Richard “Dick” Charles Sperberg, 81, of Shawano, passed away peacefully at his home on April 4, 2026.
Dick was born December 10, 1944, in Shawano to the late Adolph and Beatrice (Fahrenkrug) Sperberg. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a heavy equipment engineer while stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge, Dick returned home and devoted many years of service to the City of Shawano, working with both the Police Department and the Public Works Department.
A true entrepreneur, Dick later started a recycling business with his beloved wife, Anita. During their years in Wisconsin, he found great joy in raising and caring for his team of huskies and malamutes. In retirement, Dick and Anita embraced a life of adventure, traveling across the country in their fifth wheel before eventually settling in Mimbres, New Mexico, where they grew to love the beauty of the Southwest. A talented carpenter, Dick rarely spent a day without working on a project, always striving for precision and excellence in everything he built.
Dick will be fondly remembered for his warm smile, quick sense of humor, strong work ethic, and his unwavering pursuit of perfection.
He is survived by his loving wife, Anita Sperberg; his son, Michael J. Sperberg; his stepdaughters, Stephanie (Ferlin) Short, Leslie (Bryan) Schafer, and Becky (Shannon) Moore; his grandchildren, Kaden Sperberg, Jessica (Dominic) Maltos, and Bronson Schafer; his great-granddaughter, Adelina Maltos; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Sperberg; and his close friend, Dick Kortbein, who was like a brother to him.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Katharina F. Sperberg; his parents, Adolph and Beatrice Sperberg; and his brother, Larry “L.J.” Sperberg.
Dick deeply cherished time spent with family and friends and was an avid supporter of the Green Bay Packers. He also had a special place in his heart for his beloved cats, Lilly (affectionately known as “Rambo”), Toby, and Sheila.
Service details are pending and will be announced at a later date.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.
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