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Florence A. Prybylowski, EdD, age 89 of Oshkosh, died January 28, 2009 at Evergreen Retirement Community. Born on February 17, 1919 in Milwaukee to Stanislaus and Angela (Baran) Przybylowski; Florence was one of ten siblings, six brothers and three sisters. One sister, Leonore Przybylowski of Milwaukee survives.

As a youngster, Florence was an avid participant in Milwaukee's Parks and Recreation Department programs, and became a playground leader. Her supervisors noted her proficiencies and her leadership qualities. One woman in particular took a personal interest in Florence's future and saw to it that she got the support she needed from the Przybylowski family and friends at Wisconsin State University-La Crosse making it possible for her to earn her way through school and achieve her B.S. degree in Physical Education, thus beginning a career in education which spanned 45 years.

During those years Florence taught in the public schools of Wausau, Janesville, and Madison. She received a master's degree from University of Michigan and a doctorate from Colorado State University. One of the highlights of Florence's efforts to acquire higher education was a summer school experience at New York University which included a trip to the 1956 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.

A career in college teaching began at her alma mater, UW-La Crosse in 1947. She also taught at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois becoming Interim Chairperson of her department. She joined the faculty of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1966 where she was known as "Dr. Pryb." She retired from UW-Oshkosh as Professor Emeritus in 1985.

Contributions to her field were many: as a presenter at state and regional professional meetings and conventions; as a curriculum developer and consultant in both Illinois and Wisconsin; and as chairperson of her peers in physical education departments. She received the WAHPERD Life Membership Award in 1985; Award of Merit-Retired Past President of Association 1975; and received the Teaching Honor Award in 1980. Most of all she was noted as a talented and creative teacher at all levels- kindergarten through college. She enjoyed her students and they responded to her as a beloved teacher and friend.

In the Oshkosh community, Florence participated as a docent with the Paine Art Center and Gardens, again assuming leadership roles in their volunteer program. She enjoyed the musical and dramatic opportunities in Oshkosh and supported them enthusiastically. Florence was a member of St. Josephat Catholic Church in Oshkosh and lately a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Mourning her passing are her sister, Leonore Przybylowski of Milwaukee; her nephew Walter (Suzanne) Przybylowski of Waukesha; her dear friend Jane Ellis of Oshkosh; many other great nieces and nephews; and two great-great nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held for family at Most Blessed Sacrament-St. Peter Site. Burial took place in her family plot at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee.

A memorial service will be held for Florence at 12:00 Noon on Monday, February 2, 2009 at Algoma Blvd. United Methodist Church, 1174 Algoma Blvd., where Reverend Barry Yarbro will officiate. A time of gathering and sharing memories will be held the church on Monday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Memorials may be directed to the Paine Art Center and Gardens, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family.

Seefeld Funeral and

Cremation Services

(920) 236-7750

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