Obituary of William E. Probst

 William E. “Bill” Probst

October 20, 1951 - June 22, 2025

William E. “Bill” Probst, 73, of Westfield, NY passed away on Sunday afternoon June 22, 2025 at his

home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on October 20, 1951 in Uniontown, Pa. the son of the late Harry and Carolyn (nee Sowers)

Probst. He married the love of his life Kathryn Ludwig on February 28, 1976 at St. Anthony’s R.C. Church

in Fredonia, NY.

He graduated from Ripley Central School “Class of 1969”. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S.

Army, from 1969-1972, while stationed in Ethiopia and South Korea.

Bill worked alongside his father and brother in the family carpentry business, Probst Builders, in Ripley,

NY for over 30 years. He later enjoyed finishing work with Anderson Builders in Bemus Point.

His memberships included the Westfield VFW Post 6764, the American Legion Post 327, the Westfield

Fish and Game Club and the Beaver Club in Fredonia, NY. He was also an active lifetime member of the

Ripley Rod & Gun Club holding the office of secretary at one time. Bill’s favorite place was Clear Lake in

Restoule, Ontario. When there he enjoyed the company of many friends and family along with his

passion for Muskie fishing. He enjoyed sipping a Bourbon on his porch and in his back room while

visiting with all who joined him. Bill volunteered his time for more than 15 years with Chautauqua

Hospice & Palliative Care, assisting with many projects especially Light a Life, The Memorial Butterfly

Release, and many Galas. Most of all he cherished spending time with his family especially his

grandchildren. Bill will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by his loving family, wife of 49 years, Kathryn Probst; two children, Benjamin “Jamie”

(Jessica Szatkowski) Probst of Jamestown, NY and Elizabeth “Liz” (Matthew) Bandinelli of Lewistown, NY;

three cherished grandchildren, Sophia, Anthony and Gabriella Bandinelli and grandpups Sa-Pa, Purl and

Trapper; four brothers, Michael (Linda) Probst of Ripley, NY, Chris (Janet) Probst of Nunn, CO, Andrew

(Ann) Probst of State College, PA and Cindy (Chuck) Randall of Salisbury, NC; he is also survived by many

nieces & nephews.

As per Bill’s wishes there will be a Celebration of Life on July 19 th .

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason Funeral Home 37 Clinton St. Westfield, NY.

Please share online condolences at www.masonfuneral.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Probst, please visit Tribute Store