Joel West

Joel Snyder West of Lohrville, passed away at his home on May 21, 2025 of pancreatic cancer.

Joel was born on August 7, 1947, to Glen E. West and Mary (Snyder) West of Knoxville, Iowa, where Joel was raised and attended school. Joel served in the United States Army from 1966-1968. One year being served in Vietnam. On May 31, 1969, Joel and wife Gloria were married.

Joel a.k.a. "Snyder" was an honest and fair man who did not require a lot of "bells and whistles" or social recognition to feel content and happy. He was a good ol' boy who preferred to wear bib overalls and who always greatly appreciated and valued friends whom he respected, trusted and with whom he could share a laugh...or two.. or three.

He loved living in the country where he could truly feel free and enjoy Iowa's open horizons and enjoy of the "West Nest". .

Through the years he enjoyed various jobs where he felt he was a contributing team member. Years ago he developed a passion for motorcycles and became quite a chopper builder and custom painter. Besides being a long time Harley Man a.k.a. "Old School Biker", he loved getting the flat bottom fishing boat out on the river, fishing the day away and spending the night camping on a sand bar with a clear full moon sky above and a cozy campfire close by. He always had time to do some tinkering on whatever needed to be tinkered with and was co-parent to many pets over the years as well as the garden (and lawn) boss.

Joel remained true to the principles that brought his ancestors to this country in 1733.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Michael (Mick) West of Livingston, Montana.

Those left to grieve and miss him are his wife, Gloria, sister-in-law Kay West, nieces Karrie West, Kim West (Dave Hill) , and nephew Matt (Krista) West all of Livingston, Montana., as well as other close extended family members (Ron and Lea Hawthorne and family).

It was Joel's wish to be cremated. It was also his wish to not have a funeral. Cremains will be scattered/buried privately at a later date.

God be with you on your journey, Joel. Thank you for all the "todays" together. Now it is time for your final ride on Heaven's highway with God's angels. Keep the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. You fought a good fight and we are all proud of you. Love always and forever.