Berl Eastman Priebe (May 31, 1918 â July 20, 2014) was an American farmer, livestock dealer, and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the Iowa House of Representatives (1969âÂÂ1973) and the Iowa Senate (1973âÂÂ1997), representing districts in north-central Iowa.
Priebe was born near Lone Rock, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Amy (Bond) Priebe. He graduated from Bancroft High School in 1935 and married Madelyn Paetz in 1938.
Priebe worked as a farmer and livestock dealer and was active in cattle organizations, including the Iowa State and American Angus associations. He also served in local agricultural and civic roles, including as president of the Kossuth County Fair Board and as a 4-H leader.
Priebe was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1968 and served from 1969 to 1973. He was elected to the Iowa Senate in 1972 and served from 1973 to 1997.
During the 76th General Assembly (mid-1990s), Priebe chaired the Senate Agriculture Committee and served on the Commerce; Natural Resources, Environment & Energy; and Ways & Means committees, and was vice chair of the Agriculture/Natural Resources appropriations subcommittee. A separate committee roster for the 75th General Assembly also lists him as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
In 1959, Priebe was the named parent and natural guardian for his daughter in an Iowa Supreme Court case, Paula Priebe (by Berl E. Priebe) v. Kossuth County Agricultural Association, Inc.
According to later reporting, Priebe drew national attention in 1996 after criticizing television host Oprah Winfrey following an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show about âÂÂmad cow disease.â He argued the broadcast harmed cattle prices and urged Winfrey to tell viewers the disease had not been found in the United States at the time.
Priebe also appeared in thoroughbred racing records as an owner, including for the horse Governor's Jet.
Priebe died in Algona, Iowa, at age 96. The Iowa Legislature biography lists his death date as July 20, 2014, while his funeral home obituary lists July 21, 2014.