Richard Fredrick Emil Sperling

Richard F. E. Sperling, age 86, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away, surrounded by family, March 1, 2013 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Richard Fredrick Emil Sperling was born in Easby, ND on December 18, 1926, to Bernard and Lena (Domres) Sperling. He married Charlotte Stoskopf of Warroad, MN on August 17, 1956 at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Nekoma, ND. Richard worked for various farmers throughout the area until 1968 when he moved the family to Grand forks and began his employment with the City of Grand Forks Maintenance Department, where he retired in 1989. Because he didn't like sitting idle, he began delivering newspapers for the Grand Forks Herald until the harsh winters finally became to exhausting at age 82 in 2008. He took great pride in never being late with a paper and truly enjoyed the relationships he developed with his customers. Although Richard was a meek and kind man, he loved a good laugh and could sometimes be seen wiping the tears while laughing hysterically. Richard is survived by his wife Charlotte Sperling, Grand Forks, ND; daughters: Mary Sperling, Houston, TX; Charlene Sperling, Grand Forks, ND; Bonnie (Barclay) Stebbins, Omaha, NB; son: Scott (Cristen) Sperling, Dallas, TX; brothers: James (Olive) Sperling, Bemidji, MN, Robert Sperling, Crystal, MN, and Delmar (Carol) Sperling, Puyallup, WA; and two sisters: Idella (Raymond) Kuchar; Edmore, ND; Doris Trontvet, Edmore, ND; grandchildren: Jackie Sperling, Robert Norris, Angela Norris, Annie Norris, Amy Stebbins, Christine Stebbins, Camryn Sperling, 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Richard is preceded in death by his brothers: Edwin Sperling, Bemidji, MN; Clarence Sperling, Roswell, NM; brother-in-law: Earl Trontvet and sister-in-laws: Ester Sperling and Jennifer Sperling. The family of Richard would like to thank the many doctors and nurses that helped care for Richard. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to be made in Richard's memory to the Altru Health Foundation Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in Amundson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the start of the service.