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John Joseph "Jack" Clarke, age 91, passed away late Saturday evening, July 28, 2018 in Chandler, Arizona under the care of his family and Hospice of the Valley. The son of Joseph Patrick & Anna Claire (Kivlin) Clarke, he was born on October 24, 1926 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. After graduating high school, he was inducted into the U.S. Army, served as a military policeman at prisoner of war camps, attained the rank of Corporal, and was a proud veteran of World War II. Following the war, he moved to Detroit and made a career at Warren Warehousing, which had the contract for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. He worked as both a supervisor and a union steward and was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 337.
In 1950 he married Agnes E. "Connie" Moncreiff, had three children, and they divorced. After his younger brother married, his new sister-in-law, Patricia Clarke, introduced Jack to a fellow nurse at Children's Hospital of Michigan, Nell Nadine "Dean" Grossman. On January 24, 1969, at St. Alfred Catholic Church in Taylor he and Dean were wed and went on to enjoy 47 years of marriage. Over those years they traveled to every state in the Union and all the Canadian provinces, enjoyed several cruises, and delighted in weekends and time away from the big city at their retreat in Port Hope overlooking the waters of Lake Huron. In retirement they made their home in Port Hope, were members of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach, and spent the winter months in the sunshine and warmth in Largo, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dean Clarke on May 16, 2016; a son, Joseph Cullen "Bud" Clarke on November 18, 1988; a son-in-law, Jeffrey M. McCarty on May 11, 2018; his brother and sister-in-law, Leo "Skip" & Patricia Clarke; a brother-in-law, John Robert Grossman; and a step-grandson, Ryan M. Wilson.
Surviving are two daughters, Julie & Dan Hyde of Gowen, and Barbara Clarke-McCarty of Phoenix, Arizona; a daughter-in-law, Sherri Clarke-Owen of Colorado; a special cousin, Jerome "Jerry" Chermak of Dearborn Heights; a sister-in-law, Myrtle Grossman Thompson of Mesa, Arizona; three grandsons, Robert & Joni Christiansen of Greenville, John & Christina Christiansen of Crystal, and Kyle P. Clarke of Grand Rapids; a granddaughter, Julie Ann "Jules" & Brandon Lavoie of Brookfield, Wisconsin; five great-grandchildren, Austin Krausz, Jenna Christiansen, Thoren Christiansen, Taryn Christiansen, and Colette Lavoie; two step-grandchildren, Tim & Stephanie Hyde, and Annette & Greg Merren, all of Greenville; five step-great grandchildren, Emily & Kirtus Sigafoose, Maddie Hyde, Andres Hyde, Alex Merren, and Natalie Merren; one step-great great granddaughter, Hydee Sigafoose; two nieces, Patricia & Randy Solo, and Karen & Kurt Williams, all of Chandler, Arizona; a nephew, Michael Grossman & Jennifer Mayol of Novato, California; a great nephew, Kyle Williams of Chandler, Arizona; and many beloved cousins.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 10, 2018 at St. Charles Catholic Church, 505 S. Lafayette Street, Greenville, with the Rev. Father James Wyse presiding. Committal services, with military honors, will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 10, 2018 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly. Instead of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in Jack's memory to the Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation. (http://chmfoundation.org/donate-now/)
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jack's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com Arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville.
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Jack was part of my Kivlin family. His Mom, my Aunt Anna and my Dad, his Uncle Ed were Kivlin sister & brother. He was full blooded Irish and when he move to Detroit for work he lived with my parents. My Mom, his Aunt Anne. was Jack’s, Skip’s & Jerry’s Detroit Mom and they always called her “Ma”. He was my first cousin but was just like another brother to me. Our family also included my biological brother David still living and sister, Rita who died 2008. Our home was full of love & plenty of Irish story telling and very tasty Polish cooking prepared by my Mom.-á Jack had a very large influence upon my life. He was a good Catholic and lived his Faith well, called me regularly and always told me I was in his daily prayers as he also was in mine. I miss him very much, and always will. So many wonderful lifetime memories. God rest your Dear Soul, Jack, and please keep praying for us left behind. Love, Louanne or “Lucy” (as you’re the only one allowed to call me that).-á
Uncle Jack was always a favorite person in my life. I will always remember the gifts of syorybook lifesavers and money for Christmas. He also had a unique connection to the outspace creatures and would fill us in on all of their activities through his special devices found in his ears. He was a very caring and loving man that embraced his faith openly and honestly. I will treasure all the memories of him. Only two people have called me Baby, my Grampa Kivlin and him. I will miss hearing that. But I do know that I have a new angel/saint in heaven watching over and taking care of all of those he loved. May you Rest In Peace Uncle Jack. I love you!!!! =ƒÿóG¥ñn+Å=ƒÖÅ=ƒÅ+