Sperfslage, Helen A.

Helen A. Sperfslage, 84, of Manchester, died at 4:40 p.m. Sunday, July 15, 2012, from sepsis shock.

She was born Sept. 5, 1927, to Ralph and Thekla (Goedken) Burkle. At age 7, her mother died and Theresia (Goedken) Burkle became her stepmother. On Feb. 9, 1953, she was united in marriage with Robert Sperfslage. In 1954, they moved to Greeley, Iowa, where they still farm today. Five years ago, they also purchased a condo in Manchester. In addition to working very hard on the dairy-hog farm, Helen raised five children. She took great pride in running a self-sustaining home. Rarely was there an item that was not handmade or homegrown. When things were broken, she would figure out how to fix them. She took the time and had the patience to teach her children each of these invaluable skills. She also loved her flower gardens/plants, gardening, quilting, and getting everyone together for one of her home cooked meals. Before her health decline she was eagerly anticipating the birth of her new little great-grandbaby, Lucy.

Survivors include husband, Robert of Manchester; children, Alice Pollock of Milton, Bernice Langel of Cedar Rapids, Irvin (Nina) of Manchester and Cyril (Michele) of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Mark, Matt, Jenifer Langel and Eric and Jason Sperfslage; five great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Boutros El-Sabaaly of Lebanon; three siblings, Louis (Anna) Burkle, Marie Recker and John Burkle; sister-in-law, Florella Burkle; godchildren, Doris Peregoy and David Burkle.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Marie El-Sabaaly; sisters at birth, Anna and Agnes; brother, Arnold Burkle; brother-in-law, Lloyd Recker; and sister-in-law, Beta Burkle.

Visitation: Friday, July 20, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home, Manchester, with a Scripture service starting at 4 p.m., and Saturday, July 21, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church before the service. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Manchester, with Rev. Raymond Burkle and the Rev. Dennis Cain officiating. Interment: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Manchester, following church service. A lunch reception will follow burial at St. Mary's Catholic Church Hall.

Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.leonard-

mullerfh.com.

Published July 19, 2012 in The Gazette