Donald J. Pribyl

Donald Joseph Pribyl, a resident of DeWitt, Michigan, former resident of Indianapolis, Indiana and native of Tisch Mills, Wisconsin, died at home on December 6, 2023 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 88 years old.

Don was born on April 13, 1935 in Tisch Mills, Wisconsin, the youngest of three children born to George and Tillie (Stangel) Pribyl. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering. Don attended boot camp with the United States Army, Air Force and Navy and was in various reserve units over the years, and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Don married Rita Blazei on August 17, 1957, they were married for over forty years before their divorce in 2000 and were blessed with three children, living in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana, and settling in Indianapolis. For ten years, he enjoyed companionship of Charlene Jacobs until she passed in 2010. Don moved back to Michigan to be closer to his daughter and son-in-law, Gale and Troy Capling, and for the last ten years, he enjoyed his condo in DeWitt and his membership with the Wildflower Condo Association.

Don was meticulous in every aspect of his life, a characteristic that served him well in his professional career as a mechanical and electrical engineer, retiring from General Motors in 1988. His penchant for precision extended to his personal life as well, where he was known for his organization, labels, filing systems and attention to detail. His love for order and precision could only be rivaled by his love for motorcycles, flying planes, World War II history, guns, traveling, or going on dates (though he was known for his preference to go “dutch"). A self-admitted hoarder of sorts, Don never missed an opportunity to add to his collection, be it free floss from the dentist, Snickers bars or special vacation treats, always saving them for the "perfect time" to enjoy (but waiting too long to actually enjoy them). Through all of life's ups and downs, Don showed us all how to face disappointment with grace and determination, and always willing to try something new.

He is survived by his daughters, Gale (Troy) Capling and Renita Pribyl; his son, Daren Pribyl; grandchildren, Justin Pribyl, Kelly (Dave Brozowski) King, Devin Pribyl, Madison Pribyl, Connor Pribyl and Logan Pribyl; three step-grandchildren; five step great-grandchildren; his sister, Genevieve Hostak, as well as extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Tillie Pribyl and brother, Marvin Pribyl.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 14, 2023 at St. Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church, 18424 Tisch Mills Rd., Denmark. Rev. Dennis Drury will preside at the service, with burial of his cremated remains to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Tisch Mills.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church, Thursday, December 14th from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m.

Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot is assisting the family with local arrangements.