Peter Paul Prier

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather Peter Paul Hermann Prier passed away on June 14, 2015.  He was born to Katharina Bittner Prier and Paul Oswald Prier February 27, 1942, Neumarkt Schlesien, Germany.  He began playing the violin at age 7.  By age 14 his fascination with violins led him to attend the State Violin Making School of Mittenwald, Germany.  After graduation in 1960, he sailed to the US to work as an instrument repairman for Pearce Music Company in Salt Lake City, Utah.  In 1961, he met the lovely Madeline Kay Stewart from Salt Lake City, and they were married in 1965.  They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary February 11, 2015.

From 1961-1964 Peter played the violin with the Utah Symphony until he was drafted into the military.  After his service, he returned to the symphony for concert engagements in Europe and South America under the baton of Maurice Abravanel. In 1965, he opened Prier Music Company, his own violin shop in Salt Lake City.  In 1972, he established the Violin Making School of America.  With over 292 graduates, the school is world-renowned, with many of the graduates owning the finest shops in the world.  From 1996-2010, he produced three acclaimed DVD’s including When Trees Sing, a 15-disc series of instructional violin making.  In his lifetime Peter made 164 violins, 17 violas, 32 cellos, 2 ½ basses, and 3 classical guitars.  He was a founding member of both prominent American violin associations and a member of multiple international luthier societies.  Peter joined forces with his sons over 20 years ago and for nearly a decade has worked alongside luthier Daniel Prier, who carries on the legacy and runs Peter Paul Prier & Sons Violins.

Peter was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many capacities, completing 3 missions with his sweetheart Kay. He loved adventure, boating, racquetball, snow skiing, waterskiing, horses, biking, soccer, walking, movies, fast cars, classical music, and chocolate doughnuts. 

Peter is preceded in death by both his parents.  He is survived by his two sisters: Maria, Katharina, and brother Karl Heinz (Reinhilde).  He is also survived by his wife Madeline Kay and their 6 children: Martin, Tres (Jon), Paul (Karen), Tamara, Kristen (Cody), Dan (Candace), and 15 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 20, 2015, 2:00 p.m. at the LDS Ensign Peak Ward, 125 E North Sandrun Rd. SLC.  Visitation will be held prior to service from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the ward.  Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn.   

 In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Diabetes Association:  www.diabetes.org/Donate

 Funeral directors Russon Brothers Mortuary.  Online guestbook available at www.russonmortuary.com