Vernon C. Sperling, 92, Minot, formerly of Dresden and Langdon, ND, died Sunday, August 30, 2015 in Benedictine Living Center in Garrison.

Vernon was born March 30, 1923, in Elgin Township of Cavalier County to Frank E. and Lydia (Bohn) Sperling. He was educated in rural schools in Waterloo Township and attended high school in Langdon.

At 17, he began his career in farming. Vernon raised Brown Swiss cattle and Yorkshire pigs. He preferred animals and poultry over grain farming but was accomplished in all areas of his operation.

Vernon was united in marriage to Doris Peterson on October 3, 1953, at United Lutheran Church in Langdon. They made their home on the farm near Dresden until moving to Langdon in 1974. Vernon farmed until 1968, when he took a job with the NDSU Research Station in Langdon. He retired in 1976 due to the affect of rheumatoid arthritis on his body.

He was a master gardener and had an interest in raising trees, which led to the successful grafting of an apple tree with five different varieties. He loved his yard work and was chosen yard of the month several times. Vernon loved sharing his knowledge with anyone who showed an interest. His hobby of raising pigeons stuck with him from childhood to adulthood even with their move to town.

Vernon was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church located near Dresden, where he served many terms on the church council. He also served on the council with his membership to United Lutheran Church following their move to Langdon. Vernon also enjoyed the men's Bible study group on Saturday mornings. He served three terms as Waterloo Township Supervisor while on the farm. Vernon was a member of the ND Pigeon Association attending regular summer meetings for many years. A highlight of his life was his attendance at the National Pigeon Association meeting in Oklahoma City in 2001.

They moved to Minot in 2006 to the Wellington Assisted Living to be near healthcare and family. Doris passed away on June 17, 2013.

Vernon's loving family includes his children, Cynthia (Melvyn) Klaus, Story, WY, Colleen (Keith) Broe, Bottineau, ND, Linda (John) Mosser, Minot, ND, Mark (Brandy) Sperling, Collinsville, OK and Steve (Lisa) Sperling, Minot, ND; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; siblings, Audrey Bourgeois, Carson City, NV, Ellen Nuelle, Langdon, ND and Frank Sperling, Palmdale, CA.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Doris, infant grandson, Jacob Broe, sister-in-law, Renee, brothers-in-law, Howard Nuelle and Tony Bourgeois.

Funeral Service: 2:00 Thursday, September 3, 2015 at United Lutheran Church, Langdon, ND
Family Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Lebanon Cemetery, Langdon, ND
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot and one hour prior to the start of the service at the church in Langdon.
Memorials are preferred to United Lutheran Church in Langdon.