Theresa Rose Sperle

In Loving Memory of Theresa Rose Sperle (1918-2024)

Theresa Rose Sperle, a beloved centenarian of grace and resilience, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 12, 2024 at the age of 106. Born on February 4, 1918 in Linton, ND to Jacob and Katherine (Horner) Moch, Theresa was the ninth of eleven children who survived infancy. She described a happy childhood playing baseball with her classmates, often being the first one to be chosen on a team. Her chores included riding horses to herd cattle and sometimes using them to race with her siblings. She also learned to be an excellent seamstress and baker.

She met her husband, Michael Sperle, during a weekly bible study as he would escort her home. They were married at St. Philip Neri Church in Napoleon, ND on October 14, 1941, months before the onset of WWII. Always a capable and strong woman, Theresa managed the general store in Kintyre during Michael’s deployment to Europe and Africa. Upon Michael’s return, they bought the general store and built a home where they welcomed and raised eight children–four sons and four daughters. Their son Curt described his childhood as “heaven on earth”.

The sudden loss of Michael in 1972 and the earlier passing of their young son George were crosses in Theresa’s life. Yet, her resolve anchored her family through the years and made her the unwavering matriarch of the Sperle family. Theresa was uncomplaining, unfussy, generous and humble. Her kitchen was a place where neighbors could always have a cup of coffee and perhaps one of her perfect cinnamon rolls–the stuff of legends. She lived the Golden Rule and led by example. Theresa forged ahead and admirably made sure that all of her children graduated from college, a testament to her sacrifice and her dedication to their futures.

Later in life, Theresa relocated to California and lived with her devoted daughter Marilyn. She embraced her roles as grandmother and great-grandmother, frequently traveling around the country to support her children and taking delight in her 20 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. She absolutely loved babies. Her grandchildren became her treasured pen pals, receiving postcards and letters in perfect cursive to commemorate their birthdays and celebrations, along with a brief description of the weather, a stick of gum, an “I love you”, and a signature with an “xoxo”. Little ones took delight in how she dispensed candy from her pocket to anyone who seemed to be in need of a sweet. Today her family’s admiration is evidenced by the fact that many bestowed versions of her first and middle names on their children.

Theresa especially valued health and fitness. She stayed physically active, walking for exercise and encouraging others to join her. Well into her late 80s, she showed her community spirit by entering races and frequently placed in the top three for her age category. This vitality also can be seen in the way in which she embraced attending all family occasions around the country–being over 100 at weddings didn’t stop her from enjoying the last dance.

Theresa had an unfaltering inner strength and dedication to her faith. She continued to pray every night with the prayer cards and rosaries that were tucked under her pillow and by her bedside.

Theresa leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, faith, and perseverance. Her loss will be deeply felt by her extended family which includes her five children: Glenn (Joanne) Sperle of Bethesda, MD; Steve (Maree) Sperle of Dublin, OH; Carleen (Edwin) Matta of Marina, CA; Karen (Bill Farnham) Sperle of Hockessin, DE; Peggy (Ron) Enabnit of Carmichael, CA; her daughter-in-law Elvi Sperle of Lewisville, TX; as well as by her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and any and all members of the Sperle and Moch clans. 

Preceded in death by her devoted husband, Michael Adam Sperle (1972), daughter Marilyn Kay Sperle (2023), Marilyn’s infant daughter Shaheen Rose Massarat (1984), son Curt Patrick Sperle (2022), and son George Valentine Sperle (1953).