Thomas John Perhai, age 91, passed away on August 24th 2026 at his home surrounded by his wife Joyce and other family members. Thomas (Tom) was born on October 10th 1934 in Detroit, Mi to John and Catherine (Bretz) Perhai. 

He attended school in the Detroit area and married Mary Smither in 1954. They lived in Detroit, Evart, and had a winter home in Arizona until her passing in 2011.He met his wife Joyce, when working at Walmart in Cadillac, a job he really enjoyed. They were married on June 8th 2012 in Lake City and eventually settled there. Joyce's daughter Cindy and granddaughter Sadie spent many days with them and went on many adventures. Tom taught Sadie to drive, to believe in herself and they baked many, many delicious desserts together. He considered Sadie the "daughter he never had" and never used the word "step" . We were family from the start. He enjoyed watching sports, playing computer games, reading and baking. He loved tinkering in the garage or shed and watching sports on TV.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Joyce, his bonus children Robert William (Julie) Mosher Jr of Lake City and Cindy Webb of Petoskey. Six grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, brother Robert (Bob) Perhai of Cheboygan, and several nieces and nephews. 

Thomas was proceeded in death by his first wife, Mary Perhai, and twin infant brothers, siblings Irene (Erik) Prange, Lucille (Hiram) Foreman and Marjorie (Eugene) Hallman, and sister-in-law Margaret Perhai.

Celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 4th, 2026, at the Burkholder-Nielsen Funeral Home at 1 pm. Rev. Jay Julian and Cindy Webb officiating. Visitation will be held on the same day at 12 pm until time of service. A luncheon will follow the service at the McBain City Building. Burial will take place at the Oaklawn Chapel at a later date. Thoughts and prayers can be expressed to the family by visiting the online obituary at Burkholderfunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, Thomas was a dedicated financial supporter of "Veterans serving Veterans", as well as other organizations who help veterans. Contributions made in his honor are greatly appreciated.