Nyles A. Priest

Nyles A. Priest, of Fond du Lac, age 85 passed away peacefully with family by his side the afternoon of March 7, 2024. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother-in-law and Friend, Nyles will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Nyles was born in Beaver Dam on August 30^th, 1938, to the late Orvin and Henrietta (Schultz) Priest. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1956 and developed a passion as a Ham Radio operator while in high school. Nyles remained an avid Ham throughout his life, obtaining his general class license that allowed him to participate in various contests with operators across the world. 

Nyles was drafted into the Army in 1962 and served until 1964. On June 4th, 1966, Nyles married his loving wife, Karen Jirikowic and shared 55 years together, creating memories that he enjoyed capturing with home movies. He attended college at MSOE studying mechanical engineering. He then began a 35-year career at Giddings and Lewis Machine Tool Company until retiring in 2000. Nyles was an evening Electronics instructor at MPTC while working at G&L. Nyles and a partner also started the first retail computer store in Wisconsin, which included a retail store front in Fond du Lac, eventually selling out to his partner to spend more time with his family. Nyles big dreams and busy mind pulled him out of retirement when he started MachineMate and was President and CEO until 2008 when he retired a final time. 

Nyles is survived by his children, Glenn (Deb) Priest of Mauston and Wendy (Jim) Weimer of North Fond du Lac; four grandchildren, Marisa, Ciera, Hali, and Josh; sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Leon) Biesterveld, Connie (Dan) Mc Morrow, Judy Jirikowic and Carol Jirikowic; brother-in-law Ronnie Jirikowic; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Nyles was preceded in death by his wife Karen; father and mother-in-law, Wesley and Elizabeth Jirikowic; brother, Ryan Priest; sister, Betty Pierce; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Nancy Priest, Jack Jirikowic, Bill Jirikowic, Eunice Jirikowic and Jack Pierce. 

 The Priest/Weimer family would like to extend a thank you to the SSM doctors and nurses who prioritized Nyles care and comfort during his last days. Additionally, a thank to Chaplain Bill Helton for the time spent with Nyles and his family.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place at a later date at Highland Memory Gardens, Beaver Dam, WI.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com