Thomas Pribyl Jr.

Tom Pribyl Jr., age 83 of Jackson, Minnesota, passed away with his family by his side on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington. Visitation will be held from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at the Osterberg Funeral Home in Jackson, with a Celebration of Life service to follow, officiated by Pastor Russ Steele.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

Tom was born on February 16, 1939, in Jackson, Minnesota, to Tom Sr and Lillian (Macek) Pribyl.  He attended Peace Memorial School (grades 1-8), and graduated from Jackson High School, where he excelled in basketball.  He served in the National Guard for three years.  He received his Associate of Arts degree from Worthington Community College, and where he continued to play basketball.  He briefly attended Mankato State University, before being beginning work with the family plumbing business.  He worked with his father and brother, Larry for 53 years.

Tom and Marilyn Waswo united in marriage on November 4, 1961.  They had three children: Rich, Wendy, and Mike. The marriage dissolved after 27 years. 

Sports were a huge part of Tom’s life; from playing basketball and baseball in high school, including being a co-captain of the 1957 basketball season, to coaching his sons in JAY basketball and baseball.  He never missed his children’s extra-curricular activities.  Tom was a big fan of the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Gophers football and basketball teams and watched with great joy.  

Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman and participated in duck, goose, deer & turkey hunting, as well as ice and boat fishing with many family members. He wrote fishing and hunting columns in the Worthington Daily Globe and the Jackson County Pilot, and always closed each column by saying, “Good Luck and take someone fishing!”

Tom celebrated his 23rd year of sobriety in March 2022.  He enjoyed being an AA sponsor to many.  He helped to start the Alumni Recovery Group at Ashley House in Jackson.  He chaired the meetings for a long time until his health worsened. He believed conversation is education by breaking it down and talking one on one- he always for the underdog!  He loved to see people change their lives and have a different outcome in life.  He believed in getting into a recovery program with goals for success, and with God as the Higher Power. 

Tom is survived by his children: Wendy (Manny) of Stillwater Minnesota; Mike (Nicki) of Jackson; and three grandchildren: Rachel (Bellingham, Washington), Hannah & Sarah Habib (Stillwater); sister, MaryAnn Williams (Eldon) of Jackson; brothers, David (Nancy) and Ben Pribyl of Jackson; and special friend, Marilyn Matejka of Jackson. 

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Tom Sr and Lillian Pribyl; brothers Frank and Larry Pribyl; Marilyn Pribyl; oldest son Rich, and other relatives.

Our deepest gratitude for all the many nurses and home health aides thru the years.  Dad was able to stay in his home for a long time because of your selfless care and absolute dedication to going above and beyond your job.  We are forever grateful and so very appreciative.

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