Douglas Thomas Sniesak

Douglas Thomas Sniesak was born in Detroit, Michigan on Dec. 4, 1953, to Elizabeth Long Sniesak and Andrew Sniesak. He died Dec. 28, 2025 in the loving care of his wife, son Ian and daughter Nicole, at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods.

At 17 years Doug came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, who called him out of darkness into His marvelous light. This changed the trajectory of his life. After studying at Detroit Bible College, he transferred to Covenant College to finish his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. During that time, he also met his bride, Linda Shafer, and they married in 1977.

Doug further attended Westminster Seminary and Villanova University in Philadelphia, but with the arrival of their first child, he decided a nursing credential would serve the family best.

Over the years, 4 more children would be born to them. He was a faithful husband to Linda for 48 years, and a father who, though flawed with struggles of his own, always loved and provided for his four sons and 1 daughter. In his last years, he always hoped for reconciliation and peace with them.

After nursing school, Doug and Linda moved back to Michigan to be near family and friends, landing in Grand Rapids in 1988. Eventually, he secured a Master of Arts in Educational Ministries from Calvin Seminary, always having a heart for teaching in the Christian faith.

His work in nursing included psychiatric, substance abuse/detox, and cardiac med-surg nursing. He was respected as a very skilled nurse who shared his knowledge with students, new nurses, and Medical residents whenever he could. One such resident-now-doctor remembers him fondly for his skills, courage, humor, wit and faithfulness.

Doug started a Men's Bible Study at home over 10 years ago that continues to the present, which was a source of friendship, fellowship and growth for himself and the others. Friends say that he really knew books; he was academic; and he was always ready to loan or give a book (or sell one on his online Theos Book Connection home business). He had a passion for teaching, for understanding theology and history, and for learning with anyone else who was interested. Doug was also known for his collections of worthy books on theology, history and politics; of Alien t-shirts/memorabilia; of comic books; classical, classic rock and Celtic Thunder music; of model cars; and of white elephants (being gifted a few).

His last year was spent coping with pulmonary fibrosis, one day at a time spending meaningful time with Linda in gratitude for their years together. He wanted to glorify God even in the hardship of terminal illness.

Doug will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Linda, by his friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, and his sons, Justin (Tashia), Ian, Julian, Graham, and one daughter, Nicole Sniesak (Nick Simpson); and grandchildren: the late Mason Sniesak, Aidan Sniesak, Roger Sniesak, Lena Sniesak, and Bryson Winfree. He is also survived by his brother, Joe (Nancy); his sister Leslie Molnar; and many nieces and nephews.

If anyone desires to gift in Doug's memory, his heart was very much with China Aid, a Christian organization that defends persecuted Christians in China.

Doug's Memorial Service will be on Tuesday, January 6, 2025.

Private family committal at Christ Church Columbarium, 10:30 a.m.

Visitation, 11:00 a.m.

Memorial Service at 12:00 noon.

A luncheon will follow at the church.

Christ Church

2500 Breton Road S.E.

Grand Rapids, MI