Obituary of Miles Sperling

MILES SPERLING July 8, 1923 - August 7, 2004 Miles Sperling, 81 of Lodi passed away on Saturday morning, August 7th, 2004 at Lodi Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 8, 1923 in Lodi and attended local schools, graduating from Lodi Union High School in 1942. He married Helen Sperling (Cox), the love of his life for 61 years, on January 31, 1943. He served as a Staff Sergeant with the 1306th Army Air Force in the European African Middle Eastern Theater in World War II from 1943 to 1946. He joined the Lodi Police Department in 1948 where he led an exemplary career for 30 years before retiring in 1978 as Captain. He became a Detective in 1956 and graduated first in his class at the FBI National Academy in 1957. In 1963 he was promoted to Lieutenant and in 1970 he was promoted to Captain. He managed commercial properties from 1980 to 1991 before completely retiring to enjoy his hobbies of fishing, boating, cooking and his love for animals. He was a past member and president of the Lodi Kiwanis Club and past president of Lodi Junior Commerce. He was also a member of the FBI National Academy Associates. He is survived by his wife, Helen Sperling of Lodi; sister Viviline Campbell of Lodi; daughter Carol Bratton and husband Bob Bratton of Lodi; daughter Cindy Gonzalez and husband Bob Gonzalez of San Bruno; grandson Scott Bratton and wife Jill Bratton of Lodi; grandson Brent Gentner of Lodi; granddaughter Nicole Gabriel and husband Crispino Gabriel, Jr. of Lodi; and great-grandchildren Megan, Krista, Haley, and Bobby of Lodi. His brother Vernon Sperling is deceased. He will be remembered for his love, wisdom, and guidance he gave to all. The fish in Lake Comanche will especially miss the keen competition. All are invited to attend graveside services on Thursday, August 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Lodi Memorial Cemetery to honor his life. Donations can be made to Lodi Police Chaplains, 230 West Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240. Visitation will be held at Lodi Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.