Stroo Funeral Home, Inc. 
1095 68th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Phone:  (616) 455-9280 
Fax: (616) 455-2035
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Michael A. Vos - Owner / Manager
 
 Robert K. Stroo - Owner / President 

 

SnoapMartin33

Service Information

 Martin "Marty" A. Snoap

Visitation: Wednesday, January 24, from 4:23 to 7:23 pm at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, 49508.  Also, at Ada Bible Church, Kentwood Campus, Thursday, January 25, prior to the service, from 10 to 11 am 
Service: At Ada Bible Church, Kentwood Campus, 2024 68th St. SE, Caledonia, MI, 49316, Thursday, January 25, at 11 am

Cemetery: Alaska Cemetery

The Funeral Service will be live streamed at  https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=6e1750be-dc0d-4666-83bf-6970e0cea7e1


Martin ”Marty” Snoap was a lover of life and eternally young at heart.  He passed peacefully from this life on January 19, 2024, and will be remembered by all who knew him for his easy laughter, generous nature and caring spirit.  Marty retired from Lakewood Public schools, Lake Odessa, MI, where he was a positive influence on the thousands of students who passed through his classroom and played on his boys’ and girls’ tennis teams. In 2016, he led the girls’ Vikings to its third state tournament and was named LSJ Girls’ Tennis Coach of the Year. An active member of St. Mark's Episcopal church, he sang in the choir and served on the vestry committee. He also enjoyed singing with the Lakewood Choral Society in Lake Odessa for many years.  Marty was a native of Grand Rapids. He was the star basketball player and a graduate of Godwin High School Class of 1968. He continued his education at Hope College, where he enjoyed a successful career playing prep baseball and breaking records in basketball. He was also a fan and supporter of Michigan State University, and enjoyed cheering on his Detroit Tigers and Lions every season.  Above all, Marty’s favorite pastime was devoting his love and energy to time with family and friends. As a loving husband, he attended to the details both large and small of keeping his marriage strong and making sure Beverly always knew she was loved. A caring father, he was always present for his children, especially through the fun activities and entertainment he organized for them on the weekends. Ever protective, he supported and held his kids up: from teaching the skill of roller skating to a young daughter to being the ever-present cheerleader and number one fan at both local and out-of-state tennis matches for his son. Always a giver, when the need arose whether for time or financial support, Marty was the first on the scene for all his loved ones.  Trips to his beloved Disney World with his grandkids brought him as much joy as it did the children. An adventurer, he was an avid hiker and traveler and enjoyed sharing these passions with the ones he loved most. A dancer, a singer, a jokester, a story-teller, his never-ending kindness and energy for life continued through his last days and will continue to bless those who were lucky enough to be a part of Marty’s story.  Marty will be lovingly remembered by his love and companion for many years, Julie “Texer” Courtney; daughter, Carrie (Keith) Parlin; son, Christopher Snoap; grandchildren, Kristopher, Caleb, Connor, Austin, Aubrey, Alexa; brother, Dana (Nancy) Snoap; sisters, Linda Hawkins, Cherie (Ray) Snoap-Andrakowicz, Leslie Snoap; many beloved nieces, nephews, and close friends.  He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 40 years, Beverly; and his parents, Elmer and Lois Snoap.  The family will welcome visitors on Wednesday, January 24, from 4:23-7:23 p.m. at the Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI; and on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Ada Bible Church, Kentwood campus, 2045 68th Street, Caledonia, MI; where a service will be held to celebrate Marty’s life. Pastor Ben Vaught will officiate.  Interment will be in Alaska Cemetery.

STROO FUNERAL HOME
1095 68TH ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508 
Comments  
# Vanessa Tomlinson 2024-07-10 17:44
He was a awesome teacher. He helped with problems we had. Rest in peace Mr snoap
# Gail McVay 2024-01-29 18:36
It was evident in Mr. Snoap's first year of teaching that he was special, and had a way of making everyone feel important. What a joy to take his class! We corresponded for years, and he and Beverly supported me in my college days with an occasional warm dinner. I was always greeted with his warm enthusiastic smile. He made an impact and blessed so many lives throughout his years, and will be missed by many. May he now live in eternal joy. Condolences to those who will miss him most.
# Dale Kooistra 2024-01-28 03:46
I remember him from Godwin High School. He was a great student, athlete, a great friend. I would like to share a story about him that most people will have a hard time identify with. In high school algebra before calculators we used to use slide rules to multiply and divide. They were accurate to two digits. We used to have speed competition and he would often win with an accuracy to 4 digits. I later found out that he wasn't using the slide rule at all he was doing the math in his head. He was faster and more accurate the calculator of our time. I will miss him but luckily I have found memories.
# Greg Haskin 2024-01-25 14:43
Coach Snoap was a great mentor and positive influence during my elementary and high school years. I will remember him as always having a smile on his face while watching his boys and girls tennis teams compete. I was able to reconnect with him after high school during some of the Lakewood Area Choral Society's tour trips. His positive demeanor would always light up a room. My deepest sympathies to friends and family for we lost a good one.
# Pat Reese 2024-01-25 00:58
Marty was one of the greatest, fun loving people you would want to hang out with. The Snoap’s, Byxbe’s, Graul’s and the Reese’s would get together after Student Council events that Marty put on at the old LO jr. high school, then we would celebrate it being done, always an adventure. Loved his enthusiasm with the kids on many of our overnight student council Cedar Point trips, or driving and chaperoning tennis kids to one of his most beloved places on earth DISNEY. He loved life as though he would always be a kid at heart, that he was. A wonderful role model to his students and players, a true friend and coworker for many years at many different schools, you will be dearly missed my friend.
# Christine Haskins 2024-01-24 15:57
Mr Snoap, you were a gift to the world! Your positive energy, generous and giving spirit enriched so many lives. I cherish the memories of my time on the Lakewood Tennis team. Your mentorship made a lasting impression well beyond the tennis court. My deepest condolences to the family.
# Kami Corston Brown 2024-01-24 07:08
Coach Snoap was the best teacher Ever! He made middle school math class my favorite subject and every day was filled with laughter. HS tennis was a whole new adventure with Marty as our coach. Always showering us with positive vibes and challenging us to be our best! He was truly one of the most amazing and influential role models in my life. God bless and keep you, Marty...
# Larry Fordham 2024-01-24 02:56
Snoaper, you will be deeply missed, I was so shocked when I got the call. There should have been a law against all the fun that you and I had back in the day and now you can walk and talk perfectly again, walking the streets of Heaven with Jesus. I love ya man and one of these days I will join you in Heaven with Mom and Pop.
# Benn Owen 2024-01-24 02:52
Thank you Coach for all the slurpees and teaching me Euchre on the Tennis bus. You let Charles and I be ourselves and annoy the heck out of every team we played. It worked for us! Love to your family as they go through this tough time. You were my favorite coach of any coach I ever had. Thank you!
# Lacey Bellin 2024-01-23 22:30
Coach Snoap will always be remembered for his happy and kind demeanor. He was my coach all through high school in tennis and I will cherish all the fun memories that had him part of them. He was a positive light to many and I feel lucky to have been one of those who received his infectious and loving self.
# David Nisbet 2024-01-23 19:20
Marty was a joy to teach and coach with. He was the perfect personality to serve middle school students. We attended several state high school tennis coaches conferences together and I was always impressed with how many coaches from around the state made a point of greeting and spending time with Marty.
# Mark Cunningham 2024-01-23 16:08
Mr Snope had a great impact on the Woodland/Lakewo od community. He drove us to so many tennis events and Old Kent fun runs I can't even count. Sending many prayers for his family.
# Jen Hummel 2024-01-23 14:27
Coach Snoap was always a joy, even when helping me focus on the court. His big smile and jovial spirit will be missed by many.
# Kelley Cuyler 2024-01-23 14:26
God Speed Me Snoap.
You were a genuinely positive impact on me in my high school years. Always being positive in a dark time of my life.
My deepest condolences to the family. You were a blessing.
# Diane Haskin 2024-01-23 12:34
Marty was one of a kind! All 4 of my children took his junior tennis class and went on to play Varsity Tennis under his coaching mentorship. He was such a positive influence in the lives of all he met. I was also in Lakewood Area Choral Society with him and there was never a dull moment when he was around! He will truly be missed by all that knew him. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
# Luke Farrel 2024-01-23 03:58
Mr Snoap was one of those few people who impacted your life that can never be forgotten. He had a way to make you smile, and also had lots of passion. You positively touched so MANY lives! What a blessing you were to all of us!
# Genon Pelfrey Birch 2024-01-23 03:25
He was a phenomenal coach, teacher and person, go with God Marty Snoap! Prayers for the family.
# Tammy Smith 2024-01-23 03:10
Mr. Snoap was first my 8th grade math teacher who taught me to love mad minutes! He then became my tennis coach in HS and we had a grand time. I had never played tennis much but he made learning the game and playing it so much fun! I still have one of the awards he gave out and I received I think my Junior year. It was a tiny little athletic supporter with my name stitched on it. It was so funny. I can not believe I still have that! He loved a good joke and his patience with our team was great! He is now in the arms of Jesus with his beloved Beverly. Thanks for the great times and memories Coach!
# Anela Binkowski 2024-01-23 02:35
Coach Snoap was a one of a kind coach! Nothing got past him and he never let you quit! I owe each and every one of my tennis milestones to him. He pushed me to be the best athlete I could be. Sending thoughts and comfort to family, you will be missed Coach!
# Amber Martin 2024-01-23 01:58
Mr. Snoap was my math teacher in middle school. I was never good at math. I’ll never forget, and am forever grateful for the many hours he spent teaching me. Mr. Snoap was bound and determined I would understand everything he was teaching and took the extra time to make it happen. May you rest in eternal peace.
# Dick hazel 2024-01-23 01:03
Marty an I played a lot of basketball and he coached my 2 oldest sons. He was a great coach and a great competitor!
# Dick 2024-01-23 00:51
Played a lot of basketball with Marty and he coached my 2 oldest sons and they learned a lot from him. He was a great friend and a great competitor
# Kendra Stoepker 2024-01-22 23:57
Extremely saddened to hear this news. Mr. Snoap taught me so much more than just tennis. Spring and summers from middle school through high school and beyond were spent at the tennis courts. He loved every moment of it, as did everyone he coached simply because he taught us in such a unique, fun, & spirited way. He was an important figure in my life for so many years. He will be missed. My condolences to Julie and his family.
# Kristin Heinze 2024-01-22 23:26
Mr. Snoap was one of my PE and computer teachers at Woodland Jr. High. He made EVERYTHING fun! He was kind enough to open the gym before school for a group of us to play Friday morning basketball, which I looked forward to every single week. I later became a colleague as a Lakewood teacher and coach, and he still had the same ability to connect with kids and adults alike. He was a gem, and Lakewood hit the jackpot when they hired him. My heartfelt condolences to all of his loved ones.
# Megan Wakley-Collins 2024-01-22 23:15
I am so sorry to hear of Coach Snoap’s passing. He was a wonderful coach and always knew how to keep me level headed on the court. His infectious smile and positive attitude will always be remembered. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends. May his legacy and teachings continue to inspire those who knew them.
# Tim Tromp 2024-01-22 22:43
Coach was an absolutely phenomenal role model for so many athletes and students. Marty would always offer a smile with his contagious laugh when teaching tennis or life lessons. He will be greatly missed by so many people. My sincere condolences to his brother (my friend) Dana and Marty’s entire family. Racket up Snoap. #Godspeed
# Sarah Jones 2024-01-22 21:35
Coach Snoap you will be dearly missed. You were such a kind and wonderful supporter over the years. I was thinking of you this weekend with fond memories of our tennis state run. You took me under your wing when I picked up a tennis racket for the first time as a junior and had me join the varsity team my senior year. The experience at States is a treasured memory for me and that would not have been possible without your guidance. I now play pickleball and often think of you when I try to poach a shot - something you trained me to do 20 years ago:) Your positive demeanor and upbeat attitude had a profound impact on many - you will be missed!
# Jill VanZyl 2024-01-22 20:55
We were so sorry to hear of Marty's passing. I taught at Lakewood and sang in the Lakewood Area Choral Society with Marty and have many fond memories of those times. He always had a smile or laugh to share! Our deepest sympathies are with the entire family.
# The McNeill Family 2024-01-22 19:46
Coach Snoap was the best! Such a positive influence, patient mentor, and friend to all. I remember him as a teacher when I was a student many years ago, and I appreciated and valued his influence and coaching of my sons in recent years. Marty repurposed one of his own old tennis trophies to make a special and treasured award for our son, George at the end of his senior tennis season. It was just one of the many thoughtful acts and memories I’m sure he leaves behind with the students and athletes whose lives he touched. Prayers for comfort and peace for his loved ones and friends. He was a gem.
# Erica Potter-Rickerd 2024-01-22 19:43
It saddens me to hear this news. My husband and I had the honor of knowing Coach Snoap through our mutual love of the game of tennis. He taught us so much and was always smiling. We are praying for Marty’s family during this time.
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