Tom Wilhelm

Tom Wilhelm, 87 of Petoskey, died April 12, 2015 at his home.

Tom was born on November 12, 1927 in Petoskey, the son of Albert and Virginia (Donnelly) Wilhelm. He attended the Bear Creek #2 School and graduated from Petoskey High School with the class of 1945. He then entered the US Army and proudly served his country during WWII in the Pacific Theater and in the Philippines.

Initially after his return from overseas, Tom worked in construction. In 1948, he began a life long career with the U.S. Postal Service, initially working as a mail carrier and clerk. In 1962, Tom was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as the Post Master of the Petoskey Post Office, a title he held until his retirement in 1982.

Tom was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Parrish, Knights of Columbus where he holds the title of Past Grand Knight, the American Legion, and the VFW. Tom, along with Joe Hoffman, started the Annual Polish Sausage & Saur Kraut Supper and served as Chairman for the Supper Committee for 50 years. He enjoyed wood working, gardening, and in his younger years, hunting.

Tom is survived by 2 sisters, Virginia Mieler and Leona Elya; sister-in-law, Eleanor Wilhelm; brother-in-law, Jack Schmoldt; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by 6 siblings, Wilbert Wilhelm, Albert Wilhelm, Ben Wilhelm, Gerald Wilhelm, Norm Wilhelm, and Jeanette Schmoldt.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 17th at 10:30am at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. The family will receive friends on Thursday at the Stone Funeral Home of Petoskey from 6-8pm with the Rosary being recited at 7:00pm. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery.
 

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