Jana Pribbeno
Jana Jo (Roesener) Pribbeno was born in Imperial, Nebraska, on Jan. 16, 1960. She died at her home in Imperial on Aug. 25, 2021. She was 61 years of age. She was the second child born to John Roesener and Joyce (Jaeger) Roesener.
Jana graduated from Chase County High School in 1978 and attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling to study art. She worked at Frenchman Valley Co-op when she returned to Imperial, where she met Michael Pribbeno, the love of her life. The two were married on Feb. 12, 1983. Jana and Michael welcomed their daughter, Leslie, to the family on Dec. 18, 1983, and their son, Tyler, on April 11, 1985.
Leslie and Tyler were Jana’s pride and joy, and she made it a point to give them every possible opportunity and new experience. Jana provided a loving home to not only her two children but also to countless friends of theirs. Jana was the mother to many, especially for several years driving across the state for traveling basketball tournaments and high school athletics.
Shortly after Tyler’s birth, Mike and Jana moved the family to the Denver metro area but later returned so Leslie and Tyler could attend school in Imperial rather than in a large city. After returning to Imperial, Jana worked for New Holland and Brophy Electric.
Jana eventually started Essential Creations, a party decoration service, which allowed her creativity to shine. She decorated for more than 100 weddings in Chase and Perkins counties between 1993 and 2003 and always tried to make the day special for each bride and groom.
Jana later worked for Pribbeno Construction, allowing her to work alongside Michael. She was one of the few people able to tell her father-in-law, Kent, what to do with his opinions when he disagreed with her. Like everyone else with whom she crossed paths, even “Prib” was won over by Jana.
In 2000, Jana joined the Imperial Republican staff, first working in the darkroom and later transitioning to advertising representative. Jana was loved by everyone she worked with, and her attention to detail, creativity and loyalty to her customers helped her blossom in this role. Her customers always came first, and she spent many evenings and weekends working to meet their needs.
In 2002, Jana became the proudest grandmother when Leslie gave birth to Ethan, or “E-Man” as Jana liked to call him. Ethan spent a lot of time with Grandma Jana and Grandpa Mike. His favorite toys were construction equipment and tractors. Grandma Jana enjoyed spending weekends watching Ethan dig holes with his backhoe and was always quietly thrilled when he would slip away from his parents to ride his bike to see Grandma when he was just 3 years old.
In 2007, Jana welcomed her granddaughter, Madelyn Grace (forever “Gracie” to Jana), to the world and instantly doted on her. Jana was so proud of Gracie, and no one ever made her laugh more, especially as Gracie took an interest in dancing and tumbling around the house. Jana loved to play dolls and “Memory” with her Gracie and watching her grow into a beautiful young lady.
Jana always recognized the importance of being a volunteer in a small community and serving the community and the people she loved. Jana coached Leslie’s softball teams, was the den leader for Tyler’s Boy Scouts troop, taught Sunday school for a number of years, organized large local traveling basketball tournaments for fourth through eighth grade boys and girls, assisted many classes in decorating for homecoming and prom dances, served on the Chamber of Commerce board and as president, organized the week-long visit of a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to Imperial, co-founded and organized Smokin’ on Broadway, and assisted in creating the Veterans Memorial and gathered information to honor Chase County veterans.
Jana was a devout Christian and put her faith in God. She rests peacefully in his Kingdom.
Jana’s hobbies included drawing, reading, golfing, collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, cheering for her beloved Gonzaga Bulldogs, rock ‘n’ roll, having a “Coke” or guac and margaritas with friends or family members, and going for a drive with Michael.
Survivors include her husband, Michael Pribbeno; daughter, Leslie Chavez and husband Tino; son, Tyler Pribbeno and fiancee Emilee Pease; mother, Joyce Roesener; father and stepmother, John and Barb Roesener; mother-in-law, Donita Pribbeno; grandson, Ethan Clermont and Katherine Jardine; granddaughter, Madelyn Clermont; brother, Randy Roesener and wife Cindy; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Douglas Pribbeno and wife Tracy, Karla Bauman and husband Andrew, and Ann Smith and husband Michael; numerous nieces and nephews; best friend, Dana Sorensen; and pet grandchildren, Apollonia and Bella.
Jana was preceded in death by her son, Jeromy; father-in-law, Stanley Kent Pribbeno; and nephew, Logan Bauman.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial, with Pastor Deb Copple officiating. Jana’s wishes were for cremation, and there will be no visitation.
Memorials have been suggested to the family for a future designation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
Liewer Funeral home in Imperial is in charge of arrangements.