Elmer Bluhm

Elmer Bluhm, age 97, of Spring Lake, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, one day shy of his 98th birthday. Born in July of 1927 on a large farm in Paris, MI, he was the sixth son of the late Aaron and Anna Bluhm. Elmer was thankful to the Lord, his parents, and Dr. T.F. Bray for saving his right leg when it was nearly severed in an accident on the farm at age three. He graduated from Reed City High School in 1946, enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and in 1947 transferred to the new U.S. Air Force. After a year of technical training, he was assigned to the 317th Troop Carrier Group (5th AF) as an engine mechanic/flight engineer. Elmer served in occupied Japan, the Berlin Air Lift, and with the 11th Bomb Group (8th AF). He went on to graduate from Indiana Technical College with a BSME degree in 1952 and was employed by General Motors for 35 years starting in the Diesel Equipment Division. He was granted four U.S. Patents on engine fuel systems and retired from the Detroit Diesel Engine Division. Elmer enjoyed being on golf and bowling leagues, collecting antiques, and working on classic cars. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #1200 and the GTO Association of America. 

Elmer was preceded in death by his loving wife of 27 years, Darlene La Verne (Lawson); five brothers, Albert, Clarence, Ervin, John, and Robert; sister, Martha Anne (Bluhm) Wollner; sisters-in-law, Elfriede (Tuescher) Bluhm, Donnabelle (Nix) Bluhm, Marjorie (Sengalaub) Bluhm, and Grace (Crum) Bluhm. Surviving are his children, Diana Kinchler Fein of New City, NY, Scott Bluhm of Spring Lake, and Sherrill Helms of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Alyssa Fein Abrams (Austin Abrams), and Aaron Fein; great-granddaughter, Payton Ray Abrams; 19 nieces and nephews; and his best friend and traveling companion to Canada, Mexico, and all U.S. parks, Cynthia D. Norris. 

A graveside service will take place at Blythefield Memory Gardens on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 1 pm.