ORANGEVILLE-Kristopher James LaFrentz, age 33, passed away unexpectedly while working in Rock Springs, Wyoming on April 7, 2013. He was born March 8, 1980 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Larry and Kellie Gottfredson LaFrentz. Kristopher was the youngest of two children and the only son. He graduated from Emery High in 1997 where he played football and baseball. Attended Southern Utah University from 1997 – 1999 where he studied engineering and was a member of the SUU Ballroom Dance Team.
Kristopher and Jamie Klepper had a son together, Benjamin James, born in June of 2009. They lived in Salt Lake City where Kristopher worked and Benjamin attended the Pingree School for Autism. Since the birth of his son, Benjamin was Kristopher’s life. Anytime you saw Kristopher you saw Benjamin, and vice versa. The hours he spent with his son, caring for him, playing with him, teaching him, now becomes Kristopher’s legacy in life.
Kristopher loved all life had to offer. His infectious smile and outward personality warmed everyone he came into contact with. He loved sports, and enjoyed competition. Balls, bats, gloves, clubs, poles, hooks, guns, cleats, mouth pieces, boards, boots, glasses, hats and cloths – everything he surrounded himself with, was somehow sports related. Kristopher’s Bronco coat (he got when he was five years old) is still hanging in the closet, waiting for Benjamin to wear.
Kristopher enjoyed all types of music and movies as witnessed by his huge collections of both. He wasn’t happy unless there was a CD and/or DVD playing 24/7. Kristopher also enjoyed time spent on the mountain or in the desert, camping, hunting or just sitting around the fire. He especially appreciated winter, and the freedom back country snowboarding provided. In short, he loved and appreciated life and all it had to offer.
Kristopher was a good person (by his own account) 98 percent of the time. He loved Jamie and worked hard to provide her and Benjamin a life. He worked hard and played harder. He was a true and devoted father, son, brother and friend. Nothing in life could deter his ambition to achieve and to be respected and loved by those he cared about. His absence will leave a lasting void in the hearts of all he touched and will always be part of his family’s memory. We all love you Kristopher!
Kristopher is survived by his son, Benjamin and Jamie Klepper; parents, Larry and Gail LaFrentz; sisters, Leslee (Sanford) Bateman and Casey (Carter) Shields; grandparents, Brent and Lola Gottfredson and LaPreal Anderson; nieces; Hannah Shields, Lola & Evie Bateman.
Kristopher joins his Mother, Kellie (Gottfredson) Taylor.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 13, 2013, 12 noon at the Museum of the San Rafael, (70 North 100 East) in Castle Dale, Utah. A viewing for family and friends was at 11 a.m. at the museum. Immediately following the services a light luncheon was served. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Pingree Center for Autism, attn: Dawn, 780 South Guardsman Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Kristopher online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net
Kristopher James LaFrentz
" Kristopher James LaFrentz"