Jeffrey Allen Priess

Passed away peacefully at his home in Madison, WI, on October 11, 2023 at the age of 72.

He is survived by his sister, Laura (Wilfredo) Barreto; nephews, Antonio (Lisa) Barreto and Brian (Jennifer Goyette) Barreto; and grandnephew/niece, Tobias and Ava Barreto. His son Carl, who was lovingly placed for adoption, was always in his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Caroline (nee Ashenmacher) Priess; brothers: Donrae, Lawrence, and Kenneth Priess; and special friend, Shari Anderson.

Jeff was born May 30, 1951, in Fort Devens, Shirley, MA , and lived most of his life in Milwaukee and later Madison, WI. He was mechanically inclined, trained in carpentry, engine lathe, turret lathe, and welding. Skilled in leather work, he worked in shoe repair and in a shop repairing tents, sails, and leather items, later working with injection molding of plastics. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially in forests up north, living off the grid, resourceful and content in nature. He never married.

Jeff proudly served in the US Army in Vietnam from 1969-1970. Private burial with military honors will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI.