Edna M. Pribbenow

Edna M. Pribbenow, age 105 of Oregon/Rio, received her wish to join the rest of her family that she hadn’t seen in many years, passing away Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at her home in Oregon.

She was born January 12, 1913 at home in Otsego Township to Hans and Ella (Hanson) Severson. She attended Otsego School through eighth grade at which time her father thought she needed to stay at home and help on the farm. Edna married Harry Pribbenow November 25, 1931 at Redeemer parsonage in Rio. Edna began working at Jim’s Grocer in Rio, a job she held for 17 years until her retirement at the age of 70. Edna had resided in Rio for most of her life until 2012 when she moved to Oregon to live with Bonnie and Dale.

She was an avid reader of magazines and books. While living at the Covenant House in Rio, her grandson Jon brought her three books a week from the library to read. Failing eyesight didn’t keep the books away. She was able to listen to them on tape, which included her favorites such as westerns, mysteries, and stories about the Amish. She also enjoyed watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and of course the news and weather. Her greatest joy was spending time with her entire family. Edna was a life-long member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio being the first women to serve as secretary of the church council. She sang in the choir for over 50 years. On Saturdays, Edna and the other choir members traveled to Poynette to sing. She will be remembered for her famous sugar cookies, lefse, and she also loved to eat Lutefisk.

Survivors include two sons Jerome Pribbenow (friend Sue Hartman) of McFarland and Dennis (Joyce) Pribbenow of Wisconsin Rapids; one daughter-in-law Bonnie Pribbenow (Dale Paddock) of Oregon; grandchildren Paul (Abigail), Mark (Mary), Dawn (David) Lau, Dean (Kris), Brad (Melissa), Beth (John Miller), Stewart (Rachel), David (Sarah), Staci, Jon, Amy (Dave) Joosten, and Kris (friend Steve), 29 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren, and other extended family. She is further survived by two special God daughters Lila Smith of Janesville and Darlene Cole of Rhinelander; two nieces Helen Karow of CA and Shari Severson of SC and many other dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry in 1970, brother Lewis “Bennie” Severson, half-brother Harry Halverson, son Erwin, grandson Joel, daughters-in-law Elsie and Judy, and sister-in-law Lorraine.

A celebration of Edna’s life will be held Saturday, March 17 at 1 PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio with Rev. Ann Walsvik, Paul and Brad Pribbenow officiating. Interment will follow at Ohio Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Edna’s memory may be made to the Rio Community Library. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Bev Davies and Mei Lei for their weekly visits for the last four years. Also the church ladies Naomi and Rose from St. John Church in Oregon and her very special nurse Cayla.

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