ESTHERVILLE — Richard “Dick” Allen Snyder, 74, of Custer, South Dakota, and formerly of Estherville, passed away unexpectedly April 17, 2026, near Hill City, South Dakota.
Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, September 5, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 903 Central Avenue in Estherville. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church.
Dick was born June 22, 1951, in Estherville to William and Mary Lynch Snyder. He grew up on the family farm north of Estherville and graduated from Estherville High School in 1970.
Known to family and friends as “Dick” or “Dickie,” he developed an early appreciation for farming, railroads, fishing and motorcycles. During his younger years, he earned local fame for reportedly riding the longest motorcycle wheelie in Emmet County.
Dick’s long railroad career began humbly when he shoveled snow for the Rock Island Railroad. That work opened the door to a permanent job, and he advanced from brakeman to conductor.
After the Rock Island ceased operations, Dick continued his career with Burlington Northern Santa Fe. His work eventually brought him to the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he reached the front of the train as an engineer. The caboose, however, remained his favorite railroad car.
Dick married his high school sweetheart, Myra Thornburg, in 1976. They became parents to Allen, Laura and Sara and raised their family on a small farm south of Wallingford.
He later remarried and moved to Creston, where he continued working for BNSF until retiring. His love for the Black Hills eventually drew him back to Custer for the next chapter of his life.
Retirement did not persuade Dick to slow down. He drove a school bus for Harlow’s and the Custer School District, taking students to and from school each day. During the spring, he worked as head groundskeeper at the Rafter J Bar Ranch campground near Custer, where his ability to repair nearly anything made him invaluable.
When harvest season approached, Dick returned to the Estherville area to help his brothers, Dave and Dale, on their family farms. He believed each day should begin with a purpose and lived accordingly, remaining active and useful to the people around him.
Dick is survived by his former wife, Myra Snyder of Estherville; children, Allen (Starr) Snyder of Estherville, Laura and her friend Nate of Spirit Lake, and Sara Snyder of Estherville; grandchildren, Madison, Blake, Brielle and Elise; great-granddaughter, Stetson; sister, Debbie Love of Palestine, Texas; brothers, Dave (Sue) Snyder and Dale (Chris) Snyder, both of Estherville; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Pa” and Mary “Ma” Snyder; his grandparents; an infant sister; and his brother-in-law, Jon Love.
In place of flowers or traditional memorials, expressions of sympathy and donations may be directed to Dick’s surviving children.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Dick’s family. To read additional information or share a remembrance, please click here.
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