Submitted by: Dan Rich

John S. Priester

Jan. 24, 1921 - Dec. 9, 2008

South Bend Tribune 12/11/2008
SOUTH BEND - John S. Priester, 87, passed away at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, in the Southfield Village Nursing Center after an extended illness. Mr. Priester was born on January 24, 1921, in South Bend, and had resided in the Michiana area his lifetime. On October 23, 1943, in Port Clinton, OH, he married the former Annie Mae Jones, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Barbara Ann (Ray) Wiegand of Carmel, IN, and a son, John E. (Jayne) Priester of Cincinnati, OH. Also by two grandchildren, Sarah Ann (Bill) Chattin of Carmel and J. Michael (Briana) Priester of Bloomington, IN; and two great-grandchildren, Alex and Elizabeth Chattin of Carmel. John was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Priester and Sister Madeline Sophie; and by two brothers, Steve Priester Jr. and Michael Priester. John retired from the Bendix Corporation in South Bend after many years of service. He also worked at the Studebaker Corp. until its closing. He also farmed the family farm in North Liberty. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during World War II and served at the Pentagon. He was very proud of his military service and of his country. He was a 1939 graduate of Greene Twp. School. John loved reading, travel, flowers, and loved the farm life, watching the birds and, most of all, enjoying his grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who cared deeply for his family as they did him. He was also very proud of his wife of 65 years, Annie Mae. He leaves behind a wonderful family, church family and numerous friends he made during his life journey. John was active in his church and served the Lord well. The family would like all memorial contributions to be made to The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 N.W. 9th Ave. -Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136-1494; or to the Sumption Prairie United Methodist Church where he and his wife were members.