Mark Sperling Obituary

Dear Sperling Family,

I met many of you only recently, but I know why Mark and Bruce Jr. were such great men, they had you supporting them in their life's work. Whether it was building homes or giving a life of devotion to Jesus, you were always there for them. Mark and I spend a lot of time talking about all of you, he had the deepest love and respect for each and every one you. Mark was my friend, we had laughs, joys and good times that I will keep with me forever. I take pride that he and Bruce voluntarily gave their own lives to save another. That is God's work at it's most perfect. Mark is a hero, Bruce Jr. is a hero. Their stories will be told by many for a very long time. You all are in my thoughts.

I went to Chicago Christian with Mark. He was a wonderful person! My thoughts and prayers will always be with you.

I am so sorry. My wife and I are still praying for the family after hearing of your great loss in May. I grew up in Yorkville and lived right on the river a few miles up stream. I know the river and dam well. It took courage to run into that water to try and save that other unfortunate man. These were truly courageous young men. We are praying that our heavenly father will minister to you now and in the years to come.

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. I knew Mark from Trinity and will always have fond memories of him. We had many businesss classes together and anyone who was at Trinity then knew what an amazing athlete he was. Please know that my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed very much.

My family and I met Mark through Palos Youth Baseball, when he played on the same team as my brother Brendan, with my father Jim as coach. Mark was a wonderful, quiet, sweet boy who worked hard and had only positive things to say. From what I can tell, it sounds like he continued that tradition for the rest of his too-short life. We are so sorry for your loss.

All of Chicago is proud of the unselfish heroic efforts of Mark and Bruce. May they rest in eternal peace with God!

Sperling Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It has been years since I have seen any of you all. I am a second cousin of your mom on the

De Vries side.

Nikki (Van Laten) Iedema

I returned home today from a trip and heard the news that Bruce has lost both of his sons. I greive for the entire family but especially for a dad that lost both of his sons. I pray that the God of all comfort will apply His peace to your hearts

Bruce Sr. & Family: I am so sorry for your tragic loss! I remember meeting the boys a few times years ago. They were wonderful back then and from what I read they were wonderful through out their entire life. My sympathy & prayers go out to all affected by this terrible loss.

I read of your loss in the local paper today, and am so saddened for your family. May the Lord comfort you and show His everlasting love to you during this time. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to each of you.

I am so sorry to hear about Mark and Bruce. I went to Trinity with Mark (aka: Sperling). We had so much fun hanging out together. He was our favorite guy friend because he was always up for anything and always kept us laughing! He will be missed by many.

To the Sperling family,

I had the pleasure of knowing Mark for almost my entire life. He TRULY was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all. It's hard to imagine Bruce and him are no longer here, but it's safe to know they are in a much better place and we will see them again. Becca & I will continue to pray for the entire family as you struggle through this rough time. On Saturday we learned the true definition of what heroes are....they are Bruce & Mark Sperling.



May we never forget them,

Brian & Becca Dryfhout

Both mark and Bruce are said to be great men. You are all in my prayers.

-Morgan C.

My deepest symapthy on Mark and Bruce's untimely deaths. There is no greater act of love then to give your life to save another in grave danger. Mark and Bruce will be in my daily prayers. I believe their selfless action has taken them to heaven with Christ. I hope we all will be reunited in heaven.

I have remembered Mark as an exceptionally kind-hearted, sweet, and really funny guy since I knew him years ago. He always had both a sarchastic quip and an encouraging word that made getting through classes all the more fun. He was a great person for me to be around. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you.

Dear Bruce & Sue:



My Deepest Sympathy and Prayers are with you and your family at

this devastating time. How saddened but PROUD you must be

of Mark and Bruce, Jr.

Bruce, Sue and family, I just wanted you to know Mark will be missed greatly. He is such a wonderful person with one of the best personalities I have ever came across in meeting a person. He will never be forgotten and always be greatly missed. Again, I am so very sorry for your loss.



Deepest Sympathy,

Alicia Zitt

Dear Sperling Family,

My husband and I would like to offer our deepest sympathy. Mark was building two homes across the street from our home in Yorkville. He was always very kind and friendly to our family. May God and your happy memories of these heroic men give you comfort.

What do you say about a friend and a nice kid, My son had the pleasure knowing and befriending mark for 8 years or more and as a member of the Chicago Christian Football team and also at Trinity in deerfield, He will be dearly missed and completely held in the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ, God Speed mark and Bruce see ya on the other side. The Nolan Family Of Alsip

My heart goes out to the Sperling family, I went to high school with mark. He was the nicest man, and I can't stop thinking about this terrible tradegy. I have been praying for the Sperling family, for strength and comfort during this trying time. Take care.

My deepest sympathy is with you at this time. I remember Mark from high school as being such a kind hearted person. I will pray for your family.

Sal and Cami,

I was so sorry to hear about your family's loss. Your brothers sound like two outstanding people that you should be very proud of.

My deepest sympathy to the entire Sperling family. I have known Mark and the family for many many years, they are clients at the hair salon I co-own with thier stylist. Mark will be missed deeply by many people. His tremendous smile and kindness was always there for anyone who needed it. Much like his entire family he was always ready to give a helpful hand with anything you needed. Cal and Camie I can only hope that you can some day understand that this tragedy was a tribute of sorts to the way your brothers lived thier lives,neither one of them would have thought twice about not helping a person in need and they would do it without ever thinking of themselves first. May you always feel the love of God with you.

My deepest sympathy is with you during such a sad time. Mark and I lost touch after high school, but the memories will remain smiles. My prayers are with your family.

Sue and Bruce, We are deeply saddened by the loss of your sons. They were true heros! We are sending to you our thoughts and prayers. May they help you find comfort and peace.

Sal & Camie,

Mark has joined Bruce to watch over you and continue saving lives as they were meant to. I know they were both outstanding men and your loss is greatly felt by all your friends and loved ones. You will always have them looking over you. Our hearts and prayers are with the Sperling family in your time of need.

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. I was fortunate to have known Mark and to have had him as a part of my life. He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold and will be missed dearly.

I am so terribly sorry for your loss, but I believe that the Sperling Brothers are now with God and he is holding them safely in the palm of his loving hand.

My prayers and throughts are with you all in this time of need, My deepest prayers are with the family and friends, God bless you all.

i am so touched by the story of your heroic son, his loss is felt by all. may god grant you strength in the days to come. heaven welcomes a hero today.

Grieve not that I die young.

it is not well to pass away ere life hath lost it's brightness.

Love,

Loretta

To the Sperling Family,

I offer my deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time. Mark was a great person and will be missed by all who crossed his path.

Just a stranger came across the boys obits.Soo sorry for your loss. my prayers are with the family.

To the Sperling Family, It has been a few years since I talked with Mark, but I always considered him a friend and a great man. With losing my sister-in-law suddenly in 2001, I know how cruel dead can seem. Our selfishness wants that family member here on earth with us. We have that confort though knowing they are sitting up in Heaven in all of God's glory smiling down on us. May you feel the warmth of God's arms wrapped around you, hugging you, in this difficult time. Becky Greenfield-Coleman

Bruce and Sue,

I don’t know if I will ever be able to put into words what a great friend Mark has been to me. He was kind and generous to me, and clearly to everyone he encountered. I had the good fortune to meet Bruce [jr.] on several occasions and fondly remember the time Mark and I took a group of his students from Batavia on a ski trip. I’m so glad that even though Mark and I lived a few hours apart, when ever we talked it was like we were still roommates. I will forever be grateful for the most recent time we were together, about a month ago for my birthday.

If there is anything I can do for you two, Cammie or Cal and their families, please let me know.

Joe [and Monica] Stromwall

Dear Bruce & Susan:

Our deepest sympathy to and your family on this tragic loss. Our thought are with you at this time.

My heart goes out to your entire family in this most difficult time. You ALL are in my prayers.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.