Sterling Kuhlman | Obit

Sterling Kenneth “Bud” Kuhlman

April 6, 1932 –January 18, 2026

Beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and friend Sterling “Bud” will be deeply missed. He was born to Ruth and Otto Kuhlman in Snohomish, Washington where he grew up with a myriad of aunts, uncles and cousins as well as his sister Nathalie and brother Rich. He went to the Lutheran School through grade eight then attended Snohomish High School where he was not only an excellent student but also a standout athlete lettering in three sports.

After graduation from high school, Bud planned to work in the local sawmill. That all changed when one of his coaches called and suggested he go to college. That same summer Sterling met Patricia Hendrickson, the beautiful new girl in town. Bud took his coach’s suggestion and enrolled at Central Washington College where he majored in education. He also courted Patricia and they were married August 24, 1952. Bud played baseball for Central and his skills were noticed by the major leagues. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. He and Pat enjoyed their time spent in Wisconsin and California for the Cubs’ farm teams. Bud returned to Central where he got his teaching degree as well as his first born daughter, Gail Denice.

Upon graduation, Bud was offered several teaching positions and fortunately chose the Auburn School District where he made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of Auburn School District students and hundreds of staff members. His educational career extended 39 years in the Auburn School District. He served as a teacher, counselor, and for the majority of his career as an elementary and junior high school principal.

During his career he definitely left his mark. He started as a teacher at Washington Elementary in 1954 where he taught for five years prior to becoming a counselor then vice principal at Olympic Junior High School. During these years, he and Pat were blessed with three more beautiful daughters, Cheryl Ann, Lisa Marie and Candis Lynn. When the district needed someone to shepherd the construction and opening of Lea Hill Elementary, Bud was selected as the principal. He went on to be the principal of Chinook Elementary where he developed a deep respect for the members of the Muckleshoot Tribe. During his time at Chinook, Bud’s wife Pat became what would be terminally ill. Bud and their daughters cared for her during this difficult time. Bud was blessed with caring colleagues and a supportive community that helped him hold his precious family together. Pat passed away in January, 1978. Shortly thereafter, he was blessed by becoming a grandfather to Paul Sterling. A few years later, Bud courted and won the heart of one of the other elementary principals in Auburn, Linda Sue Cowan. They were married in December of 1980 and had 45 wonderful years together seeing the world from China to Russia, Europe to Africa in addition to annual trips to their favorite place to rest and replenish, Cabo San Lucas. When the Auburn School District decided to build LakeView Elementary, Bud was selected to be the principal as he was experienced in opening new schools. After ten years at LakeView, Bud was called upon to open and serve as the first principal of Rainier Junior School from which he retired in 1993.

Following his 39 years as a full-time educator, Bud continued to serve the community he loved—Auburn. He was very involved in a variety of community organizations and gave unselfishly of his time. Some of those organizations were: White River Valley Museum; Auburn Valley Kiwanis; Auburn Youth Resources; Messiah Lutheran Church; and Auburn youth scholarships.

Nothing made Bud happier than being with family whether at his beach place, family reunions which he initiated in 1986, holiday outings, attending his daughters’ musical performances; sampling his grandson’s culinary

masterpieces or sitting in his reclining chair delighting in his greatgrandchildren. He will be terribly missed not only for his generous spirit and great sense of humor, but also his unwavering support of education, his genuine interest in every person he met and his unconditional love of his family.

Sterling “Bud” is survived by his wife, Linda, daughters, Gail Fuller, Cheryl Deviny (John), Lisa Kuhlman (Brian) and Candis Kuhlman; grandson Paul Rosquita (Jacque); great grandchildren Elleanora and Sterling Rosquita and sister Nathalie Pearson as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews and their children. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia, his brother, Rich, and son-in-law, Scott Fuller.

A memorial service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 410 H Street NE, Auburn, WA 98002 on Saturday, February 7 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers remembrances in Bud’s honor may be made to the Kuhlman Family Scholarship fund care of the Auburn School District, 915 4th NE, Auburn, WA 98002.

Sterling would be embarrassed by the length of this obituary. He always wanted his obituary to read:

“Bud died. Boat for Sale”