Lee Palmer Budahl

Lee Palmer Budahl, 91, died in Sylva, North Carolina, on May 16, 2025.

He was born in September 1933 in Wisconsin, where he also met his wife, MaryAnn Guenther. They were married for 67 years and raised three children. Lee served in the U.S. Army, attended Universities in California and Wisconsin before completing his PhD in Art Education at the University of Maryland. He went on to teach at Western Carolina University for 30 years. After retiring, he and MaryAnn spent many years traveling together and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Lee is survived by his wife MaryAnn Budahl, his son Christopher Budahl and wife Susan and daughter Audrey, his daughter Priscilla Bowers, husband Bradley and their sons Trey and Josh Palmer, and his daughter Juliana Ferguson and her sons Isaac and Lee Arthur.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a dedicated church member, an inspirational teacher, and a proud veteran.

A memorial service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on Thursday May 22, 2025. Receiving of friends to begin at 11:00 with Memorial Service at 12:00 and a Reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church: 749 Hwy 107, Sylva, 28779.