Richard J Priebe

Richard J. Priebe sadly passed away peacefully on Saturday August 3 with his family by his side. Richard was the kindest-hearted person one could ever meet, always helping others and checking to make sure they were OK or if there was anything he could do for them.

Beloved husband of the late Madelyn for 59 years. Loving dad of Kathleen (Steven) Sawyer, Ronald Priebe, Scott (Linda) Priebe and Tim (Liz) Priebe. Proud grandpa of Douglas Meister, Stephen (Jaclyn) Meister, and Alexis Priebe. Devoted brother to Betty Koon, Ginny Lobeck, and Norman “Butch” Priebe. Preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Gladys Priebe (nee Jewell), sister Cora Jenkins, and brother Jack Priebe.

His family was always number one to him and he loved them dearly. He loved putting together the hardest puzzles we could find him, and he could look at a piece and know right where it fit. He also loved to dance, where he patented the human version of the penguin. He loved to show his moves at weddings where all the ladies were happy to dance with him.

Richard enjoyed going to the casino with our mom, both in Las Vegas and those within a day’s drive of their home. He could sit and play penny slot machines for hours. When our money was gone, dad was still adding to his winnings. He had a passion for sports, watching sporting events whenever they were on, especially baseball games and track and field events. Through his years in Michigan, he remained a huge Ohio State Buckeye, Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns fan. His children and grandchildren were active in sports and he enjoyed coaching and supporting them. 

He was an old school strong man who held his emotions in check. The first time we saw him shed tears was when his kids sent him and our mom to Maui, Hawaii for their 40th wedding anniversary. It was a dream trip for both of them which they talked about for many years, like how dad would fall in waves that would lap over his ankles because the sand gave way beneath him. He tried to encourage our mom to surf, but that was not to be! 

He graduated from John Adams High School in Cleveland, where he was known as an awesome track man by his classmates and after graduation began attending Case Western Reserve to study engineering. While at Case, he was drafted into the Army where he was stationed in South Korea. When he returned to the states, he resumed his studies at Cleveland State University and received a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He was a long-time employee of General Motors, working there for over 27 years before retiring in 1999. 

Richard moved his family to Livonia, Michigan in 1972 and lived in the same home for 50+ years, before moving with our mom to StoryPoint Senior Living in Novi, Michigan in 2021. He made many friends here, and he was a resident favorite, especially with the ladies! He enjoyed participating in many activities in the community, but never failed to complain about the food on a regular basis! He most enjoyed the outings to restaurants to try different things. 

Dad lived a good, full life, but also missed our mom after her passing in November 2021. They are now reunited in heaven, dancing to “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” by Elvis. We find comfort in knowing that they are together again for eternity.

Interment Lake View Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to meet for Funeral Services 11 am Thursday at THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 MAYFIELD RD, LYNDHURST (E OF RICHMOND RD), WHERE FRIENDS MAY CALL FROM 9 AM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICE

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or Tunnel to Towers.