Charles Miller Bidleman Jr.

Charles Miller Bidleman, Jr. arrived at Mercy Hospital, Cadillac, Michigan on July 31, 1946. His dad, Charles Miller Bidleman, Sr. and his mom, Jayne Andrews Bidleman celebrated Chuck’s birth and welcomed him home to their apartment at 140 Park Street. As the first child, Chuck was Number 1 and remained in that position. Miller and Jayne made many new friends in Cadillac. Their friends were World War II Veterans who were also new to being parents. They got together daily, weekly, and at the Cadillac Elks, AMVETS and Veterans of Foreign Wars regularly. As kids he grew up with Susie Bernson, Ricky Smith, Jim Nesbitt, Jennifer Korn and Phil Potvin. Prior to school Chuck played with his family and neighborhood friends. They hiked, rode trikes and bikes, played baseball and tag. In September 1951 Kindergarten began at Franklin School, just four blocks from Chuck’s family apartment. Learning, reading, writing and arithmetic through sixth grade. Then to Cadillac Junior High School, individual classrooms with different friendly teachers for each subject depending on the student’s choices and abilities. Students had their own lockers to store their own clothes, books and personal items for grades 7, 8 & 9. Scholastic sports teams and community activities began to be open to all students and Chuck became involved in football in the fall then Hi-Y Boys and their fund-raising projects. Junior year Chuck, still playing football auditioned for the Junior-Senior Play. Next Chuck as a Hi-Y member attended the 1962 Youth Legislative in Lansing. Senior year with 192 students completing high school. Our Vikings were undefeated and won our Conference Championship. Chuck was cast in the Junior Senior play as a teacher in “No More Homework.” Chuck was busy organizing Camp Torenta and getting ready for a busy summer. He was also President of the Cadillac Hi-Y. Chuck led nine members to the 1963 Youth Legislative in Lansing. September 1964 Chuck headed to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. As school began with basic classes, fraternity parties and meeting new friends. He joined a fraternity, spent time campaigning with politicians and learning about state and local government. After earning his BA college degree Chuck went to work for an investment company, property management and rental company. He married with no children and divorced. Chuck returned to Cadillac in 2002 and began substitute teaching at the Cadillac Schools. He lived with his mother, Jayne Bidleman, on Prospect Street. He began to learn about local Indian Trails and spent years exploring the connection between Cadillac, Traverse City and farther North. Chuck’s last connections were with Cadillac High School monthly multi class reunions at the Cadillac Big Boy Restaurant. Chuck passed on December 10, 2025 in Grand Rapids. He will be buried with his mom, Jayne and dad, Miller at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac on Wednesday July 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM, Block 8, Row 58N. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Charles Miller Bidleman Jr.

July 31, 1946 - December 10, 2025