Christopher Priebe

Christopher Priebe of Waterford, passed away on February 4, 2016, at the age of 57. He was born to James and Patricia Priebe on March 13, 1958. Christopher is survived by his beloved wife Johna (Gambotto) Priebe, his father James Priebe, his step-mother Marian Priebe, his siblings: Mike (Cindy) Priebe, Lois Priebe, Dave (Jill) Priebe, Carol (Mike) Dunn, Peggy (the late Bill) Myers, his step-sister Barb (Dave) Hendrickson, his step-brother Chuck (Pamela) Wehde,his sister-in-laws; Linda (George) Watchko, Andrea (Tom) Shaffer and many nieces and nephews. Christopher was preceded in death by his mother Patricia and his brother Timothy.Chris was born with a twinkle in his eye and touched the lives of many with his incredible enthusiasm and extra large personality. He loved his family, friends, sports, cigars, casinos, Frank Sinatra and his career at Panera Bread. And he really loved golf. But most of all, he loved his life on the lake with Johna. After first meeting in High School, they re-connected years later and Chris's bachelorhood ended when they married in August, 2011. Chris's many nieces and nephews would agree that his generosity and fun loving ways made him The Worlds Greatest Uncle. No family function or golf outing will ever be the same without him. We mourn our loss but more importantly celebrate Chris's life. So the next time you hear "Brandy" please raise a glass and toast to our cherished husband, son, brother, uncle and friend!
Visitation will be held Monday, February 8, from 12-9pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main Street, Plymouth, 48170. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, at 11:30am at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty, Plymouth, 48170. Family and friends may begin visiting at the Church at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, Amyloidosis Research, 4100 John R St, Detroit, 48201, in Chriss memory.
Christopher was a gift to us all. He will forever be Prieber, CP, UC, big man on campus and the golden child.

Today we mourn our loss but celebrate Chris well lived life, full of love, happiness and worth.

To know Chris was to understand that he was all in at all times to all of us. Friends and family were greeted with smiles, hugs and handshakes. His touch was always genuine and pure; a choke hold hug that you did not want to end.

He leaves a legacy of gatherings full of golf, cigars and his rendition of Brandy. And while he enjoyed nights at the casinos, days cheering on the Tigers, Lions and Wolverines, he also loved quiet nights of scrabble, sitting around a fire and watching the sun set over Watkins Lake. We loved him for his appreciation for landscaping- to him, his yard was Wrigley Field. His love for the color orange, a nod to Frank Sinatra.

If you think about it, it never really mattered what was planned when spending time with Chris. We all knew he would be there for all of us, listening, engaging and supporting our hopes and dreams. Chris had a special touch that made us feel secure, safe and loved.

And that was a trait he has always had. Chris understood the blessing of family. He was the center but never of attention. He included everyone in everything. His siblings speak of him as the golden child and glue that kept everyone together.

Pops and his boys bowled on the same team for 25 years. They enjoyed fishing and ended every conversation with keep smiling. Chris has always remained by his sisters sides so they would never be alone. He was loved so much by his mother, Patricia, and cherished once again when Marion became family. He was the biggest cheerleader to his nieces and nephews regardless if it was on exhibit, the court, ice, field or stage.

Chris didnt have one but many best friends. His crew was a brotherhood, all with nicknames stemming from years of celebrations and good times. They spoke daily, all connected in each others lives.

Chris was a coach and mentor and not just on the field. While he spent many years coaching baseball teams, this nurturing leadership was admired in his professional life. His Panera team was the priority, their growth was his success and their happiness was the core of his management style.

When Chris reconnected with Johna, he became the love of her life. Their love was one that you could see, feel and root for. Johna was his brown eyed girl and they danced the night away on a hot summer night, celebrating that love won and a perfect match was made. They built their lives around happiness; on the golf course, with their family and friends and in each others arms. Their love is everlasting and will live on in faith.

So to our dearest Christopher -- you were our easiest hello and now our hardest goodbye. Keep smiling.