1948
Thomas
2008
Thomas Priebe
June 15, 1948 — July 22, 2008
Vietnam Veteran, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother,
Age 60, was peacefully united with the Lord on July 22, 2008. Tom has battled Huntington’s Disease over 20 years. Preceded in death by his parents Alfred & Mary Jane Priebe & his brother Billy. Survived by devoted wife Dianne of 37 years; daughter Angela; son Christopher (Ann); grandson Taylor; sisters Patricia Smart, Linda Heatherington & brother James (Donna) Priebe & many loving nieces & nephews.
Thomas Alfred Priebe was a lover and a fighter. He was a Saint Paul kid, growing up near the Schmidt Brewery with his parents Al and Mary and siblings Pat, Linda, Jim and Billy. Tom voluntarily served two tours in Vietnam and was wounded by shrapnel. “Tommy” met Dianne (Di) on a blind date and fell in love. Dianne and Tom eloped on her 18
th
birthday (with Harry and Barb Johnston’s permission) in 1970. Tom became a father when Angela Sue was born on May 4
th
, 1971 and again on November 15
th
, 1974 when Christopher Thomas was born. “Pops” being “Pops”, almost missed Angie’s birth to play tennis and Chris’s birth to watch Kojak & Star Trek episodes.Dad learned from those births and was ready and waiting when he became a grandfather on February 11, 1994 for the birth of Taylor Thomas Priebe. Tom and Dianne, aka “The boss”, bought their first house in Richfield and later moved to Burnsville, where they have lived ever since. The Priebe’s were members of Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville for many years. Tom worked as a warehouse manager at Schaak Electronics and was also a Realtor at Coldwell Banker before early retirement due to Huntington’s Disease (HD). Living with HD, he deteriorated physically, mentally and emotionally for over 20 years. Sonshine Acres, a group home for those battling Huntington’s, was opened to keep up with Tom’s increasing needs. Hits for Huntington’s, a golf fundraiser now in its fifth year, was also created in his honor. “Tumblin’ Tommy” was quite the party animal and by the grace of God he survived them all. Tom enjoyed boating, fishing and camping with family and friends, classic rock n’ roll music (played loud of course), muscle cars, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, playing softball, racquetball, tennis and golf, and coaching his kids in their sports. He loved watching the Vikings (Go Vikes!) and North Stars turned Wild, working out executive style (sauna, shave, soak and shower), traveling with his family, playing cards, family traditions, fellowship in sobriety, and being at their lake home watching his grandson Taylor water-ski.Being human, Tom had challenges to overcome; he fought anger, alcoholism and anything else that didn’t go his way and/or he didn’t agree with. He wasn’t a big fan of change; which was ironic because he seemed to live in a constant state of change and transformation. He demonstrated strength through weakness and that faith and love can overpower anything. His signature sayings in the final years were, “Thank you. I love you. I love God. ” He poured his love and trust in God and we are at peace knowing that’s whom he’s with now.This humble kid from Saint Paul touched many lives and will be truly missed. We are grateful to you for honoring Tom and celebrating his life with us today with your presence.
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