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Michael Lehmkuhler
Michael Lehmkuhler, age 71, passed away on December 6 in his dream home at the beach, surrounded by family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Kathy Lehmkuhler; his daughter, Kristal Seaford of Richmond, Virginia, and her two children, Wyatt and Leona Seaford; and his daughter, Kate Blevins and son-in-law, Josh Blevins, of Greensboro, North Carolina, and their two children, Brooks and Hayes Blevins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Naomi Lehmkuhler, and is survived by his father, Cas Lehmkuhler and his wife, Mattie Lehmkuhler, of Venice, Florida.
Born in Huntingburg, Indiana in 1953, Mike was always larger than life. He made a dramatic entrance as a 10 lb. baby, and his childhood in an Air Force family included adventures in Germany, Louisiana, Nebraska, and more. Moving frequently gave Mike a gift for making friends wherever he went and a lifelong love of travel.
For ten and a half years, Mike said he was his mother’s “onliest one,” but three siblings came in quick succession: Mark Lehmkuhler, Michele Alvarez, and Monte Lehmkuhler. For the rest of his life, he took on the role of the caring and cool big brother – whether taking his siblings out for ice cream or to their first concerts. Music was a lifelong passion of Mike’s, and he would light up when his favorite songs came on. He loved to dance and to party like a rockstar, sometimes literally (while living in London, he attended soirees with celebrities including Elton John).
But anyone who knew Mike knows that the true love of his life was his wife, Kathy. While they originally became friends at York High School, they didn’t begin dating until their fateful 10-year high school reunion. After that, they were inseparable. He was devoted to his family, and especially loved being a silly Opa to his four, beloved grandchildren.
A proud “Wahoo,” Mike graduated from the University of Virginia and received his MBA from Columbia University. He began his career in Foreign Exchange, but his later work at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership was closest to his heart. Mike was passionate about helping people find jobs and creating economic opportunities in disadvantaged areas. As Vice President of Business Attraction, he helped bring in over $7.9 billion in new investments and created over 20,500 jobs.
Outside of work, Mike enjoyed fishing, golf, and watching sports (especially UVA and the Pittsburgh Steelers). In his younger years, he played basketball and was an all-star rugby player, playing in clubs in London, Pittsburgh and NYC. But there was one game nobody wanted to play with Mike – Trivial Pursuit. He won every time. He was also the champion of carrying giant, fresh cut Christmas trees and up to twenty pumpkins at a time on family trips to the Chesterfield Berry Farm.
After years of summer vacations in the Outer Banks, he finally achieved his lifelong dream of moving to Avon, NC. The family will hold a private memorial there for him, on the beach he so loved. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to be made to the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad in recognition of their continued support over the last few years.
A man so big leaves a giant impression on our hearts. We will always love and miss you, Tall Timber.
Please share a word of grace with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.
Condolences
My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to Mike's family. I will keep Mike and you in my prayers. Mike and I attended UVA and Columbia together. In fact, Mike picked me up in Ocean City, MD where I had a summer job and we drove together to New York City to begin our first semester at Columbia University. Mike was a good man and a one-of-a-kind personality. We had some fun times together. Mike will be missed.
Mike and I were roommates in our last two years at Uva. We played basketball together nearly every day, and partied together quite a bit. He was a groomsman in my wedding, and knew my wife Val quite well. I will never forget the time he brought a bushel of crabs to my grandparents when my grandmother was sick. Just a real kind guy. I will miss him. RIP
Mike was a partner and friend when we worked together at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. He led with his heart and followed in with his expertise, his competitiveness, and his passion. But more than his professional work, Mike’s love for his wife Kathy and his family was ever present. He was so proud of them and it was always clear that his purpose in working was to do all he could for his family. As the family goes through this tough grieving period, my prayer is that this leads them to warm and comforting memories of the life that they built. Mike, I already miss knowing that you are sitting on your porch at the Outer Banks, but I am thankful you are now at peace and in full health with your Saviour. Your life was well-lived and made a difference to many.
I will truly miss Michael’s kindness and willingness to help. Such a great man who is gone too soon!
A gentle giant that we all loved so much❤️
Kathy and family: I enjoyed meeting and knowing Mike these past years in Avon. Mike was a brilliant, funny and kind man. And wow, so very strong. He battled hard while staying positive and encouraging others to do the same. Mike will always be an inspiration and is unforgettable. Kathy - your strength and support is unmatched. Wishing you and your family peace and good future. God bless.
Very sad to learn of Mike's passing. He truly was larger than life. I remember his giant hugs and being smothered in them. My thoughts and prayers are with you Kathy, Kristal and Kate. Hugs...
I’m sorry to hear of Mike’s passing but grateful that he is at peace. I wish all who loved him God’s Peace! Mike was a true friend and a terrific partner in bringing great jobs to Virginians, which he excelled at doing. Mike had a wonderful passion for making the world around him better and that was obvious in every interaction I had with him, but whenever you asked him about anything else that started with Kathy and the kids . I’ll miss you, Mike. Godspeed and best wishes to your family and many friends. Wahoowa!
Sending great sympathy and condolences to Mike’s family, especially Kathy. He was truly an unforgettable person with an even more unforgettable personality. May you rest in peace and forever have a seat overlooking the beach!
Kathy, we read the tribute to Mike in today’s Coastland Times online . It truly captured his essence! We are so sorry to learn of his passing . Please know that you are in our thoughts. Hugs. Sheila and Jim
To know Mike "Lemon cooler" is to love him! I am blessed to call him my friend. He and Kathy will always hold a special place in my heart. Sending big hugs and lots of love to y'all.
We lost a friend. Thinking of Kathy and the family - we are sending our condolences across the atlantic.
My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to Mike’s family. I will keep Mike and you in my prayers. Mike and I attended UVA and Columbia together. In fact, Mike picked me up in Ocean City, MD where I had a summer job and we drove together to New York City to begin our first semester at Columbia University. Mike was a good man and a one-of-a-kind personality. We had some fun times together. Mike will be missed.
Mike and I were roommates in our last two years at Uva. We played basketball together nearly every day, and partied together quite a bit. He was a groomsman in my wedding, and knew my wife Val quite well. I will never forget the time he brought a bushel of crabs to my grandparents when my grandmother was sick. Just a real kind guy. I will miss him. RIP
Mike was a partner and friend when we worked together at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. He led with his heart and followed in with his expertise, his competitiveness, and his passion. But more than his professional work, Mike’s love for his wife Kathy and his family was ever present. He was so proud of them and it was always clear that his purpose in working was to do all he could for his family. As the family goes through this tough grieving period, my prayer is that this leads them to warm and comforting memories of the life that they built. Mike, I already miss knowing that you are sitting on your porch at the Outer Banks, but I am thankful you are now at peace and in full health with your Saviour. Your life was well-lived and made a difference to many.
I will truly miss Michael’s kindness and willingness to help. Such a great man who is gone too soon!
A gentle giant that we all loved so much❤️
Kathy and family: I enjoyed meeting and knowing Mike these past years in Avon. Mike was a brilliant, funny and kind man. And wow, so very strong. He battled hard while staying positive and encouraging others to do the same. Mike will always be an inspiration and is unforgettable. Kathy – your strength and support is unmatched. Wishing you and your family peace and good future. God bless.
Very sad to learn of Mike’s passing. He truly was larger than life. I remember his giant hugs and being smothered in them. My thoughts and prayers are with you Kathy, Kristal and Kate. Hugs…
I’m sorry to hear of Mike’s passing but grateful that he is at peace. I wish all who loved him God’s Peace!
Mike was a true friend and a terrific partner in bringing great jobs to Virginians, which he excelled at doing. Mike had a wonderful passion for making the world around him better and that was obvious in every interaction I had with him, but whenever you asked him about anything else that started with Kathy and the kids . I’ll miss you, Mike. Godspeed and best wishes to your family and many friends. Wahoowa!
Sending great sympathy and condolences to Mike’s family, especially Kathy. He was truly an unforgettable person with an even more unforgettable personality. May you rest in peace and forever have a seat overlooking the beach!
Kathy, we read the tribute to Mike in today’s Coastland Times online . It truly captured his essence! We are so sorry to learn of his passing . Please know that you are in our thoughts. Hugs. Sheila and Jim
To know Mike “Lemon cooler” is to love him! I am blessed to call him my friend. He and Kathy will always hold a special place in my heart. Sending big hugs and lots of love to y’all.
We lost a friend.
Thinking of Kathy and the family – we are sending our condolences across the atlantic.