In Memoriam: Rev. Neal Snider
We give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Rev. Neal Snider, who died suddenly on August 3, 2025, one week after celebrating his and his wife Judy’s 90th birthdays surrounded by their entire family.
Rev. Snider was born on June 19, 1935, in Pembina, North Dakota, to Mabel and Frank Snider. Raised in a large Norwegian-Hungarian family rooted in faith and hard work, Neal’s early years shaped the steadfast character and deep devotion that would define his life and ministry.
He attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis and continued at Augsburg Seminary (now Luther Seminary), where he developed into a theologian, author, and lifelong scholar of Martin Luther. His love for Lutheran theology and his commitment to proclaiming the Gospel were central to his identity.
While attending a Lutheran Youth Convention in Seattle, Neal met Judy Fosse. They were married on December 27, 1958, and shared 66 years of marriage marked by faith, partnership, and devotion.
Throughout his ministry, Rev. Snider served congregations in Montana, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Alaska, and beyond. He also faithfully served as a military chaplain in the Naval Reserves, the Air Force (including deployment to Thailand during the Vietnam War), and the Army Reserves—retiring after 30 years as a Lieutenant Colonel. He may be the only chaplain to have served in all three branches of the military.
After early retirement from full-time parish ministry, he continued serving wherever called, including interim positions across the country—even in Shishmaref, Alaska—reflecting a pastor willing to go wherever Christ’s church needed him.
Beginning in the 1970s, Rev. Snider led numerous trips to the Holy Land and eventually founded Heritage Tours, guiding travelers across 36 countries and helping many deepen their understanding of Scripture and Christian history.
Those who knew Neal remember him as loyal and steadfast. “If you were ever a friend of Neal, you were always a friend of Neal.” Above all, his life was grounded in faith in Jesus Christ. He delighted in telling anyone who would listen about the love of God and the free gift of salvation.
Rev. Snider is survived by his wife, Judy; their children Debra (Rick Rodriguez), Nancy (Warren Morrow), and Paul (Suzanne Morgan); five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
We commend Rev. Snider to God’s eternal care in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection. As a church, we give thanks for a life poured out in service to Christ, the Church, and neighbor.
Please keep Judy and the entire Snider family in your prayers.
“O God of grace and glory, we remember before you our brother, Rev. Neal Snider. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.
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