Francis (Frank) SperlingFrancis
(Frank) Sperling was born September 28, 1932 in Langdon, North Dakota to Frank and Lydia Sperling and was the youngest of four children. Life on the farm was challenging, but it taught Frank the value of hard work and dedication that set the stage for his future successes.
He came to the Antelope Valley in 1955 and immediately landed a job with McMahan’s Furniture Store as a delivery clerk, eventually working his way up to manager. Enthusiasm and ambition also brought a part-time career as a tax consultant with Skousen Tax Service. During his first year with Skousen, he was chosen among the top 20 consultants.
While at a picnic at Lake Hughes, Frank met Renee Navarret in 1958 and they were married in 1959. They started their family with the birth of Denise in 1960, Deaun in 1961 and Kevin in 1962! (They were happily married for 55 years, before losing his precious “French Lady” in 2014.)
In 1964 he and Renee acquired a partnership interest in Steve’s Discount House, Inc. in Palmdale and in 1967 they became the sole proprietors of the thriving business. In 1970 they built a new site located on Palmdale Blvd and 3rd Street East with a name change to Sperlings and operated at that location for another 47 years!
Frank has spent these last several years with his companion, Dorothy Ackelson, who he referred to as his “Sweet Lady”. They did some traveling together to see family and friends throughout the U.S. as well as a few river boat cruises. Frank and Dorothy always enjoyed a friendly game of scrabble as well as attending the frequent family gatherings and celebrations in town.
OUR FATHER’S LEGACY: While growing up we kids had an innate sense of security, knowing our Dad loved us and most importantly that he deeply loved our Mom. He was strong, faithful, hardworking, dependable, understanding and respectful of others which reflected his character of honoring and obeying God in his daily life. Summer family vacations to North Dakota instilled in us a deep appreciation for our relatives there and the connections we established over all of those years remain strong even today. Alongside our Mom, Dad taught us the importance of never giving up on anyone. Dad (& Mom) gave us a foundation in learning about Jesus Christ as our Savior as we completed our Confirmation at the Lutheran Church of the Master. In his last few years while homebound we witnessed a softening of Dads heart and a tenderness, asking more and more often how each person in our family was doing, taking the time to listen and respond that he was praying for us all. 3 John 4 'Nothing gives me greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the Truth.'
Frank is survived by his “Sweet Lady” Dorothy Ackelson, daughters Denise (Harvey) Holloway, Deaun (Tim) Zasadny and son Kevin (Roxanne) Sperling in addition to seven grandchildren, Amanda (Jordin) Hance, Bryan (Bianca) Holloway, Devin Sperling, Caroline Zasadny, Claire Zasadny, Annie Zasadny and Laurel Zasadny, five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at the Palmdale United Methodist Church on January 27, 2024 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church Property Fund in memory of Frank Sperling at: pumchurch.com