Donald C. Pribyl, age 82, of Maple Lake, died November 15, 2023, at his home surrounded by the love and care of his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2023, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery, East Maple Lake. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m on Monday at the church.
Donald Clarence Pribyl was born at home on July 30, 1941, in rural Maple Lake to Clarence and Lydia (Derfler) Pribyl. Don grew up on the family farm and attended District #50 country school in Maple Lake before transferring to St. Timothy’s School. He graduated in 1959 from Maple Lake Public School. Following his graduation, Don worked at the family farm, before honorably serving his country in the United States Army. Upon his discharge from active duty, Don served two separate times from 1961-1967 and 1975-1979 in the Army Reserves.
On May 23, 1964, he was united in marriage to Joan Rose Van Offeren at St. Timothy Catholic Church, where he remained a lifelong member. They made their home on the family farm, where they raised their two children Charlene and Loren. In 1981, Don graduated from St. Cloud State University. In addition to farming, Don also worked as a vocational counselor for 21 years at Opportunity Partners in Golden Valley and Functional Industries in Buffalo.
Don was a life member of the Maple Lake American Legion Post #131 for 52 years and served as a past commander. He also served 26 years at the Wright County Sheriff Office Reserve Unit. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, and for 30 years he was a Firearms Safety Instructor. As an outdoorsman, Don also was a member of the Hasty-Silver Creek Sportsman Club for over 40 years, where he served as secretary and treasurer.
Don enjoyed spending time hunting birds, deer, and prairie dogs. He also liked fishing, trapshooting, or simply time at the family cabin on Moose Lake near Pennington. He was fond of Farmall tractors and Caterpillar bulldozers. Above all, Don cherished the time he was able to spend with family, especially with his two grandsons.
Don is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan of Maple Lake; children, Charlene (Chris) Nyquist and Loren (Amee) Pribyl of Maple; grandchildren, Kenneth (Oakley) Nyquist and Matthew Pribyl; brother, Ralph (Melanie) Pribyl of Maple Lake; and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Maurice; mother-in-law and father-in-law; aunts, uncles, and other family members.
Kenneth Nyquist and Matthew Pribyl will serve as urn bearers. Krista Elsenpeter, Sarah Goelz, and Chris Vokaty will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrust to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary and Guestbook online at www.dingmannfuneral.com