Doris M. Snyder

Princeville - Doris Mary Snyder, 92, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Born on February 23, 1934, to immigrant parents, Joesph Kraft and Hedwig (Kappes) Kraft, Doris lived a life defined by devotion to her family, quiet strength and faith.

A lifelong resident of Princeville, Illinois in her early years, Doris attended Princeville Grade School and Princeville High School. As one of many siblings, she treasured a childhood rich with family, friendships, and simple pleasures—Saturday movies, ice cream outings to Bluegreen’s and riding her bicycle around town. She was active in high school band and cheerleading, and during those years she met her future husband, George. They were married on February 12, 1955, at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church in Princeville.

As a Navy wife for 20 years, Doris demonstrated remarkable strength and independence. During her husband’s long sea duty assignments, she capably raised and guided five boys at home, providing stability, discipline, and constant love. One story that captures her spirit is the four-week journey she made across the Pacific Ocean on a troop carrier, traveling with her infant son to join her husband while he was stationed in the Philippines. She shared a small cabin with three other young mothers and their babies, endured rough seas, and faced the stifling heat without air conditioning. She never described the journey as hardship — only as what needed to be done. Doris was 22 years old at the time. This story reflects the courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication that defined her and so many Navy wives of her generation.

She later became a familiar and beloved presence at Princeville Grade School, where she served as secretary for 16 years. Generations of students, teachers, and families knew her for her kindness, steady presence, and practical wisdom that helped to keep the school running smoothly.

Doris’s Catholic faith sustained her throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling, made friends quickly, feared storms, could crochet a pair of slippers in less than 30 minutes and lovingly sewed many costumes for her grandchildren.

In her later years, Doris’s greatest happiness came from her growing family. She delighted in every visit, every milestone, and especially in the news that another great-grandchild was on the way. It was during this chapter of her life that she joined the community at Proctor Place Senior Living, where she developed meaningful friendships and frequently expressed appreciation for the kindness and care shown by the management and staff.

She is lovingly remembered by her five sons: Michael (Deb); Steven (Debbie); William (Kari); Robert (Leslie); and Mark (Sonya). She was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by three siblings: Juliann Shafer, James Kraft and Thomas Kraft. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, George Snyder, her son, Donald and four siblings, Frank Kraft, Ruth Kraft, Charles Kraft and William Kraft.

Those who knew Doris will remember her as kind yet straightforward, practical yet compassionate, and devoted to her family and friends. She was proud of her boys and her ever-growing family. Her legacy lives on in the strength, values and love she instilled in each of them.

Funeral will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church. Father Cory Krengiel will officiate. Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2026 at Haskell Funeral & Cremation Services in Princeville. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will take place in St. Mary of the Woods Cemetery in Princeville.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital or St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church.

Online condolences for Doris’s family may be left on her tribute wall at www.haskellfuneral.com. 

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