Joseph "Joe" Priebe's Obituary
Joseph Priebe, born December 11, 1958, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, surrounded by his family at home in Muskegon, Michigan.
Joe lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to his family. He never sought recognition, but gave selflessly through long days of hard work, simple acts of love, and steadfast belief in God’s greater plan.
He worked over 40 years as a welder. The most recent position at Megawall Products brought him the greatest sense of peace and fulfillment because he worked alongside his son Nathan and his grandsons. This was a true gift in the final season of his life. His hands helped build the world around him, but his greatest legacy was love, faith, and quiet example he passed down to those he worked beside.
Years ago, Joe followed a calling that led him to move his family to Muskegon. There, he hand-painted the Mulberry Road Tabernacle, placing at its front a sign bearing the verse that defined his mission and heart:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” — 1 Corinthians 1:18
Joe’s life was a quiet testimony to that verse, a daily walk of faith, even when the road was hard and unseen by others. He gave all he had to provide, protect, and guide his family. If ever there was a man who earned his way Home, it was him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Catherine Priebe, his brother Daniel Priebe, his son Robert Flannery, and granddaughter Ashley Flannery.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Geraldine, and his children: Gregory Flannery, Nathan (Lindsay) Priebe, Jenny Priebe (George Wigger), and Tillie (Eric) Start.
He was a proud grandfather to Joshua, Kayleb, Kassy (Eddie), Jonnie, Eli, Cole, Liam, Laynie, Wyatt, Kellen, Taylee, and Livvy, and a great-grandfather to Ayden, Aria, Kadie, Jackson, Sasha, Nola, and Eddie.
Joe is also survived by his siblings: Judith (Michael) Kerr, Joan (Donald) Rousseau , Richard (Deborah) Priebe , Peter (Christine) Priebe , Timothy Priebe, and his twin brother, Jerome (Kathy)Priebe; and his sister-in-law, Patricia Priebe.
A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Wolf Lake Methodist Church, 378 Vista Terrace, Muskegon, MI 49442
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe’s memory to support the launch of My Scrabbled Life at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-launch-initiative-after-support-costs
This initiative project will serve individuals facing mental health challenges alongside major health crises, especially those who fall into the “waiting gaps” of broken systems. It will offer connection through shared experience, healing conversations, creative expression, and the gentle presence of emotional support animals.
My Scrabbled Life is a reflection of Joe’s spirit, a place where people in need can find hope, comfort, and community in life’s most uncertain storms.
Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210
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