Jackie Lynn Carattini

Jackie Lynn (Pryga) Carattini, 50 of Mosinee, sadly passed away unexpectedly on Sunday October 27, 2024. She was born on July 30, 1974 to Richard Pryga and the late Elaine Pryga. 

Jackie graduated from Mosinee High School in 1992. She then went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina Greensboro with a Bachelors of Applied Science in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition. She later obtained her Masters Degree in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. With her education Jack went on to hold many positions with UW-Extension, but ultimately landed as a tenure Associate Professor in Human Development and Relationships Educator for the University of Wisconsin-Extension of Wood County in Wisconsin Rapids. Jack took an immense amount of pride in her work and that showed in the countless state and nationwide awards she received. 

Jack lived her life to the fullest. She was always about making things special and creating memories. She enjoyed the littlest things in life from looking for the loons, watching sunsets, northern lights, cloud formations, fun rocks, and enjoying every ounce of her surroundings. She loved reading, baking, crafting, floral arrangements, binging tv shows, and movie marathons. She especially loved the outdoors; her favorite tree on her dad’s land, Franklin Lake with family, and camping trips with her high school friends. Some of her best times were spent with Jo, Ang, Manna, and Lina together on shopping trips, sporting events, weekend extravaganzas, holidays, family gatherings, crafting, singing, and just being goofy together; the laughs were never ending. She had another special bond in her life and that was with her dad. Jack had a smile and boisterous laugh that always filled the room. Her personality was one that everyone gravitated to. She would want you all to remember…be kind. 

Jack’s life revolved around her children. They were the lights of her life. She would move mountains and scream at the top of her lungs to show her pride in them. She always knew the right things to say to both of them whether it was to love them, cheer them up, or motivate them.

Lina was her daughter, but also her best friend and adventure buddy. You could find them doing many things together whether it was camping in Door County, Eau Pleine, DuBay, or Franklin Lake, exploring waterfalls in Duluth, thrifting, singing, making crafts, playing games or cards, baking or just being goofy together. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her. She loved watching her grow and achieve so many things. She loved cheering and watching her play volleyball, basketball, and especially track. You could always find her in the bleachers no matter the distance or weather. Jack never lit up more than watching Malina achieve her goals in life. She made sure that Lina always knew she was there by making sure she yelled as loud as she could to cheer her on. They were inseparable, their bond will never ever be broken. When you look at who Malina is, you will always see and hear her mom in her. You are a rockstar!

Payton always had his mom’s heart from day one. She was his rock, biggest fan, advocate, and calm in the storm. She was always there to tell him you can, when others told him you can’t. She loved nothing more than one of his beautiful drawings, colorings, his ability to express himself through music, and his uncanny ability to remember details. She always saw the talents he had in him when others couldn’t. She loved seeing him achieve new things in life from winning geography bees, qualifying for the state geography bee, competing in Special Olympics bowling and track, getting a job, and graduating high school. She will always love her Grubeard. 

Survivors include: Daughter, Malina, Mosinee; Son, Payton, Mosinee; Jesse Carattini, Wausau; Father, Richard Pryga, Mosinee; Sister, JoEllen (Randy) McKellips, Mosinee; Brother, David (Tagny), Concord, NC; Aunt Mary Priest, Rocky Mount, NC; Nieces, Angie (Jason) Reinke, Mosinee; Amanda (Ben) Kovar, Mosinee; Alaina Pryga, Concord, NC; Nephews, Dalton (Erin) Pryga, Concord, NC; Aidan Pryga, Concord, NC; Great Nephews, Brayden and Carter Reinke, and Collin and Drew Kovar. Preceded in death by: Mom, Elaine Pryga; Grandparents, William and Helen Wirsbinski; John and Regina Pryga.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Aaron Becker will officiate. Burial will take place in St. Paul Cemetery, Mosinee. Visitation will be on Monday, November 4, from 4:00 p.m., until 7:00 p.m., at 6:30 p.m. there will be a brief prayer service and sharing of memories. Visitation will begin again on Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements, online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jackies name can be directed to her sister, JoEllen McKellips, proceeds will go to her Jackie’s children Payton and Malina.