Robert N. Sperl age 78 of Redwood Falls, formerly of Essig, passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family.

Visitation is 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 4 at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

Private family services will be held.  Burial with military honors will be in St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Robert Sperl was born January 28, 1934 on the family farm in Brown County near Essig to John and Bertha (Hauser) Sperl.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye.  Bob attended country school near Essig.  He was drafted into the Army in 1957 and served in the 1st Armored Division, C Battery, 73rd Artillery Battalion.  He received his honorable discharged in February 1959.  On January 10, 1959 Bob was united in marriage to JoAnn Guetter at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso.  Together the couple farmed near New Ulm and Springfield.  They moved to Redwood Falls in 1981 where Bob continued farming. He also worked construction for several years.  Bob belonged to the American Legion.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and playing jokes on his family.  Bob loved farming, especially driving the big green combine.  He was very proud of his tomato plants and often cooked corn for local sweet corn feeds.  He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his wife JoAnn of 53 years; children: Doug (Patti) Sperl of Savage, Nancy Sperl of Plymouth, John (Denise) Sperl of North Redwood, Koleen Sperl of Granite Falls, Joyce (Danny) Smith of Redwood Falls, and Sandra Sperl of Highland Ranch, CO.  He is also survived by his grandchildren: James Sperl, Jordan Sperl, Joe Senger, Daniel Senger, John Sperl Jr., Thomas Sperl, Nicholas Sperl, Avery Sperl, Amanda Mahoney, Johnathon Steenson, Mariah McLaughlin, and Wyatt Smith; great grandchildren: Emma Sperl, Thomas Sperl Jr., Ava Sperl, Lidia Sperl, and Jack McLaughlin; siblings: Martha Helget of Franklin, Loretta (Charles) Holm of New Ulm, and Alice (Willard) Manderfeld of New Ulm; sisters-in-law Bernice Sperl and Sharon Sperl, both of New Ulm; and many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Noreen Sperl, sister Ida Janni, and brothers: Edward, Felix, Walter, and Richard Sperl.