Thomas Edward Snellman

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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.