Roger William Pribyl, Monticello

Roger William Pribyl, age 75, of Monticello, passed away on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 at home with his wife and family by his side.  Roger was born on October 15, 1948, the son of Stella Pribyl.  He and Stella resided with his uncle and aunt, George and Bess Kaz.

Roger spent his early childhood in Maple Lake and moved to Monticello in 6th grade where he remained for his lifetime.  He attended and graduated in 1966 from Monticello Schools participating in many activities, including band, wrestling, football, and baseball.  He met his “Queenie” Cyndi in high school and they were united in marriage on February 23, 1968.  They were blessed with 55 years of marriage.

Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool, trying his luck at the casino, telling “short” stories, and spending time with family and friends.  He was a big personality with a friendly smile, and maybe a quick witted response or sly grin.  He was a jokester through and through but would have your back immediately when needed.  Roger worked construction in his younger years, and will likely be remembered by many as a friendly face at the local Super America and Holiday Station stores, working there until retirement.

Roger was well known and respected in the community.  He started the Monticello Baseball Association which has given opportunity for thousands of local kids to enjoy the sport.  As the President of Minnesota Baseball Association, Roger and Cyndi once voluntarily facilitated a local tournament hosting 334 baseball teams and their fans!  Roger started the Monticello Atoms Wrestling Club, a freestyle wrestling organization.  Roger was a visionary in providing an opportunity for local athletes to start at a younger age, form connections, advance their skills, and play more competitively,

Looking for a chemical-free option for graduating high school seniors, Roger and Cyndi started the All Night Graduation Party in 1986.  This event continues annually in Monticello at this time.  Roger was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Monticello Rod and Gun Club, the Monticello Softball Association, an honorary member of the American Legion, and was on the USA/MN Wrestling State Board of Directors.  Roger was also inducted into the Monticello High School Wall of Fame.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Stella, special uncle and aunt George and Bess Kaz.  He is survived by his loving wife, Cyndi, three sons and one daughter and their families: Cory of Minneapolis, Collin, and Kayla; Shane (Julie) of Monticello, Kevin (Taylor) and Alex; Chad (Melissa) of Monticello, Jace and Jackson; and daughter Stacie of Becker, Paige and Abbey; great grandchildren Liam, Layton and Zoey, as well as many family and lifelong friends.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, January 20th at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Monticello.  Reviewal will take place from 9:30-10:30 am, with time for sharing memories or stories of Roger from 10:30-11 am.  Mass will begin at 11 am.   Luncheon and time of fellowship will follow services at the church.  Private interment at a later date at Riverside Cemetery in Monticello.

Serving the Family is National Cremation Society of Minnesota and Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel.