Lori Ann Pribek, loving mother and wife, passed in peace with her
family by her side at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice on March 12,
2018.
Lori was born on August 28, 1962, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Dick
and Lorraine (Schmitt) Schaap; the second of five children.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Jeffrey Pribek; her
cherished children Mitchell Pribek (Grace Jorgenson), Jay (Cassie) Pribek and
Libbie Pribek; her loving parents, Dick and Lorraine Schaap; father-in-law,
Gordon Pribek (Shirley Larsen); siblings Lisa (Tom) Jansen, Mike (Mary) Schaap,
Mark (Laura) Schaap, Greg (Gwen) Pribek, Shelley (Dan) Juedes, and Steven
Pribek; along with many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law Bobbie Pribek and
by her baby sister Linda Schaap.
Raised in Sheboygan Falls, she graduated from Sheboygan Falls High
School in 1980. Lori was blessed with a creative mind that allowed her many
artistic talents to shine. These talents led her to earn her bachelor's degree
from the University of Wisconsin – Stout, where she studied Apparel Design.
On September 1, 1984, she married, Jeff, her high school
sweetheart. Together they started their family in Fond du Lac and Lori began
her career as an Accessory Designer at Zwicker Knitting Mills in Appleton. As
their family grew, they decided to move back to Sheboygan Falls to be near
family and friends. Lori’s passion for art, her patience and understanding with
children, and strong faith led her to become the Art Teacher at St. Mary's
School, where her children attended grade school. Lori spent the last 15 years
as a Product Consultant for the Kohler Design Center, working alongside
wonderful coworkers.
Lori was a devout Catholic and her deep spirituality was a
foundation of her life. She was an active member at Blessed Trinity Parish and
spread her faith in the community in many ways, including years of volunteering
at St. Mary’s school and teaching religious education. She was especially grateful
for the strength, encouragement, and special prayers shared by her book club
friends during her toughest times.
Following in the footsteps of her mother-in-law, Lori became a
Camp Fire leader. She was a Sheboygan Falls Booster Club member and an enthusiastic
supporter and fan of Falcon athletics, where she spent many nights cheering on
her children. As her kids grew older, Falcon games turned into Badger games,
and Lori and Jeff were able to bring the feeling of their close-knit community
to UW-Madison. She was like a second mom to everyone she met and her presence
at game days made many friends feel at home while miles away from Sheboygan
Falls.
Some of Lori’s most treasured memories were made in Door County,
where she spent the past 25 summers laughing and joking around the campfire,
sewing costumes for family theme nights, and creating unforgettable memories
with the Schaap family. In the springtime, road trips were taken to Florida
with the Pribek family, where she was able to walk along the ocean while
enjoying the sunrise and spend quality family time conversing and relaxing.
She was a six-year ovarian cancer survivor and took on the many
challenges it brought with a never-ending fight for hope and belief in the
beauty that each day would bring. Throughout her battle, Lori took great pride
in supporting and participating in the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund
activities, including rowing across Lake Michigan, kayaking, and yoga classes.
During this tough time, she was always thankful for her extended family and
friend’s support and prayers, which fueled her strength to fight and gave her
courage to believe.
Lori will be remembered most for her beautiful smile and her
gentle soul. She had the remarkable ability to brighten every room she entered,
sweeten every conversation she joined, and bring a sense of optimism to any
situation. We ask for your support in keeping Lori’s spirit alive by emulating
the kindness, selflessness, and grace she blessed upon everyone she met. She
will be deeply missed by those who call her wife, mother, daughter, sister,
aunt, and friend.
Jeff and the family would like to thank Dr. Matthews and his
staff; Dr. Tammela and his staff; the Sharon Richardson Hospice Center; St.
Vincent, St. Nicholas, and Froedtert hospitals; the Kohler Company; along with
those who provided love, comfort, and care.
“Bless those who lost their life but paved the way to better
cancer care” – Sister Helen
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to
Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund in memorial of Lori Pribek.
A visitation will be held at Blessed Trinity Parish (319 Giddings
Avenue, Sheboygan Falls) on Friday, March 16
th
from 1-5pm. Memorial mass to follow at 5:00 pm.
For online condolences and additional information please visit
www.wenigfh.com
The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls
(920-467-3431) is assisting the Pribek family with arrangements.
