Genevieve Elenore Lillskau

Genevieve Lillskau passed away peacefully on October 16 in Ankeny at age 90. Born in Michigan, she spent her teen years in California where she met and married Gordon Snetselaar.

Gen worked as secretary on the Senate floor in the Iowa State Capitol for many years. Her second career was carrying the mail on a rural route in Polk City. After retiring she served as treasurer for the Big Creek Historical Society.

She loved her life on the farm in Iowa and could often be found planting and watering trees, weed-eating around the pond, raking and burning leaves, or driving the tractor. She loved to mow.

Gen was predeceased by husbands Gordon Snetselaar and Leonard Lillskau and parents Cornelius and Helen Ooms. She is survived by daughters Karen (Michael McCann) and Rebecca Snetselaar, and son Andrew (Mary) Snetselaar.

Services will be private. Memorial contributions can be made to the Big Creek Historical Society in Polk City.

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Mary Kleis

10/18/2025

What a wonderful lady! I met Genieve in February at Copperwood where my husband was her across the hall neighbor and shared the dining table with Genieve and Mark. I’ll remember her for the twinkle in her eye, her smile, her pink plaid shirt, and comfortable shoes. I’ll miss her. May she rest in peace. Mary