Darold E. Ulrich

Darold E. Ulrich, 89 of Devils Lake formerly of the Garske/Webster, ND area passed away on Friday, September 21, 2018 at CHI, St. Alexius Hospital, Devils Lake in the care of his loving family.

Darold Eugene Ulrich was born on May 17, 1929 in Ortonville, MN, the son of Leonard and Eleanora (Bottolfson) Ulrich. The family made their home in Big Stone City, South Dakota, where he was reared and educated, graduating from high school in 1947.  Darold continued his education at NDAC (North Dakota Agricultural College) in Fargo and also Lake Region Junior College in Devils Lake.

Darold was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Donna Jean Steltz on June 4, 1950 at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville. They established their home in Big Stone City.  In the spring of 1952, they moved to a farm in rural Big Stone City where they lived until 1954, when Darold, Donna and their daughter moved to North Dakota.  They lived, worked side by side and raised their 2 daughters and 2 sons on the farm for the next 30 years.  In June of 2015 he moved to the Odd Fellows Home.   

In 1983, after retiring from farming, Darold, Donna and Charles moved to Devils Lake and would call it home the rest of their lives. Donna died on October 27, 2008. 

Darold was never without work in his so-called retirement. He became Secretary of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota and Administrator of the Odd Fellows Home in 1986 and faithfully and with dedication held that position for the next nine years.  After that retirement, Darold worked at Beltone, Home of Economy and Huesgen’s Jewelry.

During his life, Darold was always very active in his church and community. He served on the Trinity-Bergen Church Council, sang with the church choir and was secretary of the church building committee.  He was on the Starkweather School Board and Booster Club and was the first Chairman of the Starkweather PTA.  He was a member of the Webster Township Board, Chairman of the Ramsey County Township’s Officers Association, Director of Farm Bureau and past President of the RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program). 

Darold held the principles of the IOOF, to help make the world a better place to live by aiding each other, the community, the less fortunate, the youth, the elderly, the environment and the community in every way possible, in high esteem. He served in many capacities including Grand Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, 2003 Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, Grand Secretary Emeritus, 2004 Department Commander of the Department Council of Man-Dak, 1994 Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of North Dakota, Past Grand of Crofton Odd Fellows Lodge #3 and President of the Sovereign Grand Lodge International Homes Association for 2 years. He also enjoyed membership in the Elks Lodge.

Darold’s passion for farming, IOOF, his faith and family were his priorities but when able he enjoyed woodworking, building and repairing clocks. In younger years he and Donna sold campers, starting with pickup toppers, to pull behinds to RV’s. They were experienced campers and fisherman themselves. Many fond memories of family camping trips, favorite foods and stories were shared at all the family gatherings.

Darold felt blessed to have some of his children take over the farming, serve with the IOOF, to be active in their churches and communities as a lasting legacy. He loved and cherished his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all his heart.

He is survived by his children Marian (Dana) Caldwell of Lincoln, CA, Cathy (Bob) Henschel of Webster, ND, Mark (Wendy) Ulrich also of Webster and Charles (Kristi) Ulrich of Fargo, ND; nine grandchildren Angela (Eric) Noordam, Brian (Cherylyn) Nowakowski; Dena (Cody) Armstrong, Bobbie Jo (Lucas) Mertens, Katie (Justin) Hubbard; Daniel Ulrich, Nicholas (April) Ulrich; Sydney Ulrich, Wyatt Ulrich; great grandchildren Natalie, Makayla and Breeana Noordam, Lela Nowakowski, Addison Armstrong, Porter and Nora Mertens, Kiara and Aunna Ulrich and Henry Ulrich; brother Ralph (Gloria) Ulrich, Oregon; sister Carol (Gary) Johnson, Fargo; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Carol Ulrich, Minneapolis, MN, Robert ((Sharon) Steltz, Big Stone City, SD; special friend Dean Hovern and several nieces and nephews.

Darold was preceded in death by his parents; wife Donna; brother Carl Ulrich and in-laws Otto and Francis Steltz.

Pallbearers will be Darold’s grandchildren. Honorary Bearers are all members of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs.

Funeral Services for Darold will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Daniel Voth officiating. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, September 28^th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.