Photo courtesy of Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home - Anoka
Feb 9, 1949 - Apr 5, 2025
To the Pribyl Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Paul, was quite simply a good man. I had the privilege of being able to work with Paul at Lorillard and enjoyed every minute of our time together. He will be missed by all who knew him. I hope the memories of Paul will carry you forever.
Fred Paternostro
Fred Paternostro
June 02, 2025 | Ponte Vedra, FL | Coworker
Paul E. Pribyl, age 76 of Anoka, passed away unexpectedly on April 5, 2025, after a brief illness.
Paul was “one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet”; he had a great sense of humor and was happy to share a laugh about life’s everyday moments. He was born on February 9, 1949, to Silvin and Joyce (Byrne) Pribyl in Owatonna, MN. He was raised on a dairy farm near Medford,where he attended grade school and high school. After graduating in 1967, he attended Bemidji State and then enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1969 - 1972 as an Aircraft Mechanic. Over the years, his career spanned from working for Carnation in Wisconsin to joining Lorillard Tobacco in 1980 as a sales representative. After 34 years with Lorillard, he retired as a Division Manager. For over 25 years his favorite destination was Playa del Carmen, Mexico where he made numerous friends and escaped the Minnesota winters. He also enjoyed spending 40summers at Breezy Point with family and friends. Paul loved golfing, hosting his poker pals for more than 22 years, and was a very loyal Vikings fan.
Paul is survived by his children, Stacey Pribyl, Kelley Pribyl, and Chris Pribyl; grandchildren Brittany (Jim) Holstein and Brandon (Sarah Haman) Mehlhop; sister Marie (Lenny) Foss; nieces, Erin Foss and Alie (Dane) Bernardo; nephew Andy (Brittany) Foss; great-nieces and nephews;four aunts and numerous cousins. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Leah (Jerry) Mertes, Jill (Brian Ross) Baker, Ryan Cullen, Chris Cullen; his “bonus” grandchildren, Connor and Brynn Cullen; and former spouses Barb Kelm and Janet Saxvik.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents and Darlene Cullen, his life-partner of 25 years.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00PM at Bunker Hills Golf Club, 12800 Bunker Prairie Road NW, Coon Rapids, MN. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 1:00-1:30PM, followed by a memorial service at 1:30PM. A reception will follow the memorial service.
Memorials preferred to Vietnam Vets/Wounded Warriors/DAV.
Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home - Anoka, Minnesota - 763-421-0220 - www.thurston-lindberg.com
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