June 30, 2017 at 4:49 p.m.
William John Priebe
William John Priebe
Bill was born June 16, 1941 to William and Helena Priebe in Rhinelander and had seven brothers and sisters (Joseph, Henry, Margaret, Ralph, Donald, Angeline and Mary Ann). He was a 1960 graduate of Rhinelander High School and went on to work as a machinist at Printpack for 43 1/2 years. He was a long-time member and elder at Grace Foursquare Church in Rhinelander. Bill was also better known as K9BTP to 1000's around the world. At the age of 14 he got his amateur radio operator's license and a day didn't go by where he got on his radio to talk to old friends and make new ones.
On September 17, 1960 he married his high school sweetheart Jean Sparks and they made a family for almost 57 years. They had four children: Mark (Diane) Priebe, Rhinelander; Julie (Gary) Fisher, Menasha; Katy (Mark) Sweigart: Saginaw, Mich.; Christy (Joseph) Fehlen, Rhinelander. Bill and Jean also had 12 grandkids: Matthew (Jessica) Zeratski, Zachary (Anna) Sweigart, Tara (Tom) Lund, Adria (Michael) Quiroz, William (Tracy) Priebe, Ann Sweigart, Tori Kate Fisher, Hope (Paul) Ramseyer, Olivia Fisher, Amelia Fehlen, Elliot Fehlen and Samuel Fehlen. He also had seven great-grandkids: Natalie and Matti Jo Zeratski, Liam and Lincoln Sweigart, Elijah and Ezra Quiroz and Atoli Priebe.
Bill was loved and appreciated by everyone who knew him. He was well known for being a hard worker, lover of water, motorcycles, airplanes and all things weather related. But ultimately he was known as someone who cared for his wife, family and friends with the greatest of sincerity and love. He also lived right up to the end to serve his Savior Jesus and was ready to see Him face to face.
A public gathering will be taking place Wednesday, July 5 at Grace Foursquare Church in Rhinelander (4360 Hwy 17 N). We will have a visitation to greet the family from 9 to 11 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am. A lunch we be provided after the service and all are welcome to attend. Per Bill's wishes his body will be donated for research to Mayo Clinic of Rochester, Minn. where he received much of his cancer care. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to the family for memorials.
You may leave your private condolences for the Priebe family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Priebe family.
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