Frederick “Bud” Kuhlman August 31, 1939 – June 18, 2026

Frederick “Bud” Kuhlman, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on June 18, 2026, just weeks before what would have been his 87th birthday.

Born August 31, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to Fred Clarence Kuhlman and Edith Pauline Hayes, Bud built a life defined by hard work, quiet loyalty, and deep roots. At just 19 years old, he married Mary Lou Schultz in 1958, and together they raised three children, Kimberly, Bob, and Sandy, in the Chicago suburbs. In the late 1970s, the family made their way west, eventually settling in eastern Washington, a place Bud would proudly call home for the rest of his life.

A craftsman in every sense of the word, Fred founded Classic Builders, a construction business that earned a lasting reputation for quality and integrity. He took pride not only in what he built, but in passing the trade on to others, a legacy that lives on in the work of those he mentored.

When he wasn’t working, Fred could often be found with a fishing line in the water, checking out vintage cars, steak and homemade rhubarb pie in his belly, trying his luck at the casino, or simply enjoying the company of those he loved. In his later years, few things brought him more joy than his daily walks with his beloved dog, Zoe, his faithful little companion and constant shadow.

Fred was a quiet man by nature, but his face lit up when friends and family came around. He cherished those connections deeply, remaining close throughout his life with many of his mother’s siblings and their spouses who had also made Washington home. His family roots ran long and proud, tracing American ancestry back generations, with one branch of the family tree reaching all the way to the passengers of the Mayflower.

He was preceded in death by his wives Mary and Maureen, his beloved partner Sue, his daughter Sandy, and his granddaughter Trisha.

Fred is survived by his daughter Kim; his son Bob and daughter-in-law Fran; Sue’s son Danny; six grandchildren, Julie, Terry, Jessica, Bobby, Brandi, and Al; and 16 great-grandchildren who will carry his memory forward.

He will be deeply missed and long remembered.