Wilber Ehrhardt Pribilsky

Wilber Ehrhardt Pribilsky was born in Walla Walla, WA, on May 18, 1933, to parents Wilbur Yenney Pribilsky and Elsa Ehrhardt Pribilsky. He spent nearly his entire fruitful life in Walla Walla. After graduating from high school, Wilber attended Whitman College, where he earned a degree in Business and Economics in 1955. It was there that he met his future wife, Karen Elaine Elder.

Following college, Wilber served two years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marines, stationed at Quantico, VA, and Barstow, CA, ultimately attaining the rank of Captain. After his service, Wilber and Karen married in 1958.

At age 14, after the sudden death of his father, Wilber began working in the warehouse of the Bur-Bee Candy Company. This marked the beginning of a long and successful career in the grocery and restaurant distribution industry. Thanks to his outstanding work ethic, Wilber rose through the ranks and eventually purchased the company in 1969. He dedicated an incredible 57 years to Bur-Bee, employing hundreds and serving countless convenience stores and restaurants throughout the region. A true industry icon, Wilber served on numerous national boards and committees and was highly respected across the country. Locally, many will remember Bur-Bee’s long-term sponsorship of a Pacific Little League team, which Wilber continued for several years after selling the company in 2004.

Despite his demanding professional life, Wilber always found time to give back to the Walla Walla Valley. He served on multiple local nonprofit boards, including the Walla Walla Community Foundation, Fort Walla Walla Museum, and the YMCA, and advised the Sigma Chi chapter at Whitman College. Wilber also served on the Banner Bank board of directors for multiple terms, including as chairman when the bank went public in 1995. In 2000, Walla Walla Public Schools recognized him as a Graduate of Distinction for his professional and civic accomplishments.

Wilber was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, as well as the Exchange Club and the Walla Walla Country Club.

He was an avid fisherman, enjoying salmon fishing in British Columbia, fly fishing in the rivers of northeast Oregon, and trolling for kokanee at the family cabin in Spirit Lake, Idaho. Wilber was also a master gardener, growing vegetables for family and friends right up through this past summer.

Wilber is survived by his wife, Karen; children Brian (Lisbeth) of Ski, Norway; Kevin (Kirsten) of Gig Harbor; Marybeth (Stephen) of Loon Lake; and Jason (Kim) of Walla Walla and Cincinnati; as well as eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a sister, Alice Pribilsky Berry.

Wilber touched countless lives in his 92 years and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, with a reception following at 1:00 PM at Foundry Vineyards, 1111 Abadie Street in Walla Walla.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church or Fort Walla Walla Museum through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.