James Edward Ulrich

James Edward Ulrich, 55 years of age, of Crete passed away at the Crete Area Medical Center Wednesday morning, April 22, 2015. He was born on April 26, 1959 in Beatrice to Walter and Martha (Burger) Ulrich. James grew up on a farm east of DeWitt and attended Tri County School until he turned 21 years old in 1980. He then moved to Crete as a client of Region 5 Services. He worked in food service and custodial cleaning services, and at the Region 5 Workshop in Crete. Always happy, James loved everyone and was generous with his hugs and kisses. James enjoyed shooting hoops, Special Olympics, bowling, Star Trek, dancing, country music, Monday Night Wrestling Club, his birthdays, attending church at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete, and spending time with his family and friends. His bedroom was a shrine to Husker Football, and James loved animals, especially his dogs Tiger and Tiger 2. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include sisters Linda Ulrich Miller and husband Dave of Waverly, Laura Ulrich Ronning and husband Richard of Blair, Elizabeth Thompson and husband Frank of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Ruth Ulrich of Lincoln; nieces and nephews Kate Kimmons, Rachel Ronning and husband Tylr Wagner, and their daughter Sonja, Andrew Ronning, and Anne Thompson; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Martha (Burger) Ulrich.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, April 27, 2015 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete with Reverend Art Brinkmeyer officiating. Interment will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, R. DeWitt. The body will lie in state Monday one hour preceding the service at the church. A memorial has been established to the Nebraska Special Olympics and Region 5 Services in Crete with the funeral home in charge. A family prayer service will be held at 1:45 PM Monday at the church. Sign James' online guest book and watch his video tribute when completed at www.ghchapel.com.

These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.