Thomas "Tom" C. Priebe

The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1After a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma, and a short, but fierce fight with lung cancer, Thomas Priebe passed away peacefully, at home, on Tuesday, January 31, 2017.Tom was born on February 3, 1936, to Marion (Hoy) and Ruben F. Priebe. The second of three children, he grew up in the Town of Friendship, spending his childhood and most of his adult life wandering the western shores of Lake Winnebago. He loved the lake, he loved being outdoors, and he loved to watch his birds.Tom was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, North Fond du Lac, and was confirmed there as well. He attended Winnebago Lutheran Academy, transferred to North Fond du Lac High School, and graduated from there in 1954. He served with the United States Army for two years, and shortly before leaving for his tour of duty in Germany, he married the love of his life, Lois Becker, on November 30, 1958.Upon his return from Germany, Tom returned to his job on the Soo Line Railroad, working for them until he retired in the spring of 1987. He spent his retirement years enjoying golf with his friends, visiting with neighbors, spending time at the cottage on Paya Lake, and most of all, watching his grandchildren grow up. He loved to see his grandchildren perform, whether it was on a baseball diamond, a stage, a soccer field, a softball diamond, or a basketball court, he was there, supporting and maybe even coaching a little bit.Tom was a former member of the Van Dyne Lions Club. He also served on the board of Paya Lake Association, and on the Forest Cemetery Board. He was also a member of the North Fond du Lac History. He is survived by his wife, Lois; his children: Steven (Sue) Priebe and Trisha (David) Babler; his grandchildren: Madeleine and Miles Priebe, and Tyler (special friend, Natalie Parker) and Caroline Babler. He is further survived by his sister, Marcia (Richard) Bott; his sisters-in-law: Pearl Becker and Dorothy Scheibach; and nieces, nephews, and friends.Tom was preceded in death by, and is now celebrating eternal life in heaven with, his parents, Marion and Ruben; his older brother, David Priebe and David’s beloved wife, Janice.The family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Sergi and staff; Dr. Parameswaran Hari and the nurses and staff at Froedtert Hospital; Dr. Zahid Dar and the nurses and staff of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic for their many years of compassionate and devoted care, along with the nurses of Aurora Hospice.VISITATION: Tom’s family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2017, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1600 South Main Street, Fond du Lac, and from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church.SERVICE: The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church with Rev. Michael J. Zuberbier officiating.Burial will follow in Forest Cemetery.Memorials may be directed to St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church.

Thomas "Tom" C. Priebe

February 3, 1936 - January 31, 2017