Obituaries

 

Joel A. Pribbenow

PORTAGE – It is with heavy hearts that we tell you that Joel Pribbenow passed away August 15, 2012 from injuries sustained in a house fire. 

Joel was born December 6, 1962, in Portage to Erwin Pribbenow and Jane Martinson.  Joel went to high school in Rio where he excelled in football and baseball.  He followed his brother into the building trades where his mark can be seen on homes all around southern Wisconsin. Joel enjoyed life and the world around him.  His passions were traveling, bicycling, walking, photography, cats and dogs, and his family.  His travels took him around the country and the world.  His travels included various NASCAR trips, a Hawaiian bike tour, and numerous ventures to places like Europe, Japan, and Denmark.  Joel biked thousands of miles on the country roads around Portage.  He had a great eye when it came to taking pictures, capturing many wildlife and nature shots around Wisconsin and even photographed a family friend’s wedding.  Joel's love for his cats was started by his mother's big heart when she could not have stray cats around the neighborhood going hungry.  His love for his family had no limits.  He helped when asked, he gave when needed, he was there when others could not be, and though he was quiet his presence was felt. 
 
Joel was preceded in death by his father Erwin Pribbenow, grandparents Arthur and Ellen Yonkee, and Harry Pribbenow, and infant twin sisters.  He is survived by his loving mother Jane; his grandmother, Edna Pribbenow; his stepmother Bonnie (Dale) Paddock; his brothers, Stewart (Karen) Pribbenow, and their sons, Joshua and Michael; David (Sarah) Pribbenow, and their children, Anthony, Bailey, Emily, Gavin, and Avery; and Jon Pribbenow; his sisters, Staci Pribbenow, and her children Camron, Carter and Callin; and Shelley (Mike Havelka) Wooster, and her children, Jaime (Jason) and John (Erin), great nephews and nieces Cayden, Laney, Javian, and Brittyn, other relatives and many friends. 
 
Even in death, Joel was a blessing to others.  The donation of his organs means that other families near and far can cherish their loved ones for another day.  His death came too soon but he is with his Dad now.  If God needs a fireplace in heaven, he picked the right man to help build it.
 
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2012, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding.  Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

 

 

 

Obituaries
For information please call 608 742-2126 (Portage, WI) or 608 635-2763 (Poynette, WI)