Kirby Sprenger
November 23, 1996 ~ June 19, 2016
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Kirby Joseph Sprenger, 19, passed away Sunday, June 19, 2016 at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD in his mother’s arms and with his father by his side, along with many family members telling their favorite Kirby stories.
Funeral Mass was held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 23, 2016, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Faulkton, SD with Fr. Christopher Hughes officiating. Burial followed at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. A wake service was held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, at the church, with visitation one hour prior.
Kirby Joseph Sprenger was born on November 23, 1996 to Joe and Sandy (Bowar) Sprenger in Aberdeen, SD. At the age of 4 months Kirby was diagnosed with a rare and terminal disease called Miller-Dieker Syndrome; despite the odds he surpassed all expectations and continuously proved his doctors wrong. Kirby found joy in the simplest of things, such as the sounds heard at the Midway Fairgrounds, the feeling of the wind on his face, the sound of cows moo-ing, or the sharp sound of a squeaking balloon. Kirby’s infectious laugh and bright smile warmed the hearts of anyone who met him.
Blessed to have been chosen to share Kirby’s life are his parents Joe and Sandy Sprenger; his sister Haley: his maternal grandfather Eugene (Jeanette) Bowar of Faulkton; as well as Kirby’s “2nd Mom” Leasa Ortmeier; his aunts and uncles: Anne (Mark) Beckstrand of Sioux Falls, SD, Karen (Terry) Dickman of Sioux Falls, SD, Marlene (Mark “Sparky”) Dreesen of Circle, MT, Barry (Shelly) Bowar of Wahpeton, ND, Holly (Todd) Jacobson of Harrisburg, SD, Mike (Carol) Sprenger of Presho, SD, Gary (Peg) Sprenger of Orient, SD, Kathy (Gary) Sarvis of Brandon, SD, Patty Sprenger and Dave Griffin of North St. Paul, MN, Mary (Jerry) Nelson of Philip, SD, Karen (Vern) Bult of Wahpeton, ND, Deb (Jim) Peterson of Sioux Falls, SD, Jim Sprenger and Sharon Rons of Sioux Falls, SD, Steve (DeAnn) Sprenger of Pierre, SD, and Carol Sprenger of Brookings, SD; cousins: Lauren (Zackary) Brinnley and Lincoln Thompson, Josh Dickman, Mandy (Cullen) Pickett, Kayla Dreesen, Brooke Dreesen, Tracer Bowar, Stuart Bowar, Alex Jacobson, Justin Jacobson, John Birgen-Sprenger, Jana Sprenger, Lacy Sprenger, Jamie Sprenger, Janell (Shanon) Shaylee, Tristen, and Keagen Juhnke, Joelle (Brad) Taborr, Paige and Kaden Ellenbecker, Justin (Krista) Audra and Austin Sarvis, Katie (Merritt) Carpenter, Loni Nelson, Travis Nelson, Jeremy (Candi) Tori and Harper Bult, Danny Bult, Sam Peterson, and Danielle Schroeder.
Kirby was preceded in death by his grandparents: George and Loyola Sprenger and Maurine “Billie” Bowar and his cousins Brian Bult, Laura Peterson and Frances Ellenbecker.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be forwarded by the family to the Faulkton Area Medical Center Foundation and Make A Wish Foundation.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Kirby’s arrangements.
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We were so sorry to learn of Kirby’s passing. What an incredible young man! We hope that you know how many lives that Kirby touched in his young life. He endured so much and just the simple balloon brought so much happiness to his life. We can all learn something from him. We hope that you will be able to take strength in knowing that he has gone on to a better place where he will be able to laugh, run and enjoy the life that so many of us have taken for granted. Kirby was so fortunate to have had a loving caring family that did anything for him. Please know that you are in our prayers as you go through this difficult time.
I’m saddened to hear of Kirby’s passing. Many prayers to Kirby’s family. He was such a fighter and touched the lives of so many people. May his sweet soul rest with the lord.
Sandy, Joe and Haley, My heart bleeds for you all, I’m so sorry for your loss, but Kirby is at complete peace now-no more suffering!! He’s an angel and enjoying all the rewards of Heaven. God’s name is Mercy and He’s truly showing mercy to Kirby. P.S. Kirby is not alone, George and Lolie are delighting in Kirby’s presence and in his wholeness. Alleluia. Love Aunt Fran
So sorry for your loss Kirby has touched so many lives and he had a few loving family We will keep you all in our prayers
We are so sorry for the loss of your son and a brother to Hayley.
Dear Joe and Sandy. Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be during this difficult time. Wish we were closer to be able to help out more.
Hugs and prayers to the Sprenger and Bowar families…May you cherish all the memories of Kirby and keep them close to your heart…he was a very special person and will be missed by many.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy my heart weeps for you and your family! I’m so so sorry. Please know you are all in our prayers!
Kirby couldn’t have had a more loving and caring family and I’m sure he felt blest! The love shown through clearly when you were in his presence! What a beautiful picture captured of his release from the wheelchair and running to meet Jesus with His open arms! CHERISH THE MEMORIES!!!
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry for your lose. So glad he was in your life as long as he was.