Donald "Don" Eugene Ulrich

Donald (Don) Eugene Ulrich, 95, of Carlton, GA went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, September 14, 2024. He was born on September 3, 1929, to Bessie and Phillip Ulrich of Marietta, OH. He married the love of his life, Jackie Ulrich on November 29, 1956, they raised 4 children, Daniel, Melody, Audrey and Jessie, in PA and NY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 60 years, Jackie Ulrich, his brother Phillip Ulrich of Buffalo NY and aunts, uncles and cousins of Marietta, OH. He is survived by his son Daniel Ulrich and daughter in-law, Wanda, (Comer, GA) his daughter Melody Homer and son in-law Al, (Danielsville, GA) his daughter Audrey Miller and son in-law Bruce, (Redding, CA) and his daughter Jessie Briend and son in-law Peter (Cumming, GA). Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Don began his life on the banks of the Ohio river in Marietta where he loved the water, hunting and fishing. When he was 18 years old, he joined the Navy and was stationed in Charleston, SC. He served for four years. He then obtained his surveying license in Allentown, PA and was hired by a company, which took him to South America. He had many adventures there and loved to share stories of landing in the middle of a civil war, close call with a jaguar, huge tarantulas and, unfortunately, contracting Malaria, which brought him back to the states. Don stayed regularly at the Persian Hotel in Dubois, PA and frequented their restaurant and fell in love with his waitress, Jackie Connor. They were married in 1956 in Dubois. They later moved to Knoxville, PA where he worked for Consolidated Gas Company, was a private land surveyor and raised his four children. His career with the gas company later took him to Utica, NY where he remained until his retirement in 1984. Don and Jackie enjoyed their early retirement years in Florida and later moved to Carlton in 2004 to live closer to many of their grandchildren.

Don pursued many interests and hobbies over his lifetime. He had a pilot’s license; he built and flew his own plane and belonged to a club of solo fliers. He held several patents; one of which was acquired by Ditch-Witch. He had a brilliant mind and never ceased to be creative. He created an art form from copper wire, wood putty and paint and sold the finely crafted natural scenes and wildlife at many markets while in Florida. Don never shied away from adventure; he loved close encounters with wildlife, including alligators and snakes. He would never turn down an opportunity to rescue and home an injured or abandoned animal. He loved canoeing, camping and roads less traveled. Don loved his family, and he loved God; he is blessed to be resting now in his forever home.