Thomas Edward Snellman
Thomas Edward Snellman, 66, passed away September 11, 2011 in his Billings home surrounded by his family after an epic battle with cancer. He was born January 20, 1945 in Williston, ND to Gordon and Evelyn (Deubner) Snellman. He grew up on a homestead by Medicine Lake, MT and graduated from Medicine Lake High School (1963).
From 1964 to 1967, he attended University of Montana. In Missoula (1966), he married his love Cheryl Diane Ploog of Lemmon, SD. Together, they created a full and fruitful life with no regrets.
In 1967, Tom started in sales at 93 Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep in Missoula. He deservedly worked his way up to co-owner/ general manger of multiple dealerships throughout Montana. From 1975 to 1988, he created Tom Snellman Chevrolet and Statewide Auto Sales in Helena. Paralleled with work, he continued his passion of farming, ranching and raising race horses in the Bitterroot Valley and Helena. For the last 22 years, Tom has resided in Billings. He was the co-owner of Homestead Hyundai/Subaru and is currently the owner of Billings Nissan.
Tom was a philosopher, optimist and great businessman. He cared deeply for his family ,only wishing to provide for them. Whether it was working a car deal, taking care of his horses, planting and harvesting a crop, playing golf with his son-in-laws, traveling with his wife or playing with his children and grandchildren - - Tom loved his life. He was a compassionate, brilliant man that we will dearly miss.
He leaves his beloved wife Cheryl and his four daughters, son-in-laws and ten grandchildren as follows: Stephanie and Erik Krueger (Cannon, Scotlyn); Stacey and Rick Fancher (Stetson, Sydney); Jennifer and Lamont Herman (Brooklyn, Jolene, Colton); Nicole and Jyal Morrow ( Aliya, Makena, Jayna) . He also leaves two brothers: Dick and his wife Suze of Power, MT; and Chuck and his wife Barbara of Helena, MT. He is also survived by his in-laws, Esther Ploog of Lemmon, SD; Barry Ploog of Spearfish, SD; Nona (Ploog) Rens of Helena, Tracie (Rens) Long of Billings, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, father and a brother Jerry.
Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 3:00 to 5:00pm at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. and a memorial service Monday, September 19, 2011 at 1:00pm at Harvest Church Lockwood Campus, Old Hwy 87 on Rosebud Lane with the Pastor Joe Windham presiding. A memorial gift in Tom Snellman’s name can be made to establish a future scholarship for young entrepreneurs in need of college funds, 2441 Keel Drive, Billings, MT 59105.
Remembrances
To the Snellman family,
Tommy and I worked together at 93 Chrysler back in the late 60's and early
70's. He was one of my primary teachers when I started at the dealership. We
became great friends in a short period of time. I look back at the time I
spent with him on a daily basis and then over the years when I was lucky
enough to see him with great fondness. He was a wonderful man, a super car
man, great dad and loving husband. I think about him all of the time and the
days we spent together at 93 chrysler. I'm really sorry to hear that he's
gone.
I just wanted to say hi to your mom and how sorry I am.
Sincerely,
Dick Blomgren
Msla., MT
Cheryl & family, We are so very sorry about Tom.
Donnie always enjoyed visiting with him whenever the families got
together. You all are in our thoughts & prayers.
Ida Mae
So sorry for your loss. What a great man he was
and I hurt for his family.
I worked with Tom for years and he was the greatest business man in
Billings.
He was a friend to all and had this quiet way about him that you had to
admire.
We will miss him and my heart goes out to his family. God Bless .
Jane Markegard
From the moment I met Tom at Montana State in the fall of 1963 I knew he was a special guy. Real smart, well-read, thoughtful, not content with the “received wisdom,” if you know what I mean. You would and you wouldn’t believe he was from Medicine Lake. A nice kid, sincere, open, but also savvy, hip, with an eye out for an interesting future. When you’re just out of high school, Circle High it was, looking yourself for broadened horizons, Tom was just the cat you wanted to meet up with in college. I’m glad I did, glad we shared all those long talks there in Culbertson Hall back in the day, but wish we could have had many more. Was great seeing him in Medicine Lake summer of 2010. So sorry he left this ol’ mortal coil so soon. Jan Ophus, Eugene, Oregon.
Cheryl, the girls, grandchildren and family...
Just learned today of Tom's passing from someone in Sidney, i'm so sorry
for your loss and he will be missed, as you know Tom and i have been
friends for 37 years, it mattered not how long it had been since we
spoke, it was always like we'd talked yesterday, he was a great friend,
family man, and when it came to business, he was hard to beat, very
bright and quick as we all know... Death leaves a heartache no one can
heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal...Your gone Tommy but not
forgotten...
Your Friend Always...
Jim Rhines and family
sorry to hear about Tom. Larry also passed away last year. I am thinking about you. BonnieHalder