Donald Ray Ulrich

Donald Ray Ulrich, 78, of Burlington KS was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on Saturday November 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on August 23, 1947, in Watseka Illinois to Emanuel and Pearl Ulrich, Don lived a life defined by strong family values, tireless work ethic, humility, and unwavering perseverance.

Don grew up in Roanoke Illinois causing mischief around town with his three older brothers, being known as "those Ulrich boys". In 1960 his family moved to Denver Colorado where he graduated from South High School and also earned his pilot's license in 1965. On March 04, 1972, Don married the love of his life, Vickie (Ciancio) Ulrich. They celebrated 53 wonderful years of marriage – a true testament of their love and devotion. Together they built a life based on hard work, faith and family. They raised two children, Brent and Selena, in Colorado and Oberlin, Kansas. In 1976 he began his career as a restaurant owner and baker. Don spent most of the next 27 years doing what he loved most, baking. He owned and operated his own donut shop and bakeries in multiple locations, pouring his heart into every pastry, and batch of dough. It wasn't just a business; it was a place where he built community, shared his talent, and touched lives with simple acts of kindness. Regulars came not just for the baked goods, but for Don's warm smile and genuine conversations. His businesses reflected who he was: welcoming, humble, and full of heart.

Throughout his life, Don never met an adventure or challenge he wasn't willing to take from walking across the sand dunes, to flying, parasailing, snow skiing, water skiing, swimming with sharks and bicycling across several states, he met each one with courage and a spirit that refused to give up. Even after his stroke in 2003, he never stopped showing up for his kids and grandkids in every way he could. His presence was steady, and he remained a constant reminder of strength and dedication to family. He enjoyed his remaining working years at Home Depot lovingly referred to as "The Don" and finally retiring in 2015 to become the "Manny" for two of his granddaughters.

Don is survived by his devoted wife Vickie; his daughter Selena (Justin) King and his son Brent (Jett) Ulrich; his grandchildren Alexis (Erin) Gaither, Connor (Danna) Rychlec, Justyce King, Mya King, Josh (Aspen) Everett, Joanie Ulrich, Katie (Andrew) Mead, and Cherish, Chris, Cory (Tasha) VanGordon; and 12 great-grandchildren all of whom brought him endless joy. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and four sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his three older brothers Den, Dick and Dave.

Don's warmth, his smiling blue eyes, the way he made everyone feel valued will never be forgotten. He had the uncanny ability to start telling a joke or a funny story and never make it to the end because he'd be laughing too hard himself. That was something that brought just as much joy to those around him as the story ever could. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by the family and friends he cherished.

A celebration of Don's Life will be held on Monday, December 1st, at 10:30 a.m. at the 4-H building in Burlington, Kansas. We invite all who knew and loved Don to join us in honoring his memory, feel free to wear blue (his favorite color), Broncos attire (his favorite team) or Don's Donut shirt. Internment of his ashes will take place privately at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a charity as a former Shriner himself, that Don held close to his heart.