Obituary: William Bluhm, 90, of Pentwater

March 14, 2024

William Bluhm

William “Bill” Landon Bluhm, 90, of Pentwater, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. He was born June 8, 1933, the son of William and Katheryn (Klaiber) Bluhm.

Bill grew up in the community of River Rouge. After graduating high school, Bill enlisted and served a four-year tour in the U.S. Navy. During his service, a portion was spent fighting the Korean War. After serving his country, Bill then attended the University of Michigan where he acquired a master’s degree in education/administration. Bill had a long and rewarding career in education that included being a principal and superintendent of Pentwater Public Schools and then superintendent of the Oceana Intermediate School District.

Along the way, Bill discovered a love and passion for sailing. He became an avid sailor and racer during summers, acquiring a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license and skippering a 12-meter America’s Cup sailboat, the Northern Light. Later in life Bill acquired his own sailboat named Condor. He raced competitively on the Great Lakes sharing his passion with his two sons, David and Stephen. Upon retirement, Bill and his wife sailed Condor to the Bahamas to enjoy long winters in the tropics. Aside from his love of sailing, he and Gail also loved to travel and had many adventures in their motorhome.

Bill believed in giving back and volunteered his time to many educational and community organizations throughout the Pentwater community and beyond. He was a founding member of the Ocean County Community Foundation and served on their board. Bill served 12 years as an EMT on the Pentwater Volunteer Ambulance Service. He was commodore of the Pentwater Yacht Club in 2000 and was inducted into the Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation Hall of Fame in 2016.

Bill is survived by: his two children, David (Kris) Bluhm and Stephen (Jennifer) Bluhm; six grandchildren, Derek, Alex, Jake, Courtney, Patrick, and Brandon; his sister, Arlene (Ralph) Nicholls; along with sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces.

Bill was preceded in death by: his wife, Gail; and sister, Carol Bluhm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pentwater Historical Society, 85 South Rutledge Street, Pentwater, MI 49449.

Bill’s family will host a Celebration of Life this summer.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel