Joshua A. Snyder

Joshua Allen Snyder, age 44, passed away on May 21st after a short but fierce battle with Neuroendocrine Cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends. 

Josh was born on November 19, 1978 to David and Cynthia (Lauber) Snyder in Peoria, IL. He was the oldest of their four children, and their only son. Josh spent his childhood surrounded by a large extended family in Chillicothe, IL. Josh played many sports throughout his childhood years, but his heart belonged to the game of baseball. He also developed a love of music along the way and played saxophone in the high school band. Josh started his high school career at Illinois Valley Central High School in Chilicothe, where he spent the first 16 years of his life. He finished his high school career at St. Mary Springs in Fond du Lac, WI, when his dad got relocated for work, graduating in 1996. Josh then attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where he graduated in 2004 with a degree in biology. 

Josh moved to Chicago after graduation,  where he took a job at Rush University doing Parkinson’s research. Josh met Shannon McEntee in 2005. Josh and Shannon married in 2012 and have three children; Kaleb (13), Adelaide (10) and Grace (8). Josh and Shannon moved their family to Sun Prairie, WI in 2019 when Josh’s company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, offered him a job in the Madison area. 

Josh enjoyed his job at Thermo Fisher and felt lucky to be able to spend his days doing science, as science was one of his passions. Josh’s other passion, music, led him to find success as a wedding deejay for over 20 years. Josh deejayed hundreds of weddings over the years, and took great pride in giving couples the party of their lifetime on their special day. 

The only thing Josh loved more than music and science was his family. Josh was a proud baseball/softball dad, band dad, dance dad and cheer dad. When it came to the kids, Josh was always willing to volunteer his time, whether it was coaching, deejaying an event or supporting school events. He was his children’s biggest supporter and fan. 

Josh is survived by his wife, Shannon (McEntee), and three children; Kaleb, Addie and Grace. His mom and dad; Cynd (Lauber) and Dave Snyder. His three sisters; Elizabeth (Monti) Taylor, Elaine (Tyler) Smith and Emily (Travis) Gripentrog. His grandmother Marie (Hawley) Lauber and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. His mother-in-law; Beth McEntee and brothers in law; Dan and Mike McEntee and many, many friends.

A private memorial service is being held June 17th. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Camp Kesem in Josh’s name. Camp Kesem is a camp for kids whose parent has diagnosed or died from cancer. Kaleb, Addie and Grace will be attending camp this summer. 

A special thank you to the staff at Agrace, especially Lindsay,  for their compassionate hospice care. Also, a special thank you to Dr. Marty. Words will never be enough to thank you for your above and beyond care of Josh. 

608-837-9054