

Chris was born on July 26, 1979, at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester Hills, Michigan, to Keith and Linda (Stachel) Sprow. He grew up in New Baltimore, Michigan, alongside his sister, Kimberly (Sprow) Verellen. Chris was raised in the Lutheran faith and attended Lutheran schools throughout his elementary and high school years, beginning a lifelong connection to his faith. He became a child of God at his baptism on September 16, 1979, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, Michigan. He attended St. Peter Lutheran School followed by Lutheran High School North, graduating in 1997.
Chris earned his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University and later earned his graduate degree from Oakland University. He built a successful career in accounting, finance, and financial systems and most recently served as Director of Financial Systems at Crum & Forster, based in New Jersey. Chris was hardworking, dependable, and deeply committed to both his career and his family.
Chris met his wife, Lauren (Fraser), in 2002 and they married on July 19, 2008. Together, they became parents to Liam, 14, and Brenna, 11.
Above all, Chris was a dedicated and proud father. He showed his love for Liam and Brenna by being present in their everyday lives and supporting the things that were important to them. Chris coached Liam's soccer team for many years and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his children, attending countless soccer, basketball, and football games, track meets, dance recitals, and band concerts. Beyond the sporting events, Chris treasured the everyday moments such as helping with homework, keeping family life organized, and always making time for his children.
Chris's Lutheran faith remained an important and meaningful part of his life. He regularly attended St. John Rochester Lutheran Church with Liam and Brenna and valued the opportunity to share his faith with them. Most recently, he had been preparing alongside Liam for his confirmation, making his faith an important part of the legacy he leaves with his children.
A lifelong sports fan, Chris enthusiastically supported his hometown Detroit teams as well as the University of Michigan. But the teams that mattered most were always the ones his own children played for.
Chris also loved Michigan summers, especially time spent on the golf course and anywhere near the water. Whether visiting one of Michigan's many lakes and waterfront destinations or simply enjoying a summer day by the water, these were places and experiences he loved sharing with his family.
The holiday season held a special place in Chris's heart. He loved Christmas music and Christmas movies and created a family tradition of watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with Liam and Brenna every holiday season—a tradition and memory they can carry with them for years to come.
Chris is survived by his wife, Lauren; his beloved children, Liam and Brenna; his parents, Keith and Linda Sprow; his sister, Kimberly Verellen; his niece and nephew, Cassie and Cameron Verellen; extended family and dear friends; and the family’s beloved dog Peyton.
Lauren, Liam, and Brenna are deeply grateful for the many people who supported them throughout Chris’s illness. The prayers and countless acts of support provided comfort to them during an incredibly difficult time. They also extend their heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses, hospice caregivers, and the compassionate teams at Henry Ford Hospital, Karmanos Cancer Center, and Heart to Heart Hospice for the exceptional care they provided throughout Chris’s illness.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester, Michigan. The family will receive visitors at St. John Lutheran Church of Rochester on Thursday, July 23, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Lighthouse Pontiac, or St. John Lutheran Church of Rochester.
Chris's legacy lives most profoundly in Liam and Brenna. The children he loved, supported, coached, encouraged, and guided in faith will carry forward everything he taught them. He will be remembered in the familiar moments that meant so much: on the sidelines of a soccer field, in the stands at a game or concert, during Sunday mornings at church, on summer days near the water, and each Christmas when the music begins to play and a favorite holiday movie comes on. Those traditions, memories, and the love he had for his children will remain a lasting part of the family he leaves behind. His love, devotion, and unwavering support will continue to shape Liam and Brenna throughout their lives.
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