Walter G. Priebe
Age 87 of Lansing, passed away in Ocala, FL on January 20, 2022. He was born November 4, 1934 in Detroit, MI and attended Redford High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1953-1957 as a Communication Specialist stationed in British Columbia. Walter married Miriam in 1957 and enjoyed 44 years of marriage until her death in 2001. He is preceded in heaven by his late wife, Miriam Priebe, his brother, John Priebe, his parents, Henry and Orma Priebe, Katie Priebe (Joseph), and Frederic Watts (Anne). Surviving are his five children and their families Gordon (Julie) Priebe, Joseph Priebe, Jon (Diana) Priebe, Anne Marie (Chet) Tschetter, Paul (Danielle) Priebe, and his beloved life partner, Carolyn Kirkby. Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
During the course of his life he continued learning in many areas of interest. He attended Michigan State University with a Two Year Basic College certificate in 1959, and College Continuing Education with the Insurance Institute in 1974. He also completed an Associate of Technology degree from The Northwest Missouri State University in 1975. And he attended Lansing Community College, with various courses from Real Estate Insurance to Photography to Desktop Publishing between 1968 to 1992. Walter worked as a steel pipe and fittings salesman at the Edward Duffy Company in Detroit, Satterland Supply Company in Warren, and Michigan Supply Company in Lansing. His many interests filled his days with ice hockey, refereeing youth hockey, the RedWings, photography, wedding photos, and outdoor photos, deer hunting and camping, choir music with the Central United Methodist Church, bagpiping with the Glen Erin Pipe Band, and his many friends attached to all of these. A special thank you to his dear friends at Cardiac Rehab, his bagpipe and coffee buddies, Terry Carroll and Norm Reese, and beloved Carolyn Kirkby who shared travels to Aruba, Hawaii, and Florida, gardening, Central Church, and many smiles.
A Memorial Service will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2022, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Visitation will be Monday one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Music program at Central United Methodist Church. A live stream of the service may be found here: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1643251009162580
15 Messages to “Walter G. Priebe”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Susan M Schaefer
January 21, 2022 at 11:26 amWe are so very sad to hear about Uncle Walt. We have so many good memories (and stories passed down) of our Lansing time with the Priebes and LeBudas. Sending all our love and prayers for peace. I know his memory will be a blessing.
-Sue, Joe and Kristy Lamphere
Debra (wolford) Swoboda
January 26, 2022 at 7:11 pmI do remember meeting Walter and so many stories from my Mom Barbara Wolford
He will be greatly missed by all – and hope your wonderful memories will sustain you until you/we meet him again – he is in heaven with many wonderful family souls!!!
Michael McLellen
January 27, 2022 at 8:39 amWalt will be missed.
Alyse Collins
January 27, 2022 at 9:30 amWe have many fond memories of piping and traveling with Walter and Carolyn. Walt was a true gentleman and kind man (with a bit of a mischievous twinkle in his eye), always quick with a witty comeback or a funny story. He will be greatly missed by his pipe band family!
~Bill & Alyse Collins
Rita Stock
January 27, 2022 at 6:20 pmRest in Peace Walt.
You enjoyed a full life, God Bless.
But I still remember a tall, super skinny, handsome guy who loved to tease.
Teased Miriam’s baby sister, me, before your wedding, in 1957.
Robin (Seling) Bosgraaf
January 28, 2022 at 6:07 pmSo sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed your father’s sense of humor and his involvement in all school events.
May he Rest In Peace.
Anne Tschetter
February 9, 2022 at 7:12 pmRobin,
Thank you for your kind words. I would love to get in touch with you! Email me back if you would like to reconnect.
Anne
Pam Beach
January 29, 2022 at 8:02 amWalt will be greatly missed. I raised my children living
next door to Walt and Miriam, their love and caring for my family will be forever cherished. My condolences to his family.
Susan Barry
January 30, 2022 at 12:26 pmMr. Walt… always had a big smile on his face whenever he was around his sweetheart, Carolyn. I’m so glad you two got to spend those precious two months together in sunny Florida. RIP, my friend. xo
Ed and Julie Johnsonbaugh
February 4, 2022 at 9:33 amWe have so many fond memories of traveling with Walt and Carolyn – going fishing, playing games, and drinking wine. He is definitely missed!
Janeen Steenhagen
February 5, 2022 at 4:41 pmI will miss you bunches, Uncle Wally!!
Your spaghetti sauce recipe will always be in my recipe file box. Yum!!!
Janeen
Timothy Hogg
February 7, 2022 at 10:03 amWe’re going to miss you, Walt.
OLAN THOMAS
February 7, 2022 at 2:43 pmSO SORRY TO ALL THE FAMILY AND TO CAROLYN KIRKBY FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. SUCH AN INTELLIGENT AND EXPRESSIVE MAN. MAY GOD BE NEAR ALL OF YOU.
Dennis Kelley
February 7, 2022 at 2:45 pmI remember Walt from Central UMC where Denise Kelley and I spent many years. He and Carolyn were part of the choir and the Spirit Singers that I was part of as well, and he was my ‘singing buddy’ in Spirit Singers. His was a life well lived that will be missed by many.
Sharon J LeBuda
August 29, 2022 at 3:30 pmDue to a returned card I sent to Walt, I just learned of his passing. There are many memories of the Priebes, Lamphere’s and Ed and I. I am so sorry that I missed his funeral.