Kenneth “Snakey” Donavan Snakenberg, born January 1, 1939, in Fairfield, Iowa, passed away on April 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and deep love for family and community.
A memorial service in his honor will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with Pastor Trever Northup and Pastor Frosty Van Voorst officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home and will last until the time of service. Memorial contributions in “Snakey’s” honor may be directed to EveryStep Hospice and mailed to 3920 Mesa Dr., Center Point, IA 52213. He graduated from North Miami High School in 1957 and went on to serve his country in the Army National Guard. Following high school, he returned to Fairfield from Florida and began working alongside his father at the local Massey Ferguson dealership.
Before long, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase the business, marking the beginning of a lifelong career as a self-employed businessman. In the early 1960s, he purchased a 200-acre farm northwest of town near Packwood, where he built a life rooted in agriculture. On June 26, 1960, he married Connie Joan Woolums, the love of his life. Never one to slow down, he ventured into the hospitality business by purchasing the tavern “Fuzzy’s” in Packwood. Soon after, he built a new facility and expanded the operation on the northeast edge of town, where he and Connie proudly operated “The Hub” for many years, creating a gathering place for the community. Outside of work, he cherished time spent on fishing trips with his brother-in-law, Larry—a lifelong friend—moments that brought him great joy. He also greatly valued his friendships with Virgil and Marty, and the many mornings spent sharing coffee, stories, and laughter with “the coffee boys,” a routine that became a meaningful and enduring part of his daily life. He farmed with passion and purpose, especially enjoying his hog operation, and remained deeply committed to improving and developing his land. Even after retiring from full-time farming in the mid-1980s, he stayed closely involved in the operation alongside longtime renters and dear friends, Rick and Emily. In retirement, he continued working during peak seasons with FS, assisting with equipment maintenance and supporting local farming operations. His drive and work ethic led him to yet another successful endeavor when he founded Midway Repair, specializing in small engine sales and service. His dedication earned him recognition as a top dealer in the Midwest region for Snapper and Briggs & Stratton—a distinguished achievement, awarded twice, for his work with both companies. Snakey was known for his strong will, sharp wit, and at times an ornery streak that those closest to him came to know and love. It was part of what made him uniquely himself—honest, spirited, and never one to shy away from speaking his mind.
He is survived by his son, Randy Snakenberg and his wife, Laurie, of Center Point, Iowa; his grandchildren, Brandi Vorhies, Bryce Vorhies, Lexi (Snakenberg) Todd and her husband, Trevor, Jacob Snakenberg, Maci Snakenberg, and Lucas Snakenberg; and his sister, Luanne (Snakenberg) Van Dyne, along with many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie (Woolums) Snakenberg; his daughter, Deb “Debbie” Schenkelberg; his son, Allen Loren Snakenberg; his father, Emory Snakenberg; his mother, Helen “Lucile” (Kenning) Snakenberg; his brothers, Richard “Dick” Snakenberg, Larry Snakenberg, and his half-brother, Mel Snakenberg. He will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and the deep love he held for his family, his land, and the life he built.
