Michael Ray Priebe

1951 - 2025

Michael Ray Priebe, age 73, of Canton MO passed away peacefully Sunday, February 2, 2025, at his home in Canton.

Mike was born March 3, 1951, in Quincy, IL a son of Wayne Eugene and Ernestine Dorothy Gooch Priebe Sr. He married Paula Pearl on August 16, 1980, in Canton, MO. She survives.

Mike, not Michael, or Mr. Priebe, or sir. His wife, Paula, was the only one to use his government name. He was well known for not being a fan of any formalities.

He worked for Knapheide as a welder for over 40 years eventually retiring in 2013. He loved "working for Knap" and had a keen eye for the art of the job.

Mike loved the outdoors. Whether it was camping, duck or deer hunting, fishing, watching a St. Louis Cardinals game or simply mowing the lawn, he loved to be outside. He was as strong willed as they come but he had a heart of gold. While he might have given you an ear full first, he was always willing to help anyone who asked that of him. He was funny, had the best laugh, perfectly placed sarcasm, and no fear in telling you how he felt. He never knew a stranger and was kind (to most). His family would say his favorite past time was giving people a hard time.

Mike loved fried chicken and had a ranking review of all the spots he had tried it in the tri-state area. He would regularly make road trips to find the best ice cream shops, even in the coldest days of winter. As he aged, he battled various health conditions but he never let that stop him from a short drive to the riverfront to watch the eagles or thru town just for an excuse to get out of the house.

Mike's greatest love was his wife of 44 years and their four girls. He loved his family with all that he had. His grandkids were his pride and joy and the title of Grandpa was one that he held with honor. He cared for his family deeply and made sure everyone was taken care of. He had his spot on the couch and at the table where you could find any of the kids comfortably seated next to him at any given time.

Mike loved his small community. It came quite easy marrying into one of the largest families in the area, but his real claim to fame was being known as the unofficial mayor of Sun Valley; where he lived out the last 41 years of his beautiful life. He took pride in watching over and monitoring all of the traffic and visitors in his neighborhood. When his kids were young, he was determined to keep that circle safe.

In true Mike Priebe fashion, he passed peacefully in his home, in his couch spot, enjoying his favorite mini chocolate donuts.

He is survived by his wife Paula; daughters, Angela (Todd) Logsdon of La Grange, MO, Amanda (Travis) Schnitzer also of La Grange, Jennifer (Keyan) Christian of Canton, Amber (Joe) Boyer of St. Charles, MO; grandsons, Brian Logsdon, Trevor Logsdon and Remington Schnitzer all of La Grange, Zackary Priebe and Leo Christian both of Canton; granddaughters, Michaela Schnitzer of La Grange, Charleigh Boyer and Belle Boyer of St. Charles, MO, Lucy Christian of Canton; great granddaughters, Harper and Cece Logsdon or Ursa, IL; brother, Steve (Ann) Priebe of Quincy, IL; mother-in-law, Wanda Pearl of Canton as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Patricia K. LaCount, brother Wayne Eugene Priebe Jr., infant sister Marsha and his father-in-law George Roland Pearl, Sr.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Davis Funeral Home in Canton, MO with Rev. Lance Bonnell officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

The family suggest memorials be made to the National Kidney Foundation in care of Davis Funeral Home, P.O. Box 108, Canton, MO 63435.

Online condolences may be left at www.davis-fh.com