Elaine Sperle died Thursday from a rare form of cancer. Elaine was born in Richardton, North Dakota to Jacob and Kunie Huthmacher on April 20, 1928. Elaine married Gene Sperle on June 9, 1947. They moved to Oregon in 1948 where Gene worked for Southern Pacific Railroad. They settled in Mt. Angel, Oregon in 1955 and raised their family: RaVonne (Tom) Christian, Marvin (Denise), Renae, David (Cindy), Roger (Kathy) and Steven (Shelley). They have 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Elaine is survived by her husband, Gene; their children and her sister, Bernetta. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters Hilda, Otillia and brother George. Elaine and Gene resided at the same residence for 51 of their 61 years married life. They were faithful members of St. Mary's parish. Elaine had a deep love for her family and was noted for her family gatherings and fantastic holiday meals. Elaine and Gene traveled throughout the United States in their travel trailer visiting numerous national parks and all but 9 states. Elaine and Gene were avid dancers, enjoyed ballroom and square dancing, and could never resist a good polka. Crowds would gather to watch their effortless moves across the floor. They enjoyed socializing and playing cards with their friends for many, many years.
Elaine enjoyed the coast and watching the breaking surf. Elaine was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed flowers of all varieties. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always had a kind word to say about everyone and kept a positive outlook to the very end. Elaine was a generous, gracious and lovely woman. She was dearly loved by many and will be missed by all and will be remembered forever in our hearts.
"What's that around your head, is it a halo?
And what's that on your shoulders, is it wings?
You must be a walkin' piece of heaven, or is it love that makes me see these things?"
-Marty Robbins
Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel. A funeral mass is Wednesday, September 3 at 10 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mt. Angel. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Angel. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice Care of the Northwest.