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Robert Ulrich
ROBERT JOHN ULRICH
Lisbon
Robert John Ulrich died Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at his home in Lisbon. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m. by the Rev. John R. Flaherty at St. John's Catholic Church in Mount Vernon. Visitation will be one hour before Mass.
Robert "Bob" Ulrich was born Dec. 4, 1923, in Okoboji, Iowa, to Fred and Mable (Myles) Ulrich. At age 14, his parents moved to Cedar Rapids, where he attended Franklin High School.
In the summer of 1941, Bob went to U.S. Navy boot camp in Great Lakes, Ill. In September, he reported to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to join his brother as a member of the crew of the USS California (BB-44). When the Japanese Navy attacked the harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, he and his brother were aboard the battleship. Bob survived the attack but his brother, George, did not. Bob continued to serve in the U.S. Navy for the duration of the war and survived the sinking of the USS Lexington at the Battle of the Coral Sea.
After the war, Bob came home to live a long and happy life. He married Byrdena Hepker of Toddville on Feb. 6, 1945, in South Mills, N.C. After returning to Iowa, Bob worked as a carpenter, building many beautiful homes in Cedar Rapids. Then, he worked for 33 years for LinkBelt Speeder (later becoming FMC Corp.) and reached general foreman before retirement.
Bob retired in Lisbon and actively enjoyed his church and his fellow veterans and Pearl Harbor survivors. He was a master gardener and a gifted carpenter and spent his time building furniture for his home and family, and maintaining beautiful gardens.
He is survived by his two children, Jeffery (Sue) Ulrich of Marion and Nancy (Steve) Archbold of Bloomfield, Neb. Also left to mourn him are six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one sister, Winifred Scrom of Rio Rancho, N.M.; one sister-in-law, Leota Anderson of Cedar Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Byrdena; six brothers; five sisters; and one grandson.
The Ulrich family is deeply grateful to Above and Beyond Hospice of Monticello. Its extensive personal care and attention truly personified their name and allowed Bob to rest and die in peace.
Please share your memories and condolences with Robert's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
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