Carol Pribyl Obituary

Carol J. Pribyl, age 83, of rural Buffalo, formerly Maple Lake, died Friday, June 27, 2025, at her home surrounded by the love of her children.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, Maple Lake with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Marc Well Nagel will officiate. A luncheon will follow at the church with burial at 1:30 p.m. at Acacia Cemetery, Clearwater. Memorials are preferred to Bethlehem United Church of Christ.
Carol Janice Hansen was born on October 31, 1941, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Clifford "Chris" and Amy (Nordell) Hansen. She grew up in Clearwater, where she attended elementary school and later graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1959.
On February 19, 1960, Carol married Earl Pribyl at Clearwater United Methodist Church, beginning a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. They shared many cherished years in rural Maple Lake, where Carol nurtured a warm, welcoming home and cultivated countless memories with family and friends.
A dedicated and hardworking professional, Carol began her career at a bank in Minneapolis, then as a seamstress for Wonderalls in Buffalo. She later started her own home cleaning service, cleaning homes for many years.
Faith was the cornerstone of Carol's life. She exemplified service and dedication through her involvement in Bethlehem United Church of Christ, where she played trombone for special services, served on the church and spiritual council, and was an active member of the women's guild and kitchen crew. She was also a voracious reader-checking out more books from the church library than anyone else. Carol embraced leadership and service in many areas of life. She was a Boy and Girl Scout leader, a member of the Hasty-Silver Creek Sportsman's Club, and fondly remembered her younger years as a Campfire Girl and teen lifeguard in Clearwater.
Carol's passions extended far beyond her community involvement. She was an avid scrapbooker and crafter, and she loved traveling, cooking, camping, fishing, listening to and singing along with 50's music, playing cards and dice, and collecting antiques. She never missed a family gathering-driven by a joyful fear of missing out-and her enthusiasm for life was contagious.
Carol was the beloved family historian-a natural storyteller who preserved generations of memories through her vivid tales and heartfelt reflections. She especially treasured time with her grandchildren, creating special moments and lifelong memories. A creative spirit, Carol delighted in garage sales, always on the lookout for hidden treasures. She also expressed her love through writing poems and crafting personalized cards, which she affectionately called Carol's Creations.
Carol is survived by her children, Dawn Pribyl of St. Louis Park and Rick (LuAnn) Pribyl of Buffalo; grandchildren, Thomas (Jenna) Pribyl, Charles Pribyl, Nicholas (Carly) Pribyl, and William Pribyl; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Lily, Eliana, and Kendall; brother, Peter (Pat) Hansen of Good Thunder; brothers-in-law, Bill Sharratt of Carlton and Kenneth of Silver Creek; dear friend, Nelda Schmidt; and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Chris and Amy Hansen; husband, Earl; sisters, Ree Sharratt, Judy (Ray) Helgeson, and Helen (Earl) Peterson; sisters-in-law, Elaine (Eugene) Ertel and Bernice Pribyl.
Thomas, Charles, Nicholas, and William Pribyl, and Aiden VaughnPribyl will serve as urn bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
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