David "Larry" Sperling
September 02, 1952 - October 19, 2018
Obituary
MADISON-David L. "Larry" Sperling, age 66, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 at SSM Health-St. Mary's Hospital.
He was born in White Plains, N.Y., the son of David and Phyllis (Hadfield) Sperling.
Larry graduated from UW-Madison. Larry worked for the Department of Natural Resources. He was a proud editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine for the DNR for 30+ years. Larry was also a leader in the community. He was a strong advocate for environmental conservation. Larry was a talented cook and entertainer, and loved to travel, especially with his family. Family was a primary focus of his life. He was a husband, father, son, brother, and friend, who loved and protected passionately and relentlessly and impacted everyone he met.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, David J. Sperling; daughter, Sarah Sperling; sisters, Maggie, Alice, and Louise; nephews, Daniel and Gideon. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the World Wildlife Fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
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Memories
AD
Ann Dettwiler
Other •
I extend my deepest sympathy to the family; I have fond memories of David's help at Falk and of the children I had the pleasure to teach. A part of him remains in each of you -- cherish those times and talk often about them to each other.
Most sincerely,
Ann Dettwiler
JW
Jim Wargula
Other •
Sharon - I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. Larry was a wonderful person who will be missed by all who knew him. Stay strong and know that all your friends and family love you.
Always, Jim Wargula
MV
Matt Veldran
Other •
We're deeply saddened to hear of Larry's sudden passing.. We enjoyed knowing him through his representation on the Greentree NA Board and his passion for and care of the neighborhood. We'll keep Larry's family in our prayers.
Matt and Lisa Veldran
LH
Lucy Harr
Other •
Larry and I were fellow graduate students, and I have fond memories of his zest for and commitment to environmental journalism. He was a gem. I am sorry for your loss, and hope that your memories will sustain you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Lucy Harr
Stoughton, WI
NK
Natasha Kassulke
Other •
My heart is heavy. Larry was a great mentor and friend. I hope all the great memories bring you peace during this difficult time. “There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.”
― Aldo Leopold. Larry was one who could not. For that I am eternally grateful.
Natasha Kassulke
SB
Sara Burr
Other •
Larry was a colleague and friend of mine at the DNR. He taught me a great deal by his demeanor, his writing and editing talent, and his kindness. He was a uniquely wonderful man. I grieve the loss of him, and wish his family every sympathy. Sara Burr