Robert John Ulrich
December 4, 1923 ~ February 13, 2016
Robert John Ulrich died on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at his home in Lisbon. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., by Rev. John R. Flaherty at St. John's Catholic Church in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass.
Robert 'Bob' Ulrich was born December 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 US Navy boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. 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 December 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 US 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 February 6, 1945 in South Mills, North Carolina. After returning to Iowa, Bob worked as a carpenter, building many beautiful homes in Cedar Rapids. Then, he worked for thirty-three years for LinkBelt Speeder (later becoming FMC Corp.) and reached General Foreman before retiring.
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, Nebraska. Also left to mourn him are six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, one sister, Winifred Scrom of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 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 and five sisters, and one grandson.
The Ulrich family is deeply grateful to Above and Beyond Hospice of Monticello. Their extensive personal care and attention truly personified their name, and allowed Bob to rest and die in peace.
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Nancy and family – So sorry to hear of Uncle Bob’s passing. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I’ll never forget being at your house on Hwy 30 and getting bucked off of that little pony you had. I know Uncle Bob and the others got a good laugh out of it!!
Both Bob and Byrdena were wonderful neighbors! We have had the pleasure of living next to them for 17 years. Bob was always helpful and curious when I took on a project in the home. Heck he even build a good portion of my front over hang when I redid my porch. When I redid my back porch Bob took much of the red wood and made a beautiful large bird house out of what I thought was scrap wood. Such wonderful talent both Bob and Byrdena possessed. Whenever I needed carpentry advice or to borrow a tool Bob was always there.
I will miss Bob’s friendship and humor he was a kind and helpful neighbor, best anyone could ask. Rest in peace Bob you were loved greatly!
Nancy and family – I’m sorry to read of your father’s passing, though I see that his was a life well-lived. I’m also grateful for his service to our country in WWII. May your faith in God, and your fond memories of your dad, help get you through your great loss.
– Andy Weaver,
Washington High School,
Class of 1973