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Frank Gene Snapp

Frank Gene Snapp

May 25, 1928 - Jan. 6, 2023

Date of Service: Jan. 23, 2023

Watch the Webcast Service Program

RUPERT – Frank Gene Snapp, 94, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Rupert, Idaho.

Gene was born May 25, 1928, in Burley, Idaho, to Emmett and Isabelle Siddoway Snapp. He spent his early childhood in Rupert helping his parents in the Snapp Creamery. While in high school, he participated in basketball, football, track, and student government, graduating from Rupert High School in 1946.

He went on to college receiving his Bachelor of Arts from Southern Idaho College of Education and a master’s degree at Eastern Oregon College of Education. He did graduate work at Idaho State University and University of Southern California. This led to 41 years in the field of education serving as a teacher, principal of Lincoln and Memorial schools in Rupert, and as the superintendent for the Minidoka County School District. He enjoyed his many years in education working with colleagues, staff, students, and parents. Always striving to make a difference in someone’s life.

He looked forward to his time spent hunting, fishing, and horseback riding with his sons and other family members; his brother, Bill, and many friends.

During the Korean War, Gene served in the U.S. Army Security Agency for two years; one year being spent in Japan.

Gene was a member of the Rupert Kiwanis Club for many years serving in several capacities. He also served on community boards and as chairman of the Salvation Army organization. He attended the Paul Congregational Church.

Gene married his high school sweetheart, Ardena Schenk, on September 4, 1949. They were blessed with 73 years of marriage. Gene was a humble, kind, and caring man; a wonderful husband, great Dad, and loving grandfather. Family was most important to him – his pride and joy.

God welcomed this special man. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Ardena; sons, Steve and Larry (Carma); four grandchildren, Rachel, Sheridan, Ethan, and Daniel; and one brother, Bill (Joyce) Snapp.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; two sisters; and daughter-in-law, Sarah Snapp.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/cuO-tQEP1Xs.

For those who wish, memorials may be given to the Paul Congregational Church Memorial Fund, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences for Frank Gene Snapp

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Mark McBeth:
I was lucky enough to see Mr. Snapp fairly regular over the many years. He was my elementary school principal (grades 1-5) and his influence on all of us was wonderful. My best to the family and know that Mr. Snapp made a big difference in a lot of lives.
From Dorothy Snapp Conger:
Ardena and family it is wed January 25 I just heard about Gene’s passing and sorry none of us from Oral Snapp’s family were I attendance so sorry
From Fred Wood:
What a wonderful blessing Mr Snapp was in my life. Having graduated college in December 1971, he hired me in January 1972 to teach fifth grade at Lincoln Elementary. He had a lot of responsibility, being principal at Memorial and Lincoln schools simultaneously. He was one of the best administrators for whom I ever worked. He always had a smile, a twinkle in his eye, a love for the students and teachers and staff. He was a just, fair and fine man. Having had opportunity to view his service prior to making comments, Gene only got better throughout the years, What a great man, an example to all. Ardena and family, may your lives continue to be blessesd and may you know that Gene is not far away. May you feel His love in the years to come.
From Stan and Leanna Bruns:
We had planned to attend service today but illness did not allow. You have both been so important in our lives. Our mother's both taught under Gene's principalship, then the next generations while he was superintendent. We all admired his quiet calm manner for handling any situation. Thank you for everything you have both added to this community. You are admired and appreciated.
From Russ Holland:
Gene was one of the best men I ever knew. I had the pleasure of working with him and watching him in his capacity as Superintendent of Minidoka County Schools. He just operated on a higher level than many of the rest of us. Gene and Ardena were a matched set, Sally and I so enjoyed the time we were able to spend with them. They were both so kind and gracious to everyone they met. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ardena and family.
From Ron Saylor:
A true gentleman, the greatest generation.
From Ron Saylor:
A true gentleman, the greatest generation.
From DonnaMae Yrevino, and Layne Harper :
Such a wonderful man. We just loved him.
From Yvonne Stone:
My prayers and condolences goes out the Snapp Family in their time of grief. He is with our Heavenly Father.
From Deana Van Deusen Calcagno:
Gene was my first principal at Lincoln Memorial in 1975. I will always be grateful he took a chance on me. He remained a positive influence on my teaching for the next 35 years even when I moved to Oregon. Gene was such a dear friend. We kept in touch and he and Ardena were interested in my life and my family. He will be greatly missed. Ardena, you and your family are in my prayers.
From Mary Reeves:
Ardena, Steve, Larry and Carma,
I am sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband and father! May God welcome Gene into his garden of Eden and my prayers for your family to have God's peace!
From Ed and Kathy B. Sorenson:
Ardena…what a wonderful inspiration you and Gene have been to your community..know that you are loved.. Ed and I send our sympathy and love to your family and an extra hug for you. So glad we got our visits the last couple of years!
From Molly Pelton:
My first memory of a principle was you at Lincoln Elementary!! And you were truly amazing. My girlfriends and I used to spend a lot of time in your office. Not because of good behavior. But, you dealt with us "rotten" little girls. You were firm, kind and very patient with us. To anyone who reads this please know are bad behavior was only wanting to fights boys. Mr. Snapp only wanted us to act like girls.
This is a man who loved everything education and made a difference in every position he held. You are truly a remarkable man. And your name, Mr. Snapp, will never be forgotten.
From Joanne Hallock :
I knew the first time I met Gene that he was a wonderful person. His kindness, love for his wife and family was so apparent. My daughter, Carma was so blessed to be part of their family when she married Larry. I have been blessed by knowing both Gene and Ardena, they always made me a part of their family and I loved going to visit them. That beautiful Garden of Eden was a representation of how beautiful they were and are! Love you Ardena and will be praying for you. Condolences to all of Gene’s family.
From Ron and Denise Dietz:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We know our words can’t take away your sense of loss, but we’re hoping you can find comfort in knowing the memories you shared are forever and is now experiencing joyful reunions.
From Sally Wiseman:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Mr. Snapp was a wonderful principal.
From Fuzz Thurston:
I remember going to his office in the sixth grade. A few of the guys and I decided to run through the flooded lawns (that’s how they use to irrigate the lawns at Lincoln grade school). I guess that getting wet and maybe splashing other students wasn’t the responsible thing to do. Because I was the new kid in school ,he let me go back to class. The others had to stay and I thinks swats were involved. Sorry guys. Mr Snapp was not only my principle but he was my best friends dad. He always had a ready smile for me and I never heard him get riled up. It must have had something to do with dealing with students and teachers his whole life. Sorry for your loss Ardena, Larry and Steve.
From Teresa, Sherry, and Michael Lowder:
We are fortunate to have had Gene, and his family, in our lives. He is remembered for his thoughtfulness, kindness, and joy he brought to us, and our parents, Doyle and Edith. Memories become treasures.
From Georgia Herdman:
Gene could tell an event and entire memory of a story without ever straying off topic. He was fascinating and interesting and held your attention. He remembered every detail in order and articulated it perfectly. It’s a true gift, as was he to his family and all his friends. He will be forever in my heart with thankfulness, love and gratitude.
From Anne Schenk:
Gene and Chuck Daley organized the RHS alumni reunion each year. They would come to the museum and collect annuals from specific years to have a reunion for people to look at. Sometimes they would pick up trophies to show at the reunion. Lots of good visits with these two special guys.
From Audrey Neiwerth:
Dear Ardena I am so sorry about your loss of a wonderful husband and friend to all. Gene was one of my very favorite people. I always thought the world of him. I know he is in a wonderful place. I’m sorry I didn’t get a lemon meringue pie to him again.
You have my deepest and sincere condolences with much sympathy and love.
From Brooke Garcia:
Wonderful man .. you will be missed by all…love to you Ardena !!
From Georgia Herdman:
Gene could tell an event and entire memory of a story without ever straying off topic. He was fascinating and interesting and held your attention. He remembered every detail in order and articulated it perfectly. It’s a true gift, as was he to his family and all his friends. He will be forever in my heart with thankfulness, love and gratitude.
From Alice Schenk:
This man won the hearts of many as he engaged with his family, friends, school associates and community. A life well lived, uncle Gene was a true gentleman. He was so very engaging, kind, thoughtful and a great story teller. He was my principal at Memorial Elementary School (my first teaching job) and in February of 1982 we became family. He was my superintendent when I coached distance runners at Minico High School. He was supportive and encouraging as I pursued getting an all weather track at Minico. When I visited with him a couple of weeks before his passing he was still being Gene....interested in you and what you were doing. Although in a lot of pain he still made me smile and laugh. The world has lost an incredible and honorable man. You are in our prayers Ardena, Steve, Larry and family.
From Mary Poole :
Our condolences and love to Ardena and family. Gene was a wonderful man and
highly respected.
At this difficult time, may the thoughts and prayers of those who care about you, help you find peace and strength
From Maxine Stephenson :
He was a great example of a great teacher and Principal and a kind and friendly man.
From Lewis G. Roberts:
I want to offer my condolences to the family of Gene,(Mr.Snapp). Mr. Snapp offered me my first position as principal in the Minidoka school district,. Under his guidance I found a fair and honest man, patient and caring for those he worked with. I considered him a friend and I appreciated his kindess. May the Lord give peace and comfort to you as a family in your time of sorrow. Lewis Roberts
From Eileen Shill:
So sorry Ardena and family for your loss. Take care. We know Gene is resting in eternal peace with our heavenly Father
From Douglas Jones:
Mr. Snapp was the principal of my elementary school and by the time I graduated at Minico High, he was the Superintendent. He had that rare gift of being able to balance competing interests while keeping the mission of the schools front and center. For a generation he was our fiercest champion for education.
From Scott Cunningham:
I remember Gene as one who was loved by his wife, Ardena; respected by his community; honored by his son; and embraced by his church. He is now in the presence of God, his Creator and Redeemer. It was my privilege to know Gene.
From Sue Werry:
Dr. Snapp, Ardena and family
Much love.
From Rheta K. Maricle Litman:
My sincere condolences and love go out to Ardena and family. It’s been a few years since we crossed paths in about 2004, and you were the same loving couple then that I remembered from way back. Gene was an amazing man (and boss!) Love to you Ardena, my heart breaks for you.
From Renee Smith :
Ardena, my deepest condolences. Mr. Snapp ( my principal) was such a kind man. He always had that warm and generous smile.
From Diana and Dennis Warburton:
We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Snapp was wonderful and kind man. I still remember him and his friends sitting upstairs at the Minico basketball games.
From Idaho State Veterans Cemetery Blackfoot:
Rest in peace with honor and gratitude for your service.
From Gary and Janeal Mecham :
Such a fine man.
From Barbara Feroce:
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Gene was one of the best, and will be missed greatly. Rest in peace Gene.
From Sherry & Ray Hopkins:
Uncle Gene and Aunt Ardena have given us many memories through the years. But we especially loved hearing Uncle Gene's version of their engagement and Aunt Ardena choosing him over another suitor. My children remember Uncle Gene as their elementary principle. He leaves behind a lasting legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone, especially family, in this loss in our lives.
From Marion Weickum:
Ardena and family. Gene was a special friend to the community but especially in the lives of so many school children. My three remember him as a very kind man and appreciated him. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Ardena, Steve and Larry and your extended family. God's Blessings.
From Judy & Mike Barnes:
Gene was an exceptionally fine man…one of the best. His yard looks like the Garden of Eden. He’ll be greatly missed. Our loving sympathy and prayers are extended, Ardena and family.
From Heidi Robbins :
He was such a wonderful well known freinds great uncle of mine and lived life to the fullest .loved him so much
From Cathy (Lawson) Ingalls:
TO THE FAMILY OF GENE, KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS.. HE WAS A GOOD MAN, AND I WAS PROUD TO CALL HIM A FAMILY FRIEND...GOD BLESS

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