Rudolph F. Snell, 92, formerly of Crystal Falls (Mansfield), Mich., and most recently of Menominee, Mich., passed away Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility, Powers, Mich. He was born November 17, 1919, in Crystal Falls, son of the late Fred and Ida (Buck) Snell. He resided there all of his life until enlisting in the United States Army in August of 1942. His desire was to become a paratrooper, and after much extensive training, he and his fellow paratroopers were sent to Nottingham, England, in March of 1944, to prepare for the allied invasion of Europe. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne: 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and was in the invasion of Normandy. During the invasion, he was captured and held at prisoner camps as a Prisoner of War for 11 months, until the end of the war in May of 1945. Rudolph married Lelia Morill on September 24, 1949. She preceded him in death in May of 1954. He worked as a road construction worker, a diamond driller, and a miner at several underground mines including The Tobin, The Mather B, and The Empire mines. Rudy was an active member of Tufts-Rondin VFW Post No. 2891 of Crystal Falls. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cribbage, bird watching, and being outdoors. He is survived by two daughters, Shelley (Terry) Dobrzenski, Menominee, Judy Lundin, Green Bay, Wis.; one son, Howard Charles (Susan) Snell, Green Bay; eight grandchildren, Michelle (Dan) Brynolf, Christine (Tim) Nicklaus, Joni (Jeff) Sayers, Marla Lundin, Howard (Belinda) Snell, Laura (Jim) Sartori, Jodi (Ken) Jauquet, Robert Snell; and several great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Rudolph was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Visitation will be Saturday, July 7, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Mansfield Country Church (Mansfield Cut Off Rd.) in Crystal Falls. The memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday at the church. The East Side Veterans Council will accord military honors 12:30 p.m., Saturday at United Lutheran Church, Crystal Falls. You may light a candle in remembrance of Rudolph or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family.