1935
Irving
2013
Irving Sperr
October 25, 1935 — February 22, 2013
The funeral for Irving W. Sperr, of Herman, Minnesota will be on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman, with Reverend Lloyd Heroff officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday at Bethel Lutheran Church from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Lakeside Cemetery, Herman.
Irving "Irvy" W. Sperr, son of Edward and Euphemia (Oachs) Sperr was born on October 25, 1935 in Donnelly Township in Stevens County Minnesota; the third of six children. He was baptized into the Christian faith by the United Methodist Church of Herman. Irvy attended grade school at District #63 country school in Donnelly Township and high school at the West Central School of Agriculture. After his schooling, he began farming with his father and brothers. In the fall of 1954, Irvy began dating Doris Ogg of Herman, Minnesota and a romance blossomed over time. That same fall, Irvy was deer hunting with friends near Staples, Minnesota and was accidentally shot. He lost about an inch of his leg bone and spent six months in a body cast recovering from injuries suffered. Later in life, he had both knees replaced; these operations repaired some residual damage from the hunting accident. Not to be kept down for long; Irvy recovered quickly from his surgeries and resumed milking.
He was united in marriage to Doris Ogg on June 14, 1958 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman. The couple purchased a farm three miles south of Herman, where the couple lived and farmed until the time of Irvy's death. Irvy and Doris' marriage was one of love and devotion; Irvy doted on Doris and their relationship was strengthened by any adversities they faced.
Agriculture was Irvy's passion. Over the years he raised chickens, pigs, an occasional goat and horse and even a deer. He was a lifelong dairy herdsman and successful grain farmer. Irvy sold his herd of Holsteins in 2000 and continued to farm.
Irvy and Doris were blessed with four children, and each was involved in every aspect of the farming lifestyle. He modeled the importance of hard work, generosity and perseverance. While hard work was a part of each day for the Sperr family; Irvy also knew how to make it bearable. He brought a smile to many tough situations and his "Let's Do It" attitude was a motivator. Many good conversations happened while milking or taking a break from big tasks. Irvy worked hard, but also played hard. Ask any of his children or grandchildren and they will tell you he was an instigator of many shenanigans. Most likely, he was the source of "naughty". In addition to his immediate family, Irvy's extended family was priority for him; knowing his roots and family connections was a source of pride and enjoyment. If you didn't know who you were related to, he could help. He had a big family and he knew them all.
His ready wit and friendly personality made Irvy many friends over the years and he maintained those friendships to the end of his life. He was loved by all who knew him.
Irvy died on Friday, February 22, 2013 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, having reached the age of 77 years.
He is survived by his wife Doris, Herman; four children, Doyle (Jodi), Sherry (Ron) Volker, Claude (Sally) and Elaine Sperr, all of Herman; eight grandchildren, Dustin Sperr, Lacrosse, WI, and Ronda (Kevin) Blume, Michael (Jessica) Volker, Tony Volker, Andrea Sperr, Kyle Volker, Amber Sperr and Ashley Sperr, all of Herman; two brothers, Neil Sperr, Donnelly, MN and Gail (Jeanne) Sperr, of Herman, one sister, Marie Cosh, Herman; one sister-in-law, Betty Kolle, Fergus Falls, MN; one brother-in-law, James Woodcock, Amery, WI and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Irvy was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Erla Woodcock, one brother, Dale Sperr; his in-laws, Ray and Noma Ogg and two brothers-in-law, Ray Kolle and Robert Cosh.
God Bless the memory of Irving Sperr.
Irving "Irvy" W. Sperr, son of Edward and Euphemia (Oachs) Sperr was born on October 25, 1935 in Donnelly Township in Stevens County Minnesota; the third of six children. He was baptized into the Christian faith by the United Methodist Church of Herman. Irvy attended grade school at District #63 country school in Donnelly Township and high school at the West Central School of Agriculture. After his schooling, he began farming with his father and brothers. In the fall of 1954, Irvy began dating Doris Ogg of Herman, Minnesota and a romance blossomed over time. That same fall, Irvy was deer hunting with friends near Staples, Minnesota and was accidentally shot. He lost about an inch of his leg bone and spent six months in a body cast recovering from injuries suffered. Later in life, he had both knees replaced; these operations repaired some residual damage from the hunting accident. Not to be kept down for long; Irvy recovered quickly from his surgeries and resumed milking.
He was united in marriage to Doris Ogg on June 14, 1958 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman. The couple purchased a farm three miles south of Herman, where the couple lived and farmed until the time of Irvy's death. Irvy and Doris' marriage was one of love and devotion; Irvy doted on Doris and their relationship was strengthened by any adversities they faced.
Agriculture was Irvy's passion. Over the years he raised chickens, pigs, an occasional goat and horse and even a deer. He was a lifelong dairy herdsman and successful grain farmer. Irvy sold his herd of Holsteins in 2000 and continued to farm.
Irvy and Doris were blessed with four children, and each was involved in every aspect of the farming lifestyle. He modeled the importance of hard work, generosity and perseverance. While hard work was a part of each day for the Sperr family; Irvy also knew how to make it bearable. He brought a smile to many tough situations and his "Let's Do It" attitude was a motivator. Many good conversations happened while milking or taking a break from big tasks. Irvy worked hard, but also played hard. Ask any of his children or grandchildren and they will tell you he was an instigator of many shenanigans. Most likely, he was the source of "naughty". In addition to his immediate family, Irvy's extended family was priority for him; knowing his roots and family connections was a source of pride and enjoyment. If you didn't know who you were related to, he could help. He had a big family and he knew them all.
His ready wit and friendly personality made Irvy many friends over the years and he maintained those friendships to the end of his life. He was loved by all who knew him.
Irvy died on Friday, February 22, 2013 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, having reached the age of 77 years.
He is survived by his wife Doris, Herman; four children, Doyle (Jodi), Sherry (Ron) Volker, Claude (Sally) and Elaine Sperr, all of Herman; eight grandchildren, Dustin Sperr, Lacrosse, WI, and Ronda (Kevin) Blume, Michael (Jessica) Volker, Tony Volker, Andrea Sperr, Kyle Volker, Amber Sperr and Ashley Sperr, all of Herman; two brothers, Neil Sperr, Donnelly, MN and Gail (Jeanne) Sperr, of Herman, one sister, Marie Cosh, Herman; one sister-in-law, Betty Kolle, Fergus Falls, MN; one brother-in-law, James Woodcock, Amery, WI and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Irvy was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Erla Woodcock, one brother, Dale Sperr; his in-laws, Ray and Noma Ogg and two brothers-in-law, Ray Kolle and Robert Cosh.
God Bless the memory of Irving Sperr.
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