Lance N. "Snooker" Lemmen's Obituary
West Michigan had never hit 70 degrees in the month of February until Tuesday, February 27, 2024 - the day Lance “Snooker” Lemmen left this world behind. This is no coincidence. A walking Jimmy Buffet song, Snooker left us with a “summer” day to bid him farewell and to remember and celebrate his life; a day to step out of hibernation, put our faces toward the sun, crack open a drink, and soak in the joy of warmth and togetherness - despite his absence, and our grief. Giant in both stature and heart, Snooker will be remembered for his easy going nature, genuine kindness, goofy and adventurous spirit, and immense love for his family and friends. He leaves behind an equally giant hole in the hearts of his many loved ones: His loving and devoted wife, Regina Lemmen; beloved children, Alex (Shaena) Lemmen and Emily (Peter) Rahrig; grandchildren, Owen, Brody, Isabel, Jayce, and Kollins; siblings, Marcia (Ron) Schofield, Doug (Heidi) Lemmen, and Todd (Lori) Lemmen; and several dear friends and extended family. He was predeceased by his daughter, Ashley; his parents, Wayne and Helene Lemmen; and his brother, Dennis Lemmen.
Snooker was many things - an adoring husband, loving father, doting grandfather, loyal friend, successful businessman, versed captain, professional fisherman, avid golfer, world traveler, master storyteller, amateur (yet devoted) photographer, dance floor extraordinaire, and all-around lover of life.
Snooker had defied medical odds since his birth on March 20,1956, and continued to do so with a fierce determination until the very end. Surviving his first open heart surgery at the age of five set the tone for a lifetime of miraculous comebacks, always done with his trademark smile and an inexplicably positive attitude. He had an unapologetic zest for life. Some of his greatest joys were days spent on the water fishing, boating with marina friends who became family, enjoying a simple meal, either a home cooked dinner or weekly pizza at Fricano’s with his parents or friends, lazy afternoons watching westerns, and talking to anyone that would listen about his immense pride for his children and grandchildren.
Snooker was fully in his element when in his trusty shorts, a well-worn tourist t-shirt from a past vacation, broken-in boat shoes, a smear of sunscreen across the top of his head, cold drink in hand, good tunes through the speakers, and surrounded by his people. He was genuinely interested in the lives and stories of others, eager to listen and learn, slow to interject, and even slower to brag or boast. Snooker could find authentic joy and fun in every situation, whether at the country club or the small town dive bar, on a trip overseas or on canning day at the farm, on the biggest of yachts or the smallest of dinghies. He lived by the words of one of his favorite Jack Johnson songs: “We’ve got everything we need right here, and everything we need is enough.”
Snooker will be dearly missed, but his larger-than-life presence and one-of-a-kind smile will live on in all of those lucky enough to have shared a moment, memory, or conversation with him.
A Funeral Service for Snooker will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 8, 2024, at All Shores Wesleyan Church-Spring Lake campus, 15550 Cleveland St., Spring Lake, MI 49456, with a visitation one-hour prior at the church. A Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8:00 PM on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Memorial Contributions in Snooker’s honor can be directed to Kids’ Food Basket-Muskegon or American Legion Post #28 Honor Guard. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Lance?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lance?
Share a story where Lance's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lance you’ll never forget.
How did Lance make you smile?
