his physician for helping the family with his care. A celebration of life will be held Monday, May 13, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at Peterson Funeral and Cremation Services in Cadillac. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 noon at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac with Deacon Frank Kopasz officiating and military rites under the auspices of the Cadillac Area Honor Guard.

John Mansfield "Jack" Snider, Sr.

January 23, 1927 - November 7, 2023