John Edward Priebe

John Edward Priebe, 78, passed away at St. Mark’s Living on November 2, 2024, after a lingering illness. John was born in Minneapolis on March 17, 1946, to Edward L. Priebe and Juliana Priebe Schaum. His father’s profession took the family to many towns and cities throughout the United States, notably Akron, OH, Pittsburgh, PA and Milton, FL. In 1964, John entered the University of Minnesota which he attended until enlisting in the Navy as a Senior. John received a medical discharge from the Navy in 1970. After his military service, he worked at Ford Motor Company and also attended the University of Michigan. In 1979, John moved to Austin, Minnesota, where his inquiring mind and interest in philosophy, mathematics and the sciences gave him a reputation as a “roving intellectual.” In the 1980s, John served as a tutor at Austin Community College (Riverland) for students needing extra help with math and science, subjects in which John excelled. In 2015, John moved to St. Mark’s Living due primarily to mobility limitations. His mind never stopped working, however, and he continued his interest in learning about the world and engaging the people around him in philosophical conversations. John also had a keen interest in politics and kept up on the latest developments in national and international news. John very much appreciated the care and attention provided by the staff at St. Mark’s. It was important to him to let others know that he was well taken care of and well-liked there.

John is survived by his sister, Beth (Marshall) Hunt; brother, Stephen Priebe; nephew, Thomas Hunt; and long-time friend, John Rockwell. John was preceded in death by his parents, and nephew, Matthew Hunt. John will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on November 13, 2024, at St. Mark’s Living in the chapel. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.