Clifford W. Prigge

Clifford W. Prigge, 92, of Wausau, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Cliff was born on October 10, 1932, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to the late Edward and Freida (Stasiak) Prigge. His family later moved to Wausau, where he graduated from high school and grew up in the same neighborhood as Karen Fenhaus, who would become his beloved wife. Cliff and Karen were married on September 14, 1957, and together they raised three children: David, Sandra, and Ken.

A proud veteran, Cliff served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Cliff took great pride in working with his hands, a passion he carried throughout his career at NCR, where he repaired and maintained cash registers, as well as various pieces of equipment for banks and hospitals. Always willing to lend a hand, he was known for helping anyone with their “fix-it” challenges, no matter how big or small. Cliff was also a dedicated member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Wausau, where he enjoyed singing in the church choir. Additionally, he loved his time with the Senior Citizen’s Chorus, spreading joy by performing at local nursing homes.

Cliff is survived by his wife of 67 years, Karen Prigge; daughter Sandy Skinner; daughter-in-law Nancy Prigge; grandchildren Ashley (Beau) Hombach, Alissa Skinner and Cory and Clint Sillars; great grand children Holden and Harper Hombach and Kateland, Carson and Ethan Sillars; great-great grandson Lochlan Sillars; brother John (Diana) Prigge and sister-in-law Kathy (Mike) Bartelt; brothers-in-law Fred Fenhaus, Gayle Larson; sister-in-law Edith Prigge; and many nieces and nephews. 

Besides his parents, Cliff is preceded in death by his sons David and Ken Prigge; brother Dennis Prigge, sister Gail Larson; and brother-in-law Ed (LouAnn) Fenhaus.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan St., Wausau. The Rev. Karoline Schwantes will officiate.  Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church on Saturday.