Albert E. Snapp

Albert E. Snapp (90) of Forreston passed away Tuesday May 5th at the University of MN Hospital. He was born to Edward and Ruby (Black) Snapp at his grandparents' home in Mud Creek near Oregon, Illinois. Albert graduated from Forreston High School in 1943. He served in WWII from August 1943 to January 1946 where he fought in the Luzon, Philippines with the 25th Infantry Division. Albert was a Purple Heart recipient. He was among the first troops to land in Japan after the signing of the peace treaty. There he led a detail to decommission the Japanese air fleet. Albert married the love of his life, Janice Berends in Freeport, Illinois on July 15, 1950. Forreston became their home where they raised their daughters, enjoyed the support of their church and shared many hours of laughter with friends and family. Albert worked on the Illinois Central Gulf RR for 43 years and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Gardening, fishing, woodworking and playing his mandolin or accordion were his passions. Many will remember Bert for his kind generosity of sharing his garden goodies. Surviving are his daughters Joan of Freeport and Jean of Minneapolis, MN, niece Peggy Duncan of Fort Mills, SC and nephews Charles Berends of Memphis, TN and Robert Snap of Austin, TX. We extend a special thank you to "his girls" Deb and Teresa for their care over the years and the many family friends for all their support and kindness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice, parents, brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Ruth Snap, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Emerson and Ruth Berends and niece, Nancy Berends. Cremation Rites were recorded. Graveside services will be at White Oak Cemetery, Forreston on Wednesday May 13th at 1:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, Forreston or the Disabled American Veterans.