Walter Sperr

Walter Lyle Sperr was the 5th of 12 children born to John and Lena (Wille) Sperr. He was born August 14, 1926 on the family farm home near Moose Island, MN. (Moose Island was located between Donnelly and Herman.) Walter was baptized into the Lutheran Faith at 3 years of age, and confirmed in 1954 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Chokio, MN.



Walter began his education at School District #63 and continued at #69 when the family moved. After completing the 8th grade he helped with the family farm. At age 18 he began working for area farmers. He rented a half-section of land, bought some machinery, and a corn picker with which he did some custom corn picking.



On October 29, 1955 Walter married Carol Polzen in Winfred, SD. Following their marriage, they farmed and raised their family in the Morris area. Walter was later employed as sanitary engineer at the Stevens County Courthouse and First Lutheran Church. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. Once Walt and Carol retired, they spent seven warm winters in Yuma, AZ where they met several new friends. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October, 2005.



Walter enjoyed helping friends and neighbors, bird watching, golfing, reminiscing of farming days, spending time with grandchildren, family and friends. He lived a wonderful life of 80 years.



On January 9, 2007, Walter passed peacefully at the Courage Cottage in Morris after a short battle with cancer.



He is survived by his wife: Carol Sperr of Morris; five children: Rodney (Trish) Sperr of Aurora, CO, Renelda (Alan) Mitchell of Port Neches, TX, Rita (David) Johnson of Brainerd, Roxane (Doug) Junkin of Fargo, ND and Royden (Dawn) Sperr of Rogers; 10 grandchildren: Jason (Celeste) Sperr, Andrea Sperr, Travis Sperr, Angelica Mitchell, Ellen Johnson, Heather Johnson, Alannah Sperr, Katie Sperr, Spencer Junkin and Patrick Junkin; 1 great-grandchild: Brandon Laberau; 10 brothers & sisters: Marjorie Armstrong of Morris, Fred (Christine) Sperr of Chokio, John (Pat) Sperr of Hastings, Mae Anderson of Donnelly, Edward (Angie) Sperr of Cache, OK, Elizabeth Ascheman of Morris, Arland (Viola) Sperr of Cokato, Leland (Karen) Sperr of Wheaton, Gayle (Gene) Kalstrom of Great Falls, MT and Gloria (Leo) Stein of Morris and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother: Albert Sperr.



Pallbearers for the service are: Rodney Sperr, Royden Sperr, Alan Mitchell, Doug Junkin, Dave Johnson, Jason Sperr and Travis Sperr. Honorary pallbearers is everyone that called Walter friend. Deb Mahoney will serve as organist for the service with Greg Sperr and Renelda Mitchell providing special music.