Madonna Katherine Sperling, age 88, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, Minnesota, with family by her side. She was born March 27, 1937, in Minto, North Dakota, to loving parents Edward and Isabel (Schultz) Korynta.
Madonna’s early education took place at Park River Public schools, where she graduated with the class of 1955. Following her high school years, she furthered her academic journey at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, attending for one year. This foundation set the stage for a diverse and fulfilling career that spanned various fields. She contributed her hard work and effort at the North Dakota Newspaper Association in Grand Forks, ND and the Nightingales Nursing Service. She also held various office positions, a testament to her adaptability and commitment to excellence. She retired in 1996, leaving behind a notable career characterized by compassion and integrity.
Throughout her life, Madonna held great appreciation for literature, showcasing her passion for reading and collecting books. Her creative spirit extended to interior decorating, where she showcased her distinctive taste and sense of style.
Madonna was also deeply involved in her community, with proud accomplishments that reflected her commitment to helping others. She was an active member of the American Cancer Society, serving as Vice President for one year. Her dedication to education and spiritual growth was evident in her time teaching Sunday School and being a part of the Altar Guild at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Crookston.
Madonna is survived by her sons, Mark (Bonnie) Sperling of Wadena, MN, Shane (Dee) Sperling of Crookston, MN, Jeff (ReNae) Sperling of Crookston, MN; grandchildren, Nicole, Justin, Chad, Natalie, Joshua, Matthew, Nadine, Heidi, Heather, Nerissa, Christopher; sixteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Adrienne Moe of Kirkland, WA, Duane (Judy) Korynta of Park River, ND, Julene (Keith) Anderson of Park River, ND, Keith Korynta of Grand Forks, ND; sister-in-law, Eileen Wild of Fargo, ND; brothers-in-law Arvid Leiseth of Sioux Falls, SD, Don (Gloria) Forness of Fargo, ND; and other beloved family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Sperling; parents, Edward and Isabel Korynta; son, Jason Sperling; sisters, Roseanna (Art) Johnson, Lucy Berdahl, Karen Nelson; brother, Michael Korynta; great-granddaughter, Shayla Helm; siblings-in-law, Louie Sperling, Peter Wild, Betty and Dick Ellefson, Ray and Marlys Hudson, Jeanette Forness, Clarice Davis, and Marie Leiseth.
A memorial service celebrating Madonna’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN, with a lunch to follow. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will follow lunch, at Memorial Park North Cemetery in Grand Forks, ND.
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