Obituary for William Paul Spedoske

January 26, 1950 – December 18, 2020

William (Bill) Paul Spedoske, 70, of Portland, died Friday evening December 18, 2020 at peace in his home surrounded by his wife and children. He was born in Big Rapids Michigan, the son of Dominic and Carolyn Spedoske both who preceded him in death.

The Spedoske family moved to Portland in 1966 when Bill was in high school. Bill and his brothers brought their good looks and the “new style” of Barracuda (Pollack) Jackets and wing tip shoes to town. They were the envy of the boys in school.

Bill served his country and was a Vietnam Veteran serving his tour of duty from 1970 – 1972.

He was a lifetime fan of the Detroit Lions and a daily donator to the Michigan Education Fund. He also had a love for music, especially old country. He was a frequent karaoke singer at the “old” Wagon Wheel and a local supporter of small-town Hot Shots.

Bill loved spending time with his family and laughing with his grandchildren. Bill’s parents were known for their great cooking skills and they passed this talent onto him. He was an amazing cook with specialties in making “hot tamales”, beef and homemade egg noodles, homemade noodle salad and Thanksgiving meals. He had a sweet tooth and would talk for hours about all his favorite treats.

Bill met his wife Sherry in high school. His family recently celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Bill and Sherry on August 28, 2020. The celebration included good food and ended with the Spedoske men singing.

Bill is leaving behind a legacy. Surviving Bill is the love of his life and wife of 50 years, Sherry Lynn Baker. Children William (Paul) and wife, Christina, Troy Allen, daughter Shannon Lee Spedoske and former special son-in-law, Chris Teachout; brothers, Steve and wife, Linda, John and wife, LouAnn, and Robert and wife, Stacy; sisters Betty, Mary, Sally and husband Dennis, and sister-in-law Debra; grandchildren: Cody, Cameron and wife, Danna, Taylor, Chase, Torie, Christopher and Keegan and his great-grandchildren, Paisley, Eli and Lewlyn.

He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends he is leaving behind while he moves on to be reunited with his parents. Preceding him in death were his parents, Dominic and Carolyn Spedoske; brother, Michael Spedoske; sisters, Carol, Kathleen and Patty Kay; brothers-in-law, Gerald Hoppes, Dave Smith and Gary Kiter; father-in-law, John Baker; brother-in-law, David Charles (Charlie) Baker.

The family will host a Graveside service and a Celebration of Life for Bill in the summer of 2021 so his many friends and family can partake. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.