April 23, 1996 - July 6, 2023
Graduated from Harold Ferguson High School in 2014
Currently worked at and loved working at the Tree Farm with Mike Gittleson and his team all of whom River considered friends. River always wanted to work in that type of environment. Loved nature and loved people. Worked for his cousin Cory at the Derby Grill in Berthoud. Prior to that River worked for Pure Pressure with the Tenasky Brothers Sean and Jeff. Prior to that River worked at Sandy’s Conoco. Everywhere he worked he made friends and enjoyed people.
River enjoyed his family. He spent more time with his grandparents than most grandchildren. He was always available for them. River was always very thoughtful.
River was passionate about a lot of things. He loved putting up Christmas lights and not just during the holiday season. He always had the deck underneath the house by his door decorated year-round. He decorated our home and his grandmothers’ homes during the holiday season.
River LOVED fireworks and would light them off for days before and after the 4th of July each year.
River enjoyed trips to Idaho and fishing with his family.
Most of all River enjoyed riding his 2005 Harley Davidson Sportster. He even enjoyed riding in the rain… especially in the rain. He said it was his “Happy Place” and the thing he owned of which he was proudest.
River was a collector. River collected a wide variety of unique knives. He liked bugs, and from time to time would collect a spider and then let it go. He also had a diverse collection of crystals and rare stones; though he found beauty in even the most common of rocks.
River was a man of few words but always spoke thoughtfully.
River was a supportive and loving big brother. He and his sister, Brooke, had a great connection and had silly things they shared that they could laugh together about.
River was clever and could master anything he set his mind to.
River is survived by his parents, Bob and Chris Sprague of Loveland, CO. His Sister Brooke Pesek and her Husband Tyler, of Loveland, CO. His Grandmothers Barbara Gerbitz and Margie Sprague are both currently of Loveland, CO. His Grandfather Lloyd Gerbitz and Martha of Greeley, CO. His uncle Guy Lanter and wife Rose Lanter of Loveland, Co and Aunt Karen Lanter of Berthoud, CO. his cousins from that branch Corey Lanter and partner Jessica, Jeremy, and spouse Allison Lanter. Link Lanter and his spouse Cora. His Aunt Sharon McQueen and her spouse Keith, with cousins Christopher and spouse Emily McQueen, Victoria Jones and spouse David and Scott McQueen. His Uncle Ron Gittlein and Cousins Susan and Jason Smith. His Aunt Arlene Gerbitz and cousins Brad and his spouse Leah Dansdill, Misty Sutton and her spouse Chris, Casey and Brandy Woods and Kay Jean Oliver. His Uncle Darrell Gerbitz and cousins Nolan and Amber Turner and Jimmy and Michelle Gerbitz. His Uncle Lynx Gerbitz and his spouse Susie and cousins Tyler Pierson and Daf, and Cayla Hannon and her spouse Ryan. His Aunt Jody Rodriguez and her spouse Don Rodriguez with cousins Alec Rodriguez and his partner Dom and Leandra Rodriguez and her partner Kayla. Other Uncle Jason Smith with Cousins Ayla and Ace Smith.
River was preceded in death by his sister Angel Sprague, Grandfather Ralph Sprague and Grandfather Harold Sargent, his Aunt Tami Sprague and Aunt Zeina Gittlein, and Aunt Melody Gerbitz.
Service will be July 23rd, 2023, at 6:01PM, the same time he was born, at the home of Bob & Christine, 3245 Huckleyberry Way, Loveland, CO 80538. Please feel free to wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt in River’s memory. River particularly enjoyed Hawaiian Shirt Friday at the Tree Farm.
There will be a time of sharing both during the service and an open mic after the service during the meal in case you would like to prepare something in advance. All are welcome to share.
Instead of sending flowers please donate to type 1 diabetes research. https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give
