On August 27th we lost our greatest love, best friend, and hero. Dan’s life may have been short, but he lived a life with more adventures and memories than most could ever dream of.
Dan was born July 4th, 1965 in Butte to John and Helen Sprunger. He grew up convinced that all 4th of July celebrations were in honor of him, and no one was going to convince him otherwise. From a young age it was apparent that he was always ready for an adventure, regardless of who he was with. His mother often described Dan and his brother Jim as “trouble” but she never wanted it any other way. No matter what he was doing, there was never enough time in the day for all the fun he wanted to have.
Dan fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Cindy Telling, within the first week of his senior year when their lockers were across the hall from one another. Their first date was “cruising the drag” on September 10th, 1982. They married exactly six years later on September 10th, 1988 at St. Patrick’s Church in Butte. Dan and Cindy’s favorite dates were exploring the dirt roads around Butte. Vacations were spent with the jet skis hooked up, the camping box loaded and tent packed, heading out to seek the many lakes between Butte and Washington.
Even with all of the friends that Dan had made in his life, he gained his favorite adventure partner and best friend with the birth of his son Riley, in February of 1996. The two of them were never far from one another. With anything and everything they did, they were always happiest together. Getting Riley’s snowmobiles ready for race season was one of Dan’s favorite things to do. He took such pride in traveling to the races and watching Riley do something that he loves. In September of 1998, Dan’s love for life grew when his daughter Jacee entered the world. Soon the Sprunger home learned the true meaning of Daddy’s little girl. Dan’s eyes would beam with pride when teaching Jacee to ski. When getting off an Irish dance stage, Dan was always the first one she ran to. His kids truly completed Dan’s endless adventures.
His work ethic was second to none. No matter the job, he always gave it his all and was proud of what he was doing. He started his work career at Safeway before leaving in 1986 to work at Montana Resources where he met many lifelong friends that he would still keep in touch with. He was often regarded as one of the best mechanics that many came across. In 2001, he left the mine to work at REC Silicon where he continued to gain friendships that he will forever cherish. In 2021, Dan retired at the ripe age of 55. Until his last breath, retiring early was one of his proudest moments.
Dan and his brother were able to experience some of their favorite stories together. It did not matter if they were hunting, playing a round of golf, or getting a beer at the brewery, they were always laughing. The stories that they would tell for hours on end will live on for the rest of time.
His favorite things to do were snowmobiling on big powder days, motorbike riding after a rainstorm, or sitting on the beach at the lake. His hobbies took him to some of his favorite places with his favorite views. It did not matter how he spent his time, he always loved to end the day watching the sunset with Cindy. We will forever miss his ability to tell a story, the sound of his laugh and the smile on his face when he was near anyone he loved.
If he was not outdoors, he spent his time watching World War II movies, tinkering in the shop listening to his favorite music, or working on projects for the house. His favorite thing to take care of around the house was plowing the snow in the winter or keeping a pristine lawn all summer. Maintaining his high standards with the house will be no small task for his family to take on.
Dan will be greatly missed by the love of his life Cindy, Children Riley (Abby) and Jacee (Kodie). Parents John and Helen Sprunger. Brother Jim. In-laws Phil and Marlene Telling. Brother-in-law Mike (Becky) Telling. Along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews and great friends.
He is preceded in death by grandparents Merle and Grace Sprunger and Tom and Violete Penaluna. Sister-in-law Becky Sprunger. Grandbaby Sprunger. Great friend Greg Gardner. Numerous uncles, aunt and cousin.
Dan was a proud monthly donor to Tunnel to Towers. We ask that donations be made in his honor.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Dan and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Dan.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Saturday September 6, 2025
Butte Country Club
3400 Elizabeth Warren Ave.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Saturday September 6, 2025
Butte Country Club
3400 Elizabeth Warren Ave.
Butte, MT 59701
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Ken Schelin says
So very sorry to hear this news. Dan was a great person , friend, and co-worker. I enjoyed working with him as he was very talented. He was a great people person and will be missed. It was a better world with Danny Sprunger in it!! My condolences to his family🙏🙏💔
Mike & Christi Davis says
My family and I were so saddened to see this. We have very fond memories of Dan and the Sprunger family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.❤️
Scott Gilbert says
I went to school with Dan I remember him as a great guy I send my condolences to the family I haven’t seen him since grade school but it sure was a shock
Will Axtell says
I remember dan as well. Dident get to know him as a man, but if he was areally nice guy in our school years. We’ve lost to many.. rest in peace brother. Prayers out to the family
Diana Polowick (Chelini) says
Very sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. I knew him from school. My condolences to his family and friends.
Dennis Gransbery says
So sorry to hear. Condolences to the family. Dan was one of the good guys.
Laura Woods Pawlik says
Cindy, I remember the night you and your highschool sweetheart, Dan, took an interest in one another. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Michelle Kambich and Tim Bosch says
Our hearts go out to Dan and all the family. Bless you all.
Marc Paffhausen says
Another classmate gone too soon! Condolences from all the Paffhausen Clan💜🙏🏻💪🏻
Donna Davis says
Cindy,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband. Prayers to all of you.
Donna Davis
Pat O’Connor says
To the Sprunger family, so sorry for your loss. Dan was such a great guy. I always enjoyed running into him. Really enjoyed a 1985 Smith River trip w Dan. Good bless Dan and your family.
Becky Mattila says
Cindy, I’m so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏🙏
Dan Fournier says
Very sorry to hear of Dans passing he was a great guy.
I had alot of great times golfing with you and Jim. You will be missed RIP brother.
Tamara Martin says
Prayers of blessing and comfort to Dan’s family. I worked with Dan and a more positive man you could not meet. We all enjoyed his work ethic and company.
Rhonda Quandt says
Prayers to the family during this difficult time of loss. Dan will be missed! My deepest condolences.
Terri Bagley says
Cindy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids at this difficult time. My deepest condolences.
Paul and Debra Murray says
Cindy and the entire Sprunger family,
I was so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are extended to the entire Sprunger family. Dan was a great friend growing up, I often laugh when I remember some of the advantures we shared. We extend our condolences during this difficult time.
Janet (Markovich) Hoversland says
To all of the Sprunger family, my sincere condolences to all of you. I have so many fond memories of Dan, aka Dinky and the fun times we had playing during our very early years. Jimmy was always tagging along and wanted to play with the big kids. Those days spent riding bikes, making jumps in the dirt lot next our house, walking to Greeley School no matter what the weather was doing, were some of the best childhood memories. Although it’s been many years, it seems like yesterday. I was so sad to hear of his passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fritz Daily says
Jim, Cindy, John and Helen, Phil and Marlene and the girls, so sorry to hear of the loss of Dan. God Bless all of you. May he rest in peace. Fritz Daily
Connie Dotson says
Cindy and Family , so sorry for the loss od Dan. May he rest in peace and may you all find solace that he is safe in the Lord’s embrace. God Bless you alll.
Chris Crossman says
Sprunger Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. He was a great friend from a time gone by. We used to golf almost everyday at the Muny during the summers. We played baseball at Mile High together too. Rest in Peace Dan. I am praying for you and all your loved ones.
Mike Merrick says
I knew Dan basically my whole life. We grew up together and had great group of neighborhood kids who did everything together. Some good some not so good. His mom Helen taught me to golf and is the reason I still enjoy it to this day. My deepest sympathy to Cindy and all of the Sprunger family. Dan was a great man who will be missed by many.
RIP Dinky
Kim (Dirkson) Hayes says
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. I went to high school with Dan and he was a really nice guy. He left this world way too soon.
Tom Kloker says
I started at the mine in 1993. Danny was one of the first guys I worked with. He was a great mentor to me, showing me around the concentrator and teaching me all his tricks and some short cuts along the way. I don’t know if I’ve ever met a more positive, happy person in my life. He will be missed! Enjoy the endless powder with Greg!
RIP Danny!
Kloke
SHONNA WALUND says
Cindy, Phil, Marlene and family,
I was so very sad to hear about Dan’s sickness and now his passing. What a good guy he was and what a beautiful life. Hold him close in your hearts. Much love,
Shonna Walund
Mark Danninger says
I was really glad when Dan came to ASiMI in 2001 to work in Maintenance. He was super talented and a very decent person. Many of us in the maintenance department enjoyed snowmobiling with Dan, he was a heckuva pilot and enjoyable to be around.
My condolences to the Sprunger family.
KELLY & CATHY MALONEY says
I had the pleasure to work with Dan both at Montana Resources and at REC Silicon as well as well as becoming good friends with him. I will never forget the recreational opportunities we had together ie: snowmobiling, lake time, and hunting as well. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Dan’s family. He will be deeply missed.
Mary Pat Graham says
Cindy and family, my sympathy to all of you during this difficult time. Hold your memories close to your heart ❤️ May Dan rest in peace.
Scott & Cindy Paffhausen says
Cindy and all family members…We are very sorry for your loss!
Please accept our most sincere condolences…Dan was a great person who will be missed by many! Much love to each of you and we hope that with the passing of time, it will somehow help heal your broken hearts. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Dan!
Toby and Stacy Schelin says
Dan was a great person, co-worker, supervisor and friend!! So sorry!!
Toby and Stacy Schelin