John Cleo Snell Jr. passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. While we will miss him deeply, we know he's probably already scouting out the perfect drag strip in Heaven.

Visitation with the family present will be from 10 to 11 am with a funeral service at 11 am on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Miller Funeral Home Southside Chapel.

Born May 14, 1952 in Mitchell, South Dakota, to John Cleo Snell Sr. and Darlene (Musick) Snell, John grew up with a twinkle in his eye and a love of anything with wheels. A proud graduate of Mitchell High School, Class of 1970, he was known for his quick wit, generous heart, and a not-so-secret penchant for speed. Whether it was at the track in Marion, SD, or—legend has it—testing out his car's limits on the freshly paved stretches of I-90, John loved the thrill of the ride and the stories that came with it.

After a move to Denver for mechanics school, John eventually returned to South Dakota, beginning a long and dedicated career on the railroad. His work eventually took him to St. James, MN, where fate (and maybe a good set of brakes) led him to the love of his life, Linda Diane (Ouren) Johnson. Linda came with four wonderful children, ages 2 to 8, and on October 16, 1985, John embraced them all as his own—instantly turning his bachelorhood into a full house.

The family lived in St. Paul Park, MN, before settling in Huron, SD, where John continued his railroad career, working first as a conductor and later earning his license as a train engineer after attending Engineering School in Kansas City. He worked for the DM&E Railroad which eventually became The Canadian Pacific Railroad, trading in the tracks for more time with family, hunting trips in The Black Hills with his sons, and the occasional drag race as a spectator (though his eyes still lit up like he had the keys in his hand).

John loved camping, fishing, grilling, and telling the kind of stories that left you laughing long after the punchline. His laugh was as unforgettable as his big bear hugs. Vacations were a big part of his life from family trips to The Black Hills to an Alaskan cruise with Linda, RV trips to Arizona and Yellowstone, and visits to see kids and grandkids across the country.

For the past 12 years, John and Linda made their home in Sioux Falls, where they relished every moment spent with their grandchildren. Whether it was a hockey game, dance recital, concert, or simply gathering around the table to celebrate a birthday, John was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.

John will be dearly missed by his wife, Linda, and their children: Jeremiah (Laura) Johnson of Sioux Falls; Jennifer (Barry) Jesinoski of Ft. Mitchell, KY; Jeff (Deonne) Johnson of Westminster, MA; and Jaymi (Troy) Bader of Sioux Falls. He leaves behind his treasured grandchildren: Weston and Connor Jesinoski; Tristan, Serena, Evelyn, and Ouren Johnson; and Ava Johnson. He is also survived by his sisters, Norma (Snell) Eppel and Clarene (Snell) Bob Shaw; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

John's life was a beautiful mix of love, laughter, and a little bit of horsepower. While the world feels quieter without his booming laugh, his stories, lessons, and the joy he brought will keep racing through our hearts forever.

John and the family request that memorials be directed to the donor's choice of either St. Jude's Children's Hospital or to Metavivor for Metastatic Breast Cancer Research.