Jackie L. Snook

Jackie LeRoy Snook, 83, was escorted to heaven on Sunday, March 2 at Mercy One Genesis Silvis Medical Center surrounded by his family who loved him so much. Born on November 23, 1941, in Ottumwa, Iowa, Jack was the firstborn of five children to Betty (Arnold) and James Snook. He was active and successful in sports and FFA throughout his schooling and graduated from Geneseo High School in 1960. After this, he enlisted in the Navy and actively served by flying radar from 1960-1964, allowing him to be stationed all around the world.

He returned home and convinced a buddy he was riding with to pull over so he could talk with the pretty girl walking down the street. It was at that moment that he met the love of his life, Marilyn Candace Gunnison. They were married March 18, 1967, at the Macomb Methodist Church College Chapel. Together they built a life they had always dreamed of, bringing into the world four children they loved and cherished.

He was a provider to his family, working as an electrician at John Deere Foundry from 1967 until retirement in 1993. Upon retirement, he drove trucks both locally for farmers and across the road. No matter where he was working, his heart was for his family. He made sure he was home to watch every football game or wrestling match his boys were a part of. He never missed and he could always be heard supporting (or yelling) in the stands. He coached his daughter’s softball teams and even led them to the championship.

His example of hard work was clear, but his example of pursuing one’s passions was just as evident. He loved bowling, vegetable gardening, mushroom hunting and racing his stock car. Above all of this though, Jack was an avid fisherman and hunter. This was a love that was passed down to him by his father and has continued to be passed down to his children, and even now to many of his grandchildren. He helped to establish the Bi-State Lunker Hunter’s Club in the Quad City area in the early 1970’s and could always be found in the garage, making jigs and fishing poles.

Even though he loved being a parent, his love of being a grandpa superseded even that. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan. They always knew when they looked in a crowd, that he would be found sitting there cheering and clapping them on. Even into adulthood, he continued to be so proud of them. His heart and soul were for them always and they brought him such joy.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Marilyn; one daughter, Melissa Ann Snook (Robert Blanchette) of Bonita Springs, FL; two sons, Wade Alan (Candy) Snook of Cambridge, IL, and Chad Lee (Bethany) Snook of Colona, IL; 11 grandchildren, Everett (Edeline) Brocka III, Alexandra Brocka, Rocky (Fiancée, Taylor Johnston) Piccirilli, Carter Alan (Laney) Snook, Victor (Fiancée, Téa Thomas) Snook, Taylor Wade Snook, Tucker Snook, Gunner Snook, Avery Snook, Jack Alan Snook, Lila Snook; 3 great-grandchildren, Brynnly Brocka, Everett Brocka IV and much anticipated baby; siblings Melvin (Angie) Snook, Carol (Arvid) Hagberg, Arnie (Carole) Snook, and Janine (Al) Erickson. Those who welcomed him into heaven are his parents and his son, Rocky Alan.

Services will be held at the Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 10:00 with interment following at Oakwood Cemetery and a luncheon at Colona Methodist Church. Tom Akers will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 2:00-5:00 at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Cambridge Community and Youth Center, Geneseo Booster Club and American Heart Association.