John Mike Pryga Jr

John M. Pryga, Jr., age, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Cedar Creek Manor in Kronenwetter. John was born on December 11, 1939, in Wausau WI, the son of the late John Sr. and Regina (Szydlowski) Pryga. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jo Hollingsworth, on December 9, 1961, in Jacksonville, Alabama. Barbara preceded him in death on July 11, 2024.

John graduated from Mosinee High School in 1958. After graduation, he served in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort McClellan, AL. While in the service, he met his wife to be, Barbara. After his honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1962, John and Barbara returned to Mosinee, WI to begin to raise a family. John started his career as a Millwright at Mosinee Paper Mill where he worked until his retirement in 2000.

John was an all-around sportsman who enjoyed deer and turkey hunting as well as fishing. He spent many deer hunting seasons at the “Hunting Shack” with family and friends in hopes of getting a trophy buck or two. Luckily, he did have hunting successes throughout the years. He was also known for staying on the lake (or river) for hours to fish, even if nothing was biting.

John was an avid gardener. Family, friends and neighbors enjoyed the vegetables harvested from his garden, the wine he made from his grapes and tomatoes, and huge jars of dill pickles he made every year. He was also a skilled woodworker - he could make or build anything!

John is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Kurt) Strohmeier, granddaughter, Kelly (Josh) Ahrens, great grandchildren, Tate and Collins Ahrens as well as siblings, Rich Pryga and Laura (John) Siedschlag. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Pryga, parents, John Sr. and Regina Pryga, son, Russ Pryga and brother, Chet Pryga.

The family would like to thank Cedar Creek Manor staff and Interim (hospice) for the wonderful care that was given.

A memorial service will be held for John on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. Pastor Phyllis Smoot will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of service all at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mosinee Cemetery. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.