Obituary of Kenneth E. Ulrich

Kenneth “Sonny” Ulrich, formerly of Blue Island, passed from this life Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at the age of eighty-eight.

Ken is the loving husband of Ruth Ulrich née Weese. The couple were united in marriage on June 27, 1959, celebrating sixty-five years together. He is the beloved father of Paul (Sheila), Todd (Ruffa), late Peter (Fay) and Tina (David) Potter.  Ken is the proud grandfather of Heather, Jonathon, Christopher, Amanda, Kevin, Ran, Marissa, Kean and Kane. He is the cherished great grandfather to Emerson, Tessa, Maeve, Ella and Aubrey. Ken is the caring brother to Marilyn (late Charles) Krchmery and the late Dolores Barcik.  He is the fond brother-in-law to Dwain Weese, Ellen Housley, Jane Teutsch, Doris Heinicke, and he was preceded in death by William Weese, Calvin Weese, Bertha Heselton, Carole Cooprider and Myrtle Novak .  He is the dear uncle to many nieces and nephews. Ken leaves many other friends and family members to cherish his memory.

Ken was born on January 28, 1936 in Blue Island, Illinois to the late Paul and the late Pearl Ulrich née Schultz.  He was an active member of the Blue Island community for many years as an usher at St. Benedict Church and as a member of the Knights of Columbus council #1336.  Ken was devoted to his family and was a dedicated die setter in the steel forging industry working at Wyman & Gordon for twenty-eight years and Tuthill Pump for another eleven years.  In his spare time Ken loved fishing, bowling and spending time gardening.  His backyard garden had beautiful flowers and bountiful fruits and vegetables that he shared with his family, friends and neighbors.

Visitation for Ken will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 9:30 am until the time of the memorial mass at 10:30 am at St. Benedict Church/St. Mary Magdalene Parish, 2339 York St., Blue Island.  If you would like to contribute in Ken’s memory, donations to St. Benedict Church/St. Mary Magdalene Parish or the Gary Sinise Foundation are greatly appreciated.  Cremation is private.