Donald Lehmkuhl Obituary

Donald Charles Lehmkuhl

92, died Monday, December 15, 2014, following a brief illness.

He leaves his wife of 61 years, Mary Lehmkuhl; his daughter, Teresa (Budesa) Lehmkuhl; son-in-law, Robert Budesa, grandson, Geoffrey Budesa, and daughter, Joanne Lehmkuhl.

The son of Minnie and Reinhold Lehmkuhl, Don was born on November 7, 1922, and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he spent his early years. He attended the University of Purdue, and in 1943 joined the United States Marine Corps through Purdue's V-12 Training Program, and served for three years in the Pacific Theater. In 1948 he returned to Purdue and graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree. He went on to obtain his Master of Arts in Education at Stanford University in 1949. In 1952, he was recalled to active duty in the United States Marine Corps to serve in the Korean War.

Following Korea, he accepted a position at Santa Cruz High School where he taught physical education and coached football, baseball and wrestling. In 1953 he joined the San Mateo Union High School District to teach and coach at Burlingame High School, and then moved to Mills High School upon its opening in 1958, where he was the Athletic Director of Boys' Athletics. While at Mills, he moved to Student Counseling, earning a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling in 1967 at SF State University. He retired from Mills High in 1984, and went on to open a private Marriage and Family Counseling practice.

Don enjoyed golfing, camping, hiking, sailing with his beloved dog Barney, and spending time with family and friends. He impacted the lives of many in a positive, meaningful way. He was an active member of Sons of Retirement (SIRS 118), and enjoyed the friendships he made there.

A private family service will be held. Donations in memory of Donald Lehmkuhl to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice, are encouraged.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 7 to Jan. 8, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Lehmkuhl

8 Entries

Peter OShea

January 2, 2023

I always remember Don was always a big help in services at church. Each Sunday he is missed.
Willing to serve as Eucharistic minister as needed.
Peace

Scott Holland

March 5, 2018

I remember Don was my counselor for a year when I attended Mills High. Without a doubt, he was one of the most Christlike men I ever met. He was also the asst. football coach during my freshman year. Had he been the head coach, we never would have lost a game.

KC Anderson

January 13, 2015

HI Mary and Family. I am so saddened to have heard of Don's passing. The world has lost such an incredible person in Don as heaven just gained the greatest and brightest diamond from the rough.

January 12, 2015

Dear Mary and family,
I am saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was a kind and wonderful man, I worked with him at Mills High School when he was a Counselor there.
He was always so helpful and kind to all the students and to all of the staff.
Louise Saparart

Pat Turay

January 11, 2015

Dear Mary,
With great sadness, I heard this morning of Don's death. He was truly a gentle man, and you must miss him tremendously. When giving Communion to him, I always felt so very blessed when he said, "bless you." He really meant it. I hope that you will be able to come to Sunday Mass at Mercy and look forward to seeing you there.
Love and many prayers for both you and Don,
Pat Turay

January 11, 2015

Speaking for the Mills High School Class of 1964 we knew Don as Mr sunshine. Don always gave you a 2nd chance. Always clam, always fair, always caring. Don is on to a bigger and better assignment. Don, watch over class of "64---

Peter OShea

January 11, 2015

Dear Mary - I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Betty Murray told us today at mass.

Don was always so kind to me I will miss him.
You both have been in my prayers and will continue to be in my prayers.
If I can help in any way please let me know

Jean Franceschi

January 8, 2015

Dear Mary and family,
I came across the obituary by mistake and totally surprised of Don's passing. Principal Edward Walsh asked me who I recommend to be a counselor; i named Don and the rest is history. Don and I are both from Iowa. He will be on my daily prayer list. My deepest sympathy!

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