Casper Leon Lehmkuhler, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at Tidewell Hospice House in Bradenton, Florida. He was 92 years old. Born on February 24, 1932, in Siberia, Indiana, Cas lived a life rich in love, service, and accomplishment.
On July 12, 1952, Cas married the love of his life, Naomi Gwen Soderling, at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership that spanned 68 years, filled with joy and devotion, until Naomi's passing on September 8, 2020. In 2021, after the loss of Naomi, Cas found love again and married Madeline Del Gaudio, forming a new bond that brought him happiness, comfort and companionship. They embraced life together, sharing a passion for music, dancing, sunsets, and travel, always dreaming of new adventures. Their love story is a testament to resilience and the beauty of companionship in one's golden years.
Cas was known for his leadership and sportsmanship. As a freshman at Jasper High School, he was a proud member of the 1949 Wildcat team who, as underdogs, won the Indiana State Basketball Championship. As an honored veteran of the United States Air Force, serving for 22 years before retiring in 1973, he used his extraordinary athleticism to captain the Berlin Braves baseball team to victory in the US Armed Forces Europe baseball championship in 1965. His many years of dedicated military service also included working with families of active-duty Missing-in-Action and Prisoner-of-War service members and serving abroad during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.
An accomplished realtor for over 40 years, after receiving his real estate license soon after leaving the military, Cas quickly became a respected figure in the industry. He was a Charter Member of the Million Dollar Club in the Hampton/Newport News Board of Realtors and served as the owner, president, and broker of Lehmkuhler, Inc., Realtors, on the Virginia Peninsula. His accolades included multiple professional designations and awards, underscoring his commitment to excellence in real estate.
Cas took immense joy in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He cherished attending their sporting events, concerts, graduations, weddings, and religious ceremonies, celebrating every moment spent with them. He will be remembered for his warm heart, unwavering spirit, embodying the values of love, service, and dedication throughout his life.
He is survived by his loving wife Madeline "Mattie" Lehmkuhler of Venice, Florida, his son Mark (Olena) Lehmkuhler of Hong Kong, daughter Michele (Martin) Alvarez of Bradenton, Florida, and son Monte (Amy) Lehmkuhler of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is also survived by his brother Jim Lehmkuhler of Jasper, Indiana, nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several stepchildren, nieces, and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
Cas was the cherished son of Casper "Cap" and Dorothy Lehmkuhler, who predeceased him along with his wife Naomi Lehmkuhler, son Mike Lehmkuhler, and brothers Don, Ed, and Larry Lehmkuhler.
A funeral mass will be held on February 17, 2025, at 10:30AM at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Lakewood Ranch, Florida followed by a USAF honors internment service at 1:00 PM at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida. The family wishes to express their utmost gratitude to the staffs of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Venice, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, and Tidewell Hospice House, Bradenton, who provided compassionate care in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton.
Casper Leon Lehmkuhler leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will be cherished by all who knew him. May he rest in peace, forever remembered and deeply missed.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207, is in charge of arrangements.
