February 2, 1941 ~ August 9, 2024
William G. Priebe, age 83, of Neenah, WI died peacefully in his childhood home of Eagle River, WI.
Bill graduated from Eagle River High School in May 1959 and in September of that same year attended LCTC, Lincoln County Teachers College, Merrill. This was one of the last Normal schools in operation in Wisconsin, offering a teaching certificate after only two years. So, in September of 1961, he started teaching in Delavan at Shadow Lawn School. It was a small school with two classrooms and two teachers; Bill taught grades 1-5.
Then, in the fall of 1968 Bill moved to Neenah after graduating from UW-Superior.
In 1970, he started building his cottage on Nelson Lake in Eagle River with the help of his father, a place he would cherish for all of his years. And, being a talented artist, painted many scenes of Nelson Lake and the surrounding landscape.
By 1977, he purchased his beloved 100 yr old Victorian brick home on 238 Bond St. in Neenah which he proudly restored himself. Roses carefully transplanted from his mother’s own bushes surrounded the house. Bill spent most of his career teaching in the Neenah Elementary school system, the last years as a Title 1 math teacher. He retired after 37 years.
Bill will best be remembered for being an ‘”old soul”. He was an avid collector of antiques and relished the past. He spent many hours poring over family photos and reminiscing over the years gone by. He was an excellent cook and baker, often using old family recipes from his mother. Bill especially loved Christmas and a special treat for visitors was his Christmas tree adorned in antique ornaments and lit with candles.
He was a beloved son, brother and uncle who will be forever missed but never forgotten.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Gustave and Irene Priebe; his big sister, Elaine and his baby brother, Robert.
He is survived by his nephew’s, Mike of Little Chute, WI, Steve and Don of Eagle River, WI, Paul of Lehigh Acres and niece’s, Mary, Carole and Anne of Eagle River, WI. As well as many grand-nephews/nieces, cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be at 11:30am on October 4, 2024, at the Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River, WI. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
PAID OBITUARY
