Ulrich, Wilmer Christian (Pat) (1907-1987)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 9 Jul 1987 p. 11

Birth date: 1907

text of obituary:

WILMER CHRISTIAN ULRICH

Wilmer "Pat" Christian Ulrich was born near Eureka, Ill., on April 9, 1907, and died in Reedley, Calif.; on April 20, 1987, at the age of 80. He was the third son of Christian M. and Elizabeth Schertz Ulrich.

On June 18, 1933, he was married to Myrtal Harvey of Eureka, who survives. Also surviving are three brothers, Robert J. of Torrance, Calif., Marvin E., of Dayton, Va., and Clayton James of Eureka; and three sisters, Lorene Wagner and Reva Noe, both of Chenoa, Ill., and Mona Schoonaert of Washington, Ill. He loved children but had none of his own. He delighted in his nieces and nephews.

At the age of 12 he accepted Christ as his Savior, was baptized and united with the Roanoke Mennonite Church.

He was a gentle, loving person who shared time, love and compassion with all. He had many interests and experiences which served to stimulate him in his later years when he could no longer do hard physical labor.

He lived in Eureka until 1947 when he and his wife moved to Sarasota, Fla., where, in partnership with two uncles, he built tourist cottages and worked as a carpenter. In Sarasota, he united with Bayshore Mennonite Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher and superintendent.

In 1952, he was asked by his cousin, Raymond Ulrich, to be construction foreman for the Ulrich Foundation in Puerto Rico. He served for more than three years until rheumatoid arthritis forced him to discontinue his work. He lived in Eureka for four years before moving to California where he became totally disabled.

In California, he became a member of the Lomita Missionary Church. After moving to Sierra View Retirement Living Center in Reedley, he united with First Mennonite Church in 1978, where he was a member until his death.

From the age of 37 until his death, pain was his constant and sometimes cruel companion. When his anguish could have embittered him, his sweet spirit reflected our Lord's, and became a benediction to those with whom he came in contact.

Transcribed by Ralph Shetler, Oregon