Gerald John Sperling
Gerald John Sperling went to meet his Savior, Jesus, on October 3, 2024, at the Gerald Zetter Care Home. He passed away peacefully at the age of 87 after several years of living with dementia. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Ruth, and his children: Burke (Holly), Cathy (Loyal), Charles, and Helen, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on March 16, 1937, Gerald grew up working alongside his father in the family’s machine shop. However, his heart yearned for the West and a life spent ranching. Any chance he had, Gerald would be out riding with his close friends. When time allowed, he would head to Alberta to go on horse pack trips, and even pursue wild horses in the Rocky Mountains.
During one of his adventures wrangling horses at a camp near Nordegg, Gerald met Ruth Pearson, a camp nurse who soon captured his heart. Their love story quickly blossomed, and the two were married, moving to Nebraska to serve as house parents at a boys’ home. During their four years in the United States, they welcomed their children Burke and Cathy into the world.
In 1969, Gerald took the opportunity to manage a ranch near Onaway, Alberta. A year later, he and Ruth purchased their own ranch along the Pembina River in the Magnolia area. For 30 years, Gerald devoted himself to ranching, raising his family, and building lasting friendships in the community. He played goaltender for a number of teams up until the age of 58.
In the final decade of ranch life, Gerald and Ruth spent their winters in Texas, where they engaged in volunteer work. These trips reflected their lifelong commitment to serving others and sharing their faith.
In 2015, Gerald retired and moved to Stony Plain, Alberta. Throughout his life, he faithfully served the Lord, loved his family deeply, and was an example of living a life of faith and integrity. He ran the race and finished well, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion.
Gerald is now at peace, united with his Savior. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
What a Beautiful tribute to a loving Godly man, and a life well lived!
Many prayers for all the family as you readjust to life without Gerald.
What joy to know our temporary loss, is just that….temporary, for we
Will meet again, In Christ when HE also calls us home.
Gerald knows now….what we will oneday know, the Joy of being
With Christ, his Lord…..Our Lord.
Ruth & Family,
I was unable to attend Gerald service, my Sincere Condolences.
Gerald was a wonderful family man, I enjoyed knowing both of you.
Thoughts and prayers with you.
Sharon Tufty
Dear Ruth, Burke, Cathy, Charles, Helen and extended family.
It is with sincere sadness that we send our condolences, love, hugs and prayers to you all as you mourn the loss of a very special person in your lives. We regret not being in attendance at the service on Monday.
Ruth, thanks for sharing Gerald with us, as we learned much about ranch life together.
Karmen, Tyler, Ralph and I have great memories of times spent with you both doing various activities connected to ranch life. There were long rides, dusty trails, stories that brought laughter, coffee, and love.
We know these treasured memories will bring smiles and tears to us all, perhaps softening the loss and loneliness that results from the separation. As we remember, we can rejoice. We know he is home, “riding the range”. Praise the Lord. Love and hugs.
Ralph and Lorena Siemens
Karmen and Amy Siemens
Tyler McCaig
I send my sincere condolences during this time of sorrow. The Bible gives a comforting hope that your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:4.
Ruth, Burke,Cathy,Charles & Helen and Families
We are thinking of you in our thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful Christian Man! He was an example to us all as to how we need to live our lives. Many memories and wonderful times spent on the Sperling Ranch. The Family Bible was not far away and The Sperling Family was a fine example to our family who always enjoyed our time together. All Our Love and Lots of Hugs. Keep stopping pucks in Heaven Gerry and I know you are making some beautiful music on your Saxophone with all your buddies! Rest Well and God Bless! Dennis & Lori and Family
Our sympathies to you, Ruth, and family. Thinking of you! Would love to come tomorrow and celebrate Gerald and his life. But it just doesn’t work for us.
Is the service being live streamed? Would love to watch. Hugs!!
Our deepest sympathies to Ruth & family, and Gerald’s siblings—our cousins—on the passing of a beautiful man. Thinking of you today as you celebrate him and his life. Love to all of you!