Stephen Joseph Pribyl

Stephen J. Pribyl, Col, US Air Force Ret.

May 3, 1953 - March 22, 2022

Born May 3, 1953 in Owatonna, Minnesota to Ben and Leona Pribyl. He was raised through his school-age years in Owatonna.

He graduated from Marian High School in 1971, earned his Bachelor’s degree from University of St. Thomas in 1975 (ROTC), and his Master’s degree from University of Colorado.

Stephen valued duty and professionalism. Col. Pribyl served honorably  in the United States Air Force in Missile Operations and Medical Service Corp. from May 1976 through March 1998 with tours nationally and internationally.  His career highlights include tours in Ankara, Turkey; Upper Heyford, England; and his assignments in Washington D.C.

Following Stephen’s Air Force retirement in 1998, he continued his work in healthcare administration, prioritizing patient care and ethical leadership in Mayo Health Systems, Ministry Health Care, and District One Hospital /Allina Health. He retired a second time in 2017. Stephen was active as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives throughout his military and civilian career.

Stephen valued service to others, volunteering his retirement time with the Armed Services Center at the MSP airport, serving on the board of HealthFinders Collaborative, and giving time at a local food shelf.

Stephen treasured his family. He married Annie (Hamilton)  on October 5, 1974. Annie was the love of his life, with whom he had his first date when they were in the 9th grade.  “Pribs” and Annie put each other and their girls, Elizabeth (Beth) and Emily, first in all of their decisions. Stephen and Annie traveled to many places, many of them on military assignments, and continued their love of travel once he retired.  Stephen was a devoted Grandpa, and the grandkids' favorite memories with their Grandpa include breakfast, when he was the first one awake, and tooling around the lake on the pontoon.

Preceded in death by his faither, Benjamin C. Pribyl and sister Kathryn Pribyl Geiser.

Survived by his wife, Ann Pribyl, daughter Elizabeth (Aaron) Johnson, grandchildren Ellie and Oliver,  and  Emily (Nathan) Semsch,  grandchildren Nolan, Ana, Charlie, mother Leona Pribyl, brothers James (Pat) Pribyl and John (Rose) Pribyl, sisters Mary (Dennis) Houdek and Jane Pribyl, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2:00 p.m. at the Saint Paul Hotel.  All attendees are expected to be fully vaccinated.

Private Family Burial will be at Fort Snelling at a later date.