Dean Edward Ulrich Sr., the son of Donald J. and Eleanor (McCoy) Ulrich, was born August 10th, 1938. Dean grew up in Fort Dodge. He was the first graduating class from St. Edmonds High School in 1956. He then graduated from Palmer College in Davenport. Dean was united in marriage to Janis Yant on August 22nd, 1959. Dean took Jan on her first trip to Okoboji for their honeymoon. Their first home brought them to Muscatine, Iowa. Dean’s various career ventures took them to Ottawa, Illinois; Fairmont, MN; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Camarillo, California. They finally completed the full circle, and would make Okoboji their forever home. Dean’s careers included pharmaceutical sales, opening a hardware store, and becoming plant manager for Armours. He ultimately served as CEO of Ventura Costal Citrus Corporation in California for 24 years, where he would eventually go on to purchase the company. Dean served on multiple hospital and country club boards. He was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford.
Dean loved golfing, woodworking, putting puzzles together, and most of all he loved being surrounded by his family. He and Jan loved to travel being to all 50 states and to 12 countries. The miles they put on traveling would pale in comparison to the miles they spent attending their grandchildren’s activities. Dean was a fun guy, from pulling pranks, to telling wild stories, and always bending the rules. Most of all he will be remembered for his enormous generosity, and his big heart. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be greatly missed.
Dean E. Ulrich Sr. died peacefully Monday, January 29th, 2024, at Lakes Regional Healthcare at the age of 85 surround by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jan of Milford; his two children, Dino (Diane) Ulrich of Milford, and Linda (Mark) Behr of Algona; his nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren: Andrew Ulrich and his daughter Dakota, Anthony (Stefanie) Ulrich and their son Duke, Savanah (Jon) Rittgers and their daughters Stella, Lucy and Delilah, Sydney (Nick) McLeland, Chloe (Jimmy) Geelan and their sons James and Bo, Jacob (Kenzie) Behr and their daughter Kambria, Sophie (Jake) Carlson and their children Callahan, Zoey, and Miller, Gracie (Taylor Meints) Behr, and Gibson (Ila Anderson) Behr. He is also survived by a sister, Diane Stromberg; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law; his daughter, Lisa McNertney on July 20, 2004; a brother, Donald Ulrich Jr., and a sister, Donna Baldwin.
An intimate private family gathering will be held with burial taking place next to his daughter, Lisa, at Calvary Cemetery in Algona. Cards may be sent to Jan Ulrich, C/O Oakcrest Funeral Services, P.O. Box 186, Algona, IA 50511. Memorials will be distributed to Dean’s favorite charities in his memory.
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