Robert Harold Ulrich, 92, lifelong resident of Stratford, WI, passed away on July 18, 2023, at Stoney River Assisted Living, Marshfield, WI.
Born at his parents’ home in Stratford on February 21, 1931, Bob was the eldest son to Walter and Florence (Untiet) Ulrich. He graduated from Stratford High School class of 1949 and began working as a bookkeeper for Klemme Sales. On May 23, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart Donetta Marie Oertel at Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford.
Bob began his business entrepreneurship in Stratford with teenage jobs at the canning factory, lumber company, bowling alley, and movie theatre. He incorporated local businesses (Stratford Turkeys, Ulrich Feeds, Ulrich Bus Service, General Shoe.) He was involved in the Lions Club and Elks Club. He was elected to the Stratford area school board and hosted several foreign exchange students at his home on Elm Street. As a life-long Lutheran, Bob served on the church council and helped start Germanfest, an annual fundraiser. As a Luther League advisor in the mid 1970’s, he initiated the first ecumenical service featuring “He Lived the Good Life.” He also enjoyed dancing, fishing, hunting, bowling, golf, and playing cards.
Bob took the opportunity to travel around the world mixing business trips with his treasured hobbies. Bob used his organizational skill to bring people back to Stratford as he arranged class reunions, family gatherings, and community events. He was a generous man who enjoyed good conversation and was grateful for the many blessings he encountered.
Robert is survived by his five children: Dale (Adele) Ulrich of Phoenix, AZ; Cheryl (Bob) Martines of St. Charles, IL; Lori (Don) Uthmeier of Stratford, WI; Beth (Tom) Griffith of Venice, FL; Jody (Chad) Arnow of Dayton, OH. Blessed with ten grandchildren, Bob celebrated their school/church events as he was very proud of their milestone accomplishments. His surviving grandchildren are Alec Martines, Amanda (Tom) Bird, Annie Martines; Karl, Sam, Henry Uthmeier; Matt, Jake Griffith; Nate, Grace Arnow.
Bob is also survived by his sister Bonnie (Pat) Buchberger; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Donetta, his brother, Fritz, sister-in-law Nancy Ulrich, and sister-in-law Jeanine (Huebner) Martinson.
Memorial services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Stratford at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023, with the Rev. Amy Heinz presiding. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service. Interment will follow at Zion Lutheran Church cemetery. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com
