Funeral for a Friend

Obituary of a True American

We all feel the loss. It is a terrible time in terrible weather. It is frozen and close to zero outside. May God bless his wife and children. Words ring hollow at this moment of his service. This is who we lost. The grief is truly heart wrenching. May the Lord be with those lost and those who bring in the firewood, host the funeral dinner, plow the roads and feed the cattle. To those who mend the fences and those who pick up the pieces of the shattered.

Jeffrey Duane Springer

1970 - 2022

Obituary of Jeffrey Duane Springer

Welcome Home Cowboy!

Jeffrey Duane Springer passed away peacefully in his sleep December 10, 2022 at the young age of 52.  Even though he lived a short time he lived a full life and was blessed to accomplish so many of his dreams.

Jeff was born July 22, 1970.  He was the first born of Dave and Peggy Springer and came into this world with a purpose, to live the ranch life of his ancestors.  In 1975 a sister Tonya joined the family which started a lifetime friendship he treasured.  He attended Midvale High School where he was an accomplished Basketball and Football Athlete and an FFA member.  He went on to attend Treasure Valley Community College graduating with an Associate Degree in Agricultural Science.   Jeff returned to Midvale to apply his education and life skills to the Family Ranch and building his own successful cow/calf operation.   During these years he met and fell in love with his soul mate Lili Richel and they married July 10, 1993.  They were blessed with the birth of a son, Garrett in 1997 which began a new chapter in their life.   When not haying or moving cows, there was T-ball,  basketball,  football, and 4-H meetings to attend and/or lead.  The Fall meant helping out at the Washington County Fair.  Jeff could often be seen assisting kids in and out of the show ring and during the Livestock sale.   Fall was also a time to go camping with family and hunting.  During the school year they were active in Football, Basketball and High School Rodeo.   Jeff could be relied on to help wherever needed during the rodeo events while Lili was a Timer.

In 2008, Jeff and Lili were blessed with adding to their family, a son, Gavin and the cycle of activities started over for them.  As Garrett was finishing his high school days, Gavin was keeping Jeff and Lili young as they started up again with T-ball and 4-H. 

Jeff started his coaching career assisting with Boys Basketball and later coaching Girls Basketball.  With the help of some great assistant coaches he lead the Girls to 3 State Tournaments with a 3rd place finish in 2020 and a State Championship Title in 2021. 

During his life Jeff has been a member of the Cambridge Rodeo Board, Washington County Fair Board and Midvale Community Baptist Church.  He was a lifetime believer in helping his neighbors, family and friends.

Survivors include his wife Lili and sons Garrett (Katie) and Gavin;  his Mom & Dad Peggy and Dave Springer; his sister Tonya Moyle (Dave);  Sister-in-laws Lucy Loewen and Lora Fruh (David);  Mother-in-law, Pat Richel; 1 nephew Cash  and 4 nieces Annabelle, Rayna, Hannah, and Harper along with many cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his Grandparents, Bob & Aimee Wolfe, Ruth Franklin & Russell Springer and Father-in-law Gary Richel.

Cowboy’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pause, mindful of the many blessings You have bestowed upon me.  I ask that you will guide me in my life.  Help me, Lord, to live my life in such a manner that when I make that last ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush and the water runs cool, that You’ll take me by the hand and say “Welcome Home Cowboy”.  Amen

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday December 18, 2022 at 3:00 PM at the Midvale High School Gymnasium.  Family would like to invite friends to gather together for a Pot Luck Dinner (Meat will be provided) bring your favorite side dish, at the Exhibit Hall, 115 E. Blvd Cambridge, Idaho 83610

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in honor of Jeff to Washington County, Fair PO Box 405 Cambridge, Idaho 83610.  A memorial fund has also been set up in Jeff's name, (all donations made) will go towards the Midvale High School Athletics. Midvale High School PO Box 130 Midvale, ID 83645