Jana Jo Pribbeno

Jana Jo (Roesener) Pribbeno was born in Imperial, Nebraska on January 16, 1960. She passed away in her home in Imperial on August 25, 2021. She was 61 years of age. She was the second child born to her parents, John Roesener and Joyce (Jaeger) Roesener.
Jana graduated from Chase County High School in 1978 and attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado to study art. Jana worked at Frenchman Valley Coop when she returned to Imperial, when she met Michael Pribbeno, the love of her life. The two were married on February 12, 1983. Jana and Michael welcomed their daughter, Leslie, to the family on December 18, 1983, and 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 not only provided a loving home to 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 more than a hundred 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 to whom she crossed paths, even “Prib” was won over by Jana.
In 2000, Jana joined the Imperial Republican staff, at first working in the dark room 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 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 three 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 4th-8th grade boys and girls; assisted many classes decorate 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 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 & margaritas with friends or family members, and going for a drive with Michael.
Survivors include Michael Pribbeno, her husband; Leslie and Tino Chavez, daughter and son-in-law; Tyler Pribbeno and Emilee Pease, son and future daughter-in-law; Joyce Roesener, mother; John and Barb Roesener, father and mother-in-law; Donita Pribbeno, mother-in-law; Ethan Clermont and Katherine Jardine, grandson and future granddaughter-in-law; Madelyn Clermont, granddaughter; Randy and Cindy Roesener, brother and sister-in-law; Douglas (Tracy) Pribbeno, Karla (Andrew) Bauman, and Ann (Michael) Smith, brothers- and sisters-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews; Dana Sorensen, best friend; and Apollonia and Bella, pet grandchildren.
Jana was preceded in death by Jeromy, her son; Stanley Kent Pribbeno, father-in-law; and Logan Bauman, nephew.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial. Pastor Deb Copple officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Jana’s family asks a donation be made in her memory for later designation by her family. Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.