DE PERE — Norbertine Fr. William “Bill” Ribbens died on March 26 at age 88. He served as a volunteer for the Diocese of Green Bay for many years in Hispanic outreach, welcoming immigrants and assisting them in their transitions to their new home community.
Fr. Ribbens was born on April 8, 1935, to the late Jacob and Mary (Hollenstein) in Milwaukee. His home parish was St. Mary, Mayville.
He received his undergraduate degree in biology from St. Norbert College in De Pere in 1957 and was vested into the Norbertine Order later that year on Aug. 28.
After making solemn profession in 1962, he was ordained to the priesthood on Sept. 12, 1962. He received a master’s degree in education from Boston College in 1971.
Fr. Ribbens was assigned to Abbot Pennings High School in De Pere for one year. He was then assigned to Premontre High School in Green Bay where he served on the faculty and staff from 1963 until 1978.
He also volunteered as a childcare worker with the Sisters of Charity for the latter part of those years.
Following his tenure at Premontre, Fr. Ribbens participated in offerings at the Cold Mountain Institute in British Columbia, Canada.
He returned to De Pere and was appointed associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish, De Pere, for two years. In 1982, he became the temporary administrator of the parish and acting school administrator at St. Joseph School.
In 1985, Fr. Ribbens enrolled in a certification program for counseling alcohol and drug dependent persons. He served many years of ministry in the 12-Step programs and retreats. He was also active in jail ministry.
Fr. Ribbens was also a spiritual director at the Norbertine Center for Spirituality at St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere.
Fr. Ribbens is survived by the Norbertine Community; a niece, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John.
The funeral Mass was celebrated April 3 at St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere. Norbertine Abbot Dane Radecki was the principal celebrant. Norbertine Fr. David R. McElroy served as the homilist. Burial followed in the St. Norbert Abbey Cemetery.