Fr. William "Bill" H. Ribbens O.Praem.

Father William (Bill) H. Ribbens, O. Praem., age 88, a Norbertine priest and member of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI, passed into God's eternal kingdom on March 26, 2024.
Fr. Ribbens was born on April 8, 1935 to the late Jacob and Mary (Hollenstein) in Milwaukee, WI. His home parish was St. Mary's Parish in Mayville.
Father Ribbens received his undergraduate degree in Biology from St. Norbert College in De Pere in 1957, and was vested into the Norbertine Order later that year on August 28. After making Solemn Profession in 1962, he was ordained to the priesthood on September 12, 1962. He went on to receive his Master of Science in Education degree from Boston College in 1971.
Father Ribbens was assigned to Abbot Pennings High School for a year and then to Premontre High School where he served on the faculty and staff from 1963 until 1978. He also volunteered as a child care worker with the Sisters of Charity for the latter part of those years.
Following his tenure at Premontre, Fr. Ribbens participated in offerings at the Cold Mountain Institute in British Columbia. He returned to De Pere and was appointed Associate Pastor of St. Joseph Parish for two years. In 1982 he became the temporary administrator of the parish and acting school administrator at St. Joseph School.
In 1985 Fr. Ribbens enrolled in a Certification Program for Counseling Alcohol and Drug Dependent Persons. This opened many years of ministry in the 12-Step programs and retreats where he was able to minister to a variety of people to help them find hope, faith, and wholeness in the midst of addictions. He was also active in jail ministry and found that to be a meaningful experience for him and others. Fr. Ribbens was very involved in Hispanic outreach and ministry throughout the Diocese as he helped welcome immigrants and gave them hope for the future. He was often sought after for spiritual direction. Often behind the scenes, Fr. Ribbens lived the Christian mandate of Matthew 25 to its fullest extent in such humble, quiet ways.
Fr. Ribbens is survived by the Norbertine Community; nephews and a niece, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John; nephews and a niece; relatives and friends.
The Celebration of Vespers of the Dead (Evening Prayer) will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, with Visitation in the Chapter Room of St. Norbert Abbey following until 8:30 p.m. On Wednesday, April 3, Lauds of the Dead (Morning Prayer) will take place at 8:00 a.m. followed by Visitation until the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 a.m. expressing our faith and hope in the promised glory of the Lord's Resurrection. The Rt. Rev. Dane J. Radecki, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, will be the principal celebrant and the Rev. David R. McElroy O. Praem. will serve as the homilist.
Burial will be in the St. Norbert Abbey Cemetery (weather permitting).
The Norbertine Community would like to thank the nurses at St. Norbert Abbey, and everyone at Unity Hospice who cared for Fr. Ribbens.
Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is in charge of the arrangements.