MASON CITY — Patricia “Pat” DeeAnn Ulrich, 81, of Mason City, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Visitation will be held from noon until 1 p.m. Thursday, September 10, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE in Mason City. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with Chaplain Jani Dahlin officiating.
Pat will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.
Born March 15, 1945, in Nebraska, Pat was the daughter of Clint and Marie (Williams) McKim. She later came to Mason City and graduated from high school in 1964, beginning a life that would become closely tied to the community and to caring for others.
After graduation, Pat worked for several years at Lyons Laundry. She later joined AC Nielsen as a data entry clerk and remained with the company until it closed.
Her working life eventually led Pat to a role that reflected one of her strongest qualities — her desire to care for people.
Pat became a Home Health Aide with Cerro Gordo County Public Health, spending her days helping people in their own homes and providing assistance to those who needed it. She remained in that work until a colon cancer diagnosis in 2011 led to her retirement.
Pat married Ron Ulrich, and the couple welcomed two children, Renee and Travis. Though their marriage later ended, the family they created remained an enduring and treasured part of Pat’s life.
Her children and grandchildren were at the center of many of her happiest memories.
Pat enjoyed family adventures, sightseeing drives close to home and autumn trips along the Mississippi River. Sometimes the destination mattered less than simply being together, enjoying the scenery and sharing the day with people she loved.
She took great pride in raising Renee and Travis and later found another source of happiness in watching her grandchildren grow.
While Pat spent much of her professional life caring for others, she was also someone who valued the quiet comfort of home.
She loved to read and could happily settle in with a good book and enjoy time to herself. Pat was humble and low-key, preferring a peaceful and uncomplicated life rather than seeking attention.
Behind that quiet demeanor, however, was a woman with strong opinions, determination and a steady spirit. Those who knew her understood that Pat cared deeply about the people in her life and was never afraid to know her own mind.
Pat is survived by her children, Renee (Kurt) Zirbel and Travis Ulrich; grandchildren, Travi Ulrich and Nazareth Zirbel; sister, Carol Duckert; brother, George McKim; sisters-in-law, Jan McKim and Donna McKim; brother-in-law, Danny Boehmer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clint and Marie McKim; brothers Bob and DeWayne McKim; sister Janet Boehmer; sisters-in-law Diane McKim and Penny McKim; and brother-in-law Robert Duckert.
Pat’s family expressed special appreciation to the Hospice staff members who cared for her, thanking them for the compassion, kindness and companionship they brought into her life.
The family said those caregivers helped fill Pat’s final summer with comfort, happiness and memorable moments that they will continue to cherish.
For those closest to her, Pat leaves behind the memory of a woman whose life was centered on family, caring for others and finding contentment in life’s quieter pleasures. Her steady strength, independent spirit and love for those around her will continue in the memories of her children, grandchildren, relatives and friends.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City is caring for Pat and her family. To view the funeral home’s complete tribute and service information, please click here.
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