Robert August Priefer

Robert August Priefer, age 103, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026 at his home. He was born August 8, 1922 in Milwaukee, WI to William and Stella W. (Wleczyk) Priefer and lived most of his life in the Muskegon area. Robert married Lorraine Catherine Wilcott in July 1952 and she preceded him in death in 2017.

Robert was a US Merchant Marine Veteran serving aboard oceangoing merchant ships in all war zones during WWII. Beginning with the Wisconsin and Michigan Steamship Company, his career in the U.S. Merchant Marine spanned over 47 years. After WWII, he continued sailing the Great Lakes while completing his Masters, Mates and Pilots licenses. He also held positions with Bultema Dock and Dredge and Cleveland Tankers among others.

Fondly known as the last living Captain of the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper, he was most happy to be part of the dedicated Clipper volunteers past and present who never give up and do the impossible on a regular basis...

Robert was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church and had been very active with the American Legion. Survivors include his 3 daughters, Kathy Troncy, Nancy Priefer, and Mary (Charles) Lonergan; 5 grandchildren, Cecile Troncy, Jean Loup Troncy, Tracy Priefer, Andrea (Corey) Frey, Krista (Jesse) Hittle; 4 great grandchildren, Austin Frey, Addison Frey, Emerson Hittle, Leyton Hittle; and much loved nieces, Janet Priefer, Beverly Priefer (Ken Martin), Beth Stein, and Mary (Craig) Onuschak.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine; his parents; and 2 brothers, Leroy Priefer and Jack Priefer.

Visitation will be held 2-4 PM Monday, February 16, 2026 at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441.

Visitation will also be held 12:30-1:30 PM Tuesday, February 17, 2026 followed by the Funeral Service at 1:30 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 2577 Wickham Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441 with Pastor Mackenzie Jager presiding.

Captain Robert Priefer was an eligible WWII Merchant Mariner with regards to the Congressional Gold Medal awarded https://2022.Military Honors will be offered by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Interment will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens.

For those unable to attend the services, there will be a Celebration of Life at a time to be determined. Watch the Sytsema site for details.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to SS Milwaukee Clipper Preservation, Inc. or to READ Muskegon. Sign the online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com