Robert “Bob” John Ulrich

Bob Ulrich, 65, of Springfield, MO passed away on March 16, 2013. Bob was born in Gettysburg, PA on March 23, 1947.
Bob graduated Emmitsburg High School, PA in 1965 and went on to serve in the Air Force spending time in Thailand. Later, he returned to Oklahoma and completed his degree at Central State University in Edmond Oklahoma. While attending Central State University he met Susan Alfred and married in 1969. After graduating they moved to Kansas City where Bob taught history and coached basketball and track. In 1976, Bob and Sue were blessed with the pride and joy of their life, Jamie. Not long after Jamie was born he left teaching to become an insurance agent, which moved them to Springfield in 1980.
While living in Springfield the best parts of life were always being with his family and friends. Other enjoyments were playing, watching and coaching sports and being involved in his community and church. In 2001, he welcomed a daughter to the family when Jamie married Jennifer. One of the greatest future joys of his life came in 2002 when he became “Papa Bob” to his only grandson Preston. Sue passed away in 2009 shortly before celebrating their 40th anniversary and he had survived his own health complications. One of his passions was playing bridge, which led him to meet Edith “Edie” Williams. They started a courtship and quickly found they had many things in common. Bob being the old fashioned type asked her son if he could marry Edith. They were married in October of 2011 and truly loved and enjoyed their short time together.
Anyone that knew Bob knew that he loved life and lived his life to the fullest every day. He was a religious person and had a strong belief in God. He loved his family and friends and they meant the world to him. When he survived the odds and made it through his health struggles in late 2008 he only mentioned one thing he would put in a “bucket list” and that was to become a Life Master in bridge. With an extreme amount of pride he became a Life Master in 2010 and later a Bronze Life Master in 2011. In an autobiographical sketch of his life he said, “It has been a wonderful life. The work of 10,000 lifetimes would not be sufficient repayment for the blessings that I have received.”
He is survived by his wife Edith, his son Jamie, daughter-in-law Jennifer, grandson Preston, Sisters Nancy Bible and Donna Tyler, Edith’s family, Susan’s family and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews and friends throughout the country.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at St. James Episcopal Church on April 3 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crosslines. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support during this time.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.