Thomas Craig Bihlmeyer

Thomas “Tom” Craig Bihlmeyer, 74, of Cadillac, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 16, 2026. Tom was born in September of 1951, in Clinton, Michigan, to Glen and Jacqueline (Tilden) Bihlmeyer, who preceded him in death. Growing up, Tom worked at the movie theater, grocery store, and had a paper route saving his money to purchase a 1966 navy blue mustang. A car he loved so much that he bought a similar one later in life to enjoy. Tom attended Michigan Technological University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. After college, he began working for Granger, which later became Wade-Trim, where he worked on large-scale infrastructure projects across northern Michigan for over thirty years. One of his first projects was installing a large infrastructure project in Cadillac. It was during this time that he met Debra, who would become his wife of almost 50 years. After getting married in 1979, they chose to build their life together in Cadillac on Stone Ledge Lake. Tom was an engaged member of the community where he was a longtime and active member of the Masonic Lodge of Cadillac, Clam Lake Lodge #331. In addition to his Masonic duties, he enjoyed driving families to the Shriners Hospital in Chicago for appointments and treatments- something he did quietly and faithfully, simply because it mattered. He was also active in the Stone Ledge Lake Property Owners Association and a member of the United Methodist Church in Cadillac. If you knew Tom, you knew how much he loved his family and Stone Ledge Lake. He would light up when talking about his two children, Paul and Sarah, and his beloved grandchildren Ian and Izzy. He also took great pride in the lake community and was affectionately known as the “lake lap captain,” leading evening pontoon rides that became a daily tradition. Tom appreciated life’s simple pleasures— enjoying his family, a slow boat ride, and a sweet treat. He was honest, dependable, and kind. He loved his family deeply, always with a family dog or two at his side. Tom is survived by his wife Debra (Waldo) Bihlmeyer and their two children, Paul (Sara) Bihlmeyer of Valrico, Florida, and Dr. Sarah (Eric) Seguin of Cadillac, Michigan; his grandchildren, Ian and Isabel Bihlmeyer; his siblings, Brad Bihlmeyer of San Francisco, California, Janie (Allan) Perusek of Tecumseh, Michigan, and Jerry (Jennifer) Bihlmeyer of Dorr, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Cadillac, with Pastor Judy Coffey and Pastor Earl Detwiler officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cadillac Area Land Conservancy or to the charity of your choice. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Thomas Craig Bihlmeyer

September 1, 1951 - January 16, 2026