Ed Prigge, 66, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He went to his Lord surrounded by his family.
Ed was a local historian, an author, a volunteer who worked to better his community, and, most importantly, a family man of deep faith. He was born January 3, 1955 to the late Gerhard and Dorothy (Garbe) Prigge in Manitowoc and was raised in the community of Grimms in Manitowoc County. He was proud of his little hometown and always considered himself an “old farm boy” at heart. Ed attended Reedsville High School and later graduated from Lakeshore Technical College.
He married Joan Schneider of Chippewa Falls, on June 7, 1980, beginning a forty-plus year union in which they were partners in life and business. As a demonstration of their deep love, Ed never once removed his wedding ring. Ed worked as an entrepreneur and realtor, often in tandem with Joan. They had recently just begun on their latest venture, the Flying Banana Art and Antique Shop, the fulfillment of a life-long dream for both.
Always active in his community and eager to share his loves with others, Ed was a great supporter of the Manitowoc County Historical Society and served on the Board of Directors for many years. He loved to volunteer at the museum as a guide, a golf cart driver, and donated his talents by giving numerous presentations on the history of Manitowoc County. One of his proudest accomplishments was authoring two books, one on the history of Manitowoc, written with his son Matthew, and one on the Lost Communities of Manitowoc County, which was released shortly before his passing. He was also active in his church and coached little league baseball for many seasons.
But Ed’s greatest legacy was in the lives that he touched, both of family and of friends. He will forever be remembered for his kind and caring nature and his willingness to share a story or a joke to brighten someone’s day. He always asked his friends and family to “find a moment of joy in every day.” His passion for volunteerism inspired his daughter Angela to become involved in her own community. His love of history and reading inspired his son Matthew to become a writer and historian. And he had just begun to inspire his grandchildren, spending many afternoons with his granddaughter Cecilia, in the kitchen teaching her how to bake.
Survivors include his beautiful wife, Joan of Manitowoc; amazing children, Matthew Prigge (wife, Erika Gudmundsson) of St. Francis and Angela (Rikio) Yamashita of Waterford; beloved grandchildren, Cecilia Clover and Josey Edward Yamashita; and loving brother, Gerhard Prigge of Manitowoc. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerhard and Dorothy Prigge; brother, George; and sisters, Joyce, Jane, and Gloria.
A celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home with Pastor Nick Stanislowski of Crossroads Community Church officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow the service at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like family and friends to keep local history alive by donating to the Manitowoc County Historical Society and to, as Ed always asked, find their moment of joy in every day.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with arrangements.
