Nancy Ann Priebe, age 75, was welcomed into her heavenly home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, while residing at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill. She was born and raised in Merrill, and was the daughter of the late Melvin (Roy) Nelson & June (Severt) Nelson Downing. Nancy attended and graduated with the class of 1967 from Merrill High School. She then attended and graduated from NTC in Wausau. Nancy met Patrick Raymond Priebe, fell in love, and the two were united in marriage in Merrill on June 20, 1970. Sadly, he passed away on April 7, 2008.
Nancy worked at Marshfield Clinic in the office before going to Church Mutual Insurance Company in the archives/records department until her retirement. Nancy loved her Merrill community and visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed and appreciated the quiet life. She loved her puzzles and games, especially with her grandchildren. She enjoyed cheering on the Brewers and the Packers. A favorite pastime was deck time with her husband. Nancy had a strong faith and would consistently put others before herself. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren and her extended family very much and her presence and love will be missed dearly.
Nancy is survived by her daughter: Nikki (Mark) Wittak of Appleton, WI, son: Ryan (Susan) Priebe of Merrill, WI, her beloved grandchildren: Lucas and Marcee Wittak, Sophie, Patricia and Cecillia Priebe, brothers: Chris Downing, Tim (Katie) Beppler and Ted (Marian) Downing, sisters-in-law: Karen Downing, Polly (Wayne) Polak and Mari Nelson, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather: Arthur F. Downing Sr., father-in-law: Raymond Priebe, mother-in-law: Cleon Priebe, husband: Patrick, brothers: Arthur (Bud) Downing, Jr. and Roger Nelson, sister: Nancy Beth Laabs, brother-in-law: Myron Laabs, sister-in-law: Sheryl Downing, nephews: Jon and Craig Downing. Maria Rodriguez (significant other to Chris Downing)
The memorial service for Nancy will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Waid Funeral Home. The visitation will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the funeral home. A private interment at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will take place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Pine Crest Nursing Home for the excellent care and love that was shown to Nancy, as she made it her home and developed many good friendships from being there.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com. For those unable to attend the service in person, it will be live streamed and available for viewing on October 19, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. and will be posted as a recording for future viewing.