Alfred Wilford Priebe

A sad day today, as we lost another member of “the Greatest Generation”. Alfred “Al” Priebe, age 96, passed away peacefully in Safety Harbor, Florida. Born in Detroit in 1920 to Arthur and Theresa Priebe, he raised his family in Redford Township, Michigan. Al served in the Navy in the Pacific during WW2, after marrying Irene Priebe. Before her passing, they celebrated 60 years of marriage. He always enjoyed fishing, bridge, swimming, and dancing. After retiring from 40 years of service at Cadillac Motor Car, he added golf to his passions and continued playing right up to 92 years of age. An employee under Al’s supervision noted that “Al was a great inspiration in my life; I’ll never forget him. I saw him every day and remember how he walked down the center aisle in Plant 4, never looking up, but seeing everything going on around him. He seemed omni present.” A true leader, kind and respectful, he had many friends….young and old. So many people will miss his sense of humor and kindness, and innate ability to solve any problem that anyone had! Al worked diligently to support and encourage his late handicapped son, Larry, and gave him the tools to live independently and work productively for many years. Al, as President of the Redford Association for Retarded Children, was instrumental in the establishment of the first “Group Home” for mentally retarded adults in Michigan. Al became involved in, and later served as President of Michigan’s “Three Lakes Association”, dedicated to preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the Elk River Chain of Lakes, including Lake Bellaire where he enjoyed summers with his family. Wintering in Florida, Al served as President of Yorktown Condo Association for 30 years. Toward the end, Al constantly praised Jesus for the good life he enjoyed, ignoring the hardships he fought through. When dementia had stripped most of his ability to communicate, his constant wish was that everyone he came in contact with understood how much he loved them. Love remained after nearly everything else was lost. He was truly a great man, from the “Greatest Generation”. He can now rest in peace with his beloved Irene, and Larry in heaven. (There is no way Al would go any place else!). Preceded by his son Larry, Al is survived by his daughter Janis Priebe and son Ron Priebe (Joyce); two grandchildren, Amy Allen (Todd) and Drew Priebe; three great-grandchildren, Coleton, Olivia, and Eden; two step grandchildren, Todd Barkman (Carol) and Tammy McDaniel (Dan); 4 step great-grandchildren, Amanda, Courtney, Andy, and Alex; and ex-daughter-in-law Linda Priebe. In lieu of flowers, please make donations “In Memory of Al Priebe”, to the Antrim County Commission on Aging. Make checks payable to Antrim COA, PO Box 614, Bellaire, MI 49615. Visitation at the O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi 248-348-1800 Tuesday, May 30, 2017 from 5:00 PM -9:00 PM. Instate Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Ward Presbyterian Church, 40000 Six Mile Road, Northville from 10:00 AM until time of funeral service 11:00 AM. Graveside service will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Bellaire, Michigan on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations “In Memory of Al Priebe”, to the Antrim County Commission on Aging. Make checks payable to Antrim COA, PO Box 614, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Alfred Wilford Priebe

November 22, 1920 - May 19, 2017