Douglas M. Bilheimer

Douglas M. Bilheimer

The family of Douglas McArthur Bilheimer announce the peaceful passing of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather on October 22 at his home in Springfield, Oregon at the age of 84.

Born March 9, 1942, in Northampton, Pennsylvania, he was the oldest son of Ruth (McArthur) and Russel Bilheimer. A multi-sport athlete, he applied his skills, graduating from East Stroudsburg State College with a degree in Physical Education. A 40-year career in education and educator advocacy followed in the Parkland School District, Pennsylvania State Education Association and Oregon Education Association.

A passion for adventure began in his youth with camping ventures as a 13-year-old in the forests and fields outside Northampton. As an Eagle scout, he combined his athletic and adventurous spirit at the Philmont scout camp in New Mexico. His education path took him from Northampton to the University of Miami, East Stroudsburg, and the University of Wyoming, where on teaching sabbatical he earned his master’s degree during a year of memorable adventure with his family. Extended camping vacations ended each summer throughout the northeast and Midwest. A remote lake cabin in northern Quebec capped each summer before school resumed. His career in education crossed the country, beginning in his home state and taking him to his adopted home in Oregon where he met his wife, Teresa. Upon his retirement, he built his own cabin retreat in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington. His later years took him on a family venture to the coast of Maine, where a family vacation home became the source of many cherished memories.

He is survived by his wife Teresa Smith, Springfield, OR, her daughter Rachel and granddaughter Charlotte, son Douglas (Beth Ann) Elizabethtown, PA, and daughter Melissa Ramsell (James) Mechanicsburg, PA, sister Jane Luyben, Wilmington, NC, grandson Scott Bilheimer (Lauren) granddaughter Cara Jury (Logan) grandson Nikolas Ramsell and great grandsons Lewis Jury and Bryson Bilheimer. He is predeceased by his brother Richard Bilheimer.

A celebration of life will be held at Sell Chapel in the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, PA on Friday November 20, 2026 at 10am with interment to follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Northampton PA.