WILLIAM ULRICH

William C. "Bill" Ulrich, Neenah, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 20, 2009 at Theda Clark Medical Center. He was born December 18, 1937 in Neenah, son of the late Robert and Grace (Kloepfel) Ulrich. Bill was a life-long Neenah resident. He graduated from Neenah High School in 1955. Bill then went on to graduate from UW-Oshkosh with a history and biology major. He served in the National Guard as a medic personnel for a number of years. Bill worked faithfully for his family business, Ulrich Construction, as a crane operator until 1999. He then stayed home to care for his father and mother until their death. Bill lived his life unselfishly, giving to his family and everyone he met. Even though he never married, he treated his three nieces as if he was a father to them. Bill was not afraid to sit on the floor to play with Barbie dolls or take his very special niece, Gracie, horseback riding, or helping out in whatever way he could. Bill could have spent his time and money doing things for himself but always first thought of helping others. He loved hiking in nature preserves and at High Cliff State Park and hunting with his good friends. Bill could make friends anywhere he went including the video store or grocery store and no one could say a bad word about him. Bill will be missed terribly by his little niece, Gracie, who has Down's syndrome. He was a great influence and male role model in her life and he had a great love and patience for her. He was a long-time member of the National Rifle Assoc. Bill is survived by his brother, Robert (Mae) Ulrich Jr.; a nephew, Robert G. (Lisa) Ulrich III; his niece, Brenda Schwan; his very special niece, Gracie Schwan and niece Brooke Ulrich; three aunts: Mildred Rocheleau, Elaine Kloepfel, Bernice Ulrich; cousin, Sue Rocheleau; and a very special cousin, Charles (Cheryl) Ulrich of Appleton, who Bill had become very great friends with. He is further survived by several other cousins throughout Wisconsin and some very kind friends as well. A Funeral Service for Bill will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home with Rev. Dave Vande Hey officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Bill claimed Christ as his Lord and Savior, and God as his only God just days before his death. So, Bill, we know without a doubt that you are walking the streets of gold in Heaven!