Jasper "Glenn" Sperry

J. Glenn Sperry, 83, of South Haven, Michigan passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born November 1, 1935 to Shelby and Mae Cummings Sperry in Grainton, Nebraska. Glenn married Sylvia Agnew on December 27, 1958 in Bay City, Michigan.  Together they enjoyed 60 years of marriage.  Glenn was an attorney and counselor having graduated from the University of Michigan Law School.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church, South Haven. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters - Dorothy Naranjo and Carolyn Muirhead, and Brother – Leonard Sperry.

He is survived by his wife - Sylvia Sperry, children – Scott (Karen) Sperry of Kalamazoo, Betsy (Jim) Shehigian of Boulder, Colorado, and David Sperry of Bolton, Massachusetts. Grand children – Heather (Adam Miller) Sperry, Bradley Sperry, Nicholas Shehigian, and Sarah Shehigian.

Glenn grew up on a wheat farm in SW Nebraska and knew hard work.  The first money he earned was carrying water to field hands at harvest.  His interest in farming continued with ownership of the family farm.

He was known for his civic engagement.  He was elected mayor of South Haven at age 29 and served from 1965-1969.  He secured funding for the first municipal marina, housing improvement on the south side, street improvements, and the list goes on.  Over the years he served on the Citizens Trust and Savings Bank board of directors, South Haven Community Hospital Board, the School Board, Downtown Development Authority, Al Van Humane Society, and Planning Commission.

He was known for his dry sense of humor, his honesty and integrity, and his love of the outdoors.  He loved his family who enjoyed many camping trips, especially to Wyoming and Colorado.  He was an avid fly fisherman, backpacker, and hiker.  He had a fine baritone voice and loved opera. And he also loved his Shelties.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 23 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home.  Memorial services will be Sunday, November 24 at 4:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Ron Van Lente and Pastor Steve Small officiating.  Glenn will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice at Home at 05055 Blue Star Memorial Highway, South Haven, MI 49090; First United Methodist Church at 429 Michigan Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090; or Al Van Humane Society at P.O. Box 421, South Haven, MI 49090.