Cecile Sperling of Stromsburg received the honor of 2007 Super Swede and was recognized Friday evening on stage in the town square. Cecile, also known as the “Stromsburg Senior Center Sweetheart,” is more than deserving of this award. Cecile Hamburger Sperling was born March 12, 1912 in Harvard NE.  She graduated from Harvard (she smiles when she says this) in 1930 and married Henry (Hank) Sperling on June 29, 1936.  They were married 54 years. Six children were born to them:  Janice, Don, Betty, Darlene, Jerry and James.  The family has increased by 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Cecile and Henry moved to Stromsburg in 1953.  Henry owned Sperling Salvage and Cecile was a homemaker. In her 95 years Cecile has seen many changes in the world and gone through the joys and grief that come to all of us, but it was always the way she handled these things that strengthened those around her.  We have tried to find words to describe her and found them in I Corinthians 13: 4-7 – “Love is patient and kind; love in not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude.  Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”  This is how Cecile has lived her life.  When told she was being honored as “Super Swede” she laughed and said it was because she was old.   But it is not because she is 95, it is how she lived these 95 years that makes her SUPER.  Your family and all of us love you.  In 1980 Cecil was hired to work at the Stromsburg Senior Center where she continues to work 3 ˝ days a week.  There she blossomed into a wonderful, responsible Office Manager.  Cecile does many daily reports on Busy Wheels and Activities in the center.  Incidentally, Cecile does not use an adding machine – she says she can do it faster!  She rarely makes a mistake!  She continues to keep Busy Wheels Volunteer Drivers on schedule – even if a pool game has to be interrupted!  Cecile demonstrates dedication and expertise on the job, while never forgetting to practice courtesy, humor and a positive attitude to others.  She is a wonderful example of today’s working woman.   Just guess where she was on her 95th birthday – yes, she was at work at the senior center. She may be “Super Swede” but she is also the “Senior Center Sweetheart”. This poem written by a family member says it all:    Our Mother is Special Our Mother is unique, One of a kind: Truly enjoys life, And was a wonderful wife. A Harvard grad . . . Of that she’s proud; Always on the go . . .         And she’s 95 you know. She has many traits that set her apart, Conscientious and honest, just for a start; And personable, with a big heart, She taught her kids to toe the mark Loving and humble come to mind, Sensitive of others and always kind; A sense of humor and spirited you see . . . Down to earth and patient, we all agree.  Oh, by the way . . . Where she went to class, It’s Harvard, Nebraska Not the one in Mass.    (Massachusetts)  Fun loving but gracious, Appreciative of what she’s got; Always stands by us, We love and respect her a whole lot!    Stromsburg’s 2007 Super Swede and Stromsburg Senior Center Sweetheart  –  Cecile Sperling!  We love you.

Brought to you by The City of Stromsburg and the Stromsburg Chamber of Commerce

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