Belljean "Jean" Privratsky

Jean was born at her grandparent's homestead in Otter Creek N.D. in 1929, the oldest daughter of Albert and Henrietta (Guenthner) Huber's six children. Her early years were lived during the Great Depression; she said she felt she never lacked anything because they always raised and preserved their own milk, eggs, meat and vegetables. She attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade, at which time she took over handling home responsibilities while her parents and brothers farmed. She later took correspondence courses, and moved to Bismarck with her parents and younger sister in 1953.
In 1956 Jean drove to California and Oregon with two girlfriends; they liked Oregon so well that they all found work and moved to Salem in 1957. That year she also met Tony Privratsky (also formerly of ND) at a dance hall polkafest, which was an activity they continued to enjoy together over the years. They were married in 1958 at St. John's Lutheran Church. Jean and Tony joined Peace Lutheran Church, West Salem, in 1962. There she taught Sunday School, joined Bible studies and LWML, led the women's group and in the late 90's joined the quilt group as a new quilter. She enjoyed group efforts to supply quilts for Lutheran World Relief, as well as creating beautiful pieces for family and friends.
Jean was a diligent worker with a strong work ethic that showed whether she was supervising the candy counter at Woolworths, processing large grocery orders at Willamette Grocery Wholesalers, processing tax returns for the State of Oregon, or working as the Manager of Operations for the Oregon Public Utilities Commission.
Jean retired in 1992, joining Tony to enjoy their home and cherry orchard in Yamhill County. They loved the freedom to be with their grandchildren and travel more frequently. Over the years they made many road trips to visit family in ND or meet her sister's family at campgrounds or national parks. During retirement, many ocean and river cruises took them across the world, and in her later years she always enjoyed a "country drive" or day trip to the Oregon coast with Tony.
Jean is survived by Tony, her husband of 67 years. Daughters Denise (Phil) Brech and Michelle (Joe) Geck. Grandchildren Megan and Ian (Josie) Brech; Renee and Victoria Geck. Great grandchildren Finley and Milo Brech. Sister-in-law Emma (Lloyd) Huber and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank all the family and friends who loved and cared for Jean throughout her lifetime, as well as recent home caregivers from Rock of Ages. With faith, family and friends foundational to everything in Jean's life, she was an inspiration to all the lives she touched. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am, Saturday November 1st, Peace Lutheran Church, 1525 Glen Creek Rd. NW, Salem. Memorial: Lutheran Women's Missionary League, lwml.org/donate-online