Ludwig (Louie, Lou) Fredrick Sperling

An inurnment service will be held for the late Ludwig Fredrick Sperling, who passed away peacefully on May 19, 2023, in southern California. The service will be held at the St. John’s Lutheran cemetery near Dresden, N.D., on Sunday June 9, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. and will be officiated by Pastor Jodi Myrvik of the United Lutheran church in Langdon.

Ludwig Fredrick Sperling was born May 6, 1929, to Fredrick William Sperling and Anna (Domres) Sperling in Dresden. After his father’s passing in April of 1942, Ludwig and his brother, Wilbur, helped their mother take care of their six younger sisters. The family moved to Dresden and then moved again, making a home in Langdon. The two young boys would help their Uncle Rudolph Domres on his farm during harvest, but both Ludwig and Wilbur would soon find full-time work to help the family as best as they could. The two were also responsible for helping modernize the family home with running water, electrical capability, and other home improvements, even adding some modern appliances along the way. Ludwig and Wilbur were grateful and proud that they were able to help provide for their family in that manner.

Ludwig joined the Army in 1948 with duty in Japan and Korea. He was discharged Sergeant 1st Class in 1955. While stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas, he met and married Leona Catherine Hynes from Manhattan, Kan. After his discharge from the Army, Mr. and Mrs. Sperling returned to the Langdon area with their small family. Through the years, their family grew to eight children: Fredrick Lee, Virginia Anne, Michael Steven, Barry Lee, Patrick Louis, Paulette Katherine, Pamela Kristine, and John Fitzgerald.

Right after his military service, Mr. Ludwig Sperling worked at Haugen Mobile Service Station as manager from 1955 to 1957. He opened a State Farm Mutual agency in early 1957 but found his calling with his growing family to farm just outside Langdon until late 1966. Mr. and Mrs. Sperling moved their family to southern California in 1966 where he found employment with Kaiser Steel but then took a few civil service exams to land his “dream” job with the United States Postal Service “whistling all the while.” This is not to say that there weren’t some tough times throughout, but this opportunity, he soon realized with hard work, could provide for his large family.

Louie eventually retired from the USPS after 28 years of service. Lou also enjoyed his time working at Cousin Frank Sperling’s furniture store in Palmdale, Calif. While doing so he was able to stay connected and involved with Frank, Renee, and their family.

Lou Sperling was a life long and proud member of the Masons where he made it up to the highest level of a Master Mason. He enjoyed many events of fundraising with his fellow fraternity Shriner brothers throughout his life. “Lou” also enjoyed his square dancing - so much so that he became qualified as a caller and an instructor for those willing to “twirl” in unison. He enjoyed that status he has stated for 31 years. He retained a fondness for horses and lived for a period in Pinon Hills, Calif., on his “ranch” as he liked to call it with a couple of horses and many dogs throughout his years there. He was also quick with a funny story or joke, pulling from his seemingly endless repertoire. His humor fortunately trickled down to some of his children, with each developing their own spin.

His fond memories of those early days on the farm in Langdon, N.D., he carried with him until his passing.

Ludwig Sperling is survived by seven of his children: Virginia, Michael, Barry, Patrick, Paulette, Pamela, and John; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; as well as his sister, Eileen Wild (Peter).

Mr. Sperling was preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick W. Sperling and Anna (Domres) Sperling; his siblings: Wilbur (Madonna), Betty Ellefson (Richard), Clarice Davis (Gene), Jeanette Forness (Donald), Marlys Hudson (Ray), and Marie Leiseth (Arvid); as well as his oldest son, Fredrick Lee Sperling.