Clemence John Sperkoski

Clemence Sperkoski, 103, of Brighton and formerly Redford Twp., passed away September 19, 2025. Born in Ubly, MI to Floyd and Margaret, they moved to Detroit in 1927 near Michigan and Lonyo. He attended Cass Tech High School where he played tuba in the marching band and string bass in the orchestra. He graduated in 1941 and started classes at Detroit Institute of Technology. In January 1943, Clem was drafted into the Army and served under the 888th Ordnance as a machinist on the Stilwell Road in India until January 1946.

After WWII, Clem was a professional musician for over 40 years and an amateur photographer. He was a dedicated machinist at Ex-Cell-O Corp. for 36 years. In 1957, he married Frances Swenskowski and built a home in Redford Twp, where they resided for 39 years before moving to Brighton.

Clem is survived by his daughters Carol (Erich) Mau and Pat (Tom) Butts; granddaughters Kelly Mau, Lindsay (Jarrad) Parata, Katelyn (Craig) Marrett, and Rachel (Jon) Macak; great grandchildren Audrey, Austen, and Isabel. Preceded in death by his wife, Frances, of 55 years; sister Beatrice and brothers Jordan and Marvin.

Over the years, Clem was an active member of VFW Romanowski Post #6896, Our Lady of Grace Church in Dearborn Hts., St. Patrick Church in Brighton, and the Hamburg Senior Center. He enjoyed golf, gardening, playing cards, bowling, polka dancing, watching his beloved Detroit Tigers and Lions, and caring for his dogs and grand-dogs. Music was a life-long love and he listened to jazz and big band, and attended concerts and musical theater. Dedicated to his family, he enjoyed helping them with DIY projects, attending his grandchildren’s activities, and traveling.

Highlights in recent years include visiting the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C., going up in a B-17 bomber on his 95th birthday, being honored with a hometown Veterans parade for his 99th birthday, and being named the University of Michigan’s Veteran of the Game on the day of his 100th birthday and walked out on the field to a crowd of 110,000 cheering fans.

Clem resided his last 2.5 years at Randall Residence in Brighton and was cared for by a loving staff and quickly became a favorite. Remembered as a gentleman with a sweet and honorable nature, he will be missed by family and friends. His humility, work ethic, frugality, commitment, integrity, self-sacrifice, and personal responsibility made him the embodiment of The Greatest Generation.

Clem’s family and friends will gather Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Brighton, Michigan. Family and friends may visit at the church beginning at 9:30 AM. Father Mathias Thelen will serve as celebrant. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 2:30 PM at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project, St. Patrick Catholic Church, and the Hamburg Senior Center. Please leave a message of comfort for Clem’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com

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