Ronald Keith Ulrich

MASON CITY — Ronald Keith Ulrich, 74, of Mason City, died Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at Good Shepherd Care Center.

Per his request, Ron will be cremated.

A graveside memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 29, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with Military honors provided by the Mason City VFW.

The family suggests memorials in memory of Ron be in care of Renee Zirbel, 1048 Maple Drive, Mason City, IA 50401.

Ron was born June 20, 1942, the son of Lloyd and Florence (Dickinson) Ulrich in Iowa City. After graduating from Mason City High School in 1960, Ron worked at Zeidler Concrete Products, Clear Lake and Hale-Phipps Used Cars, Mason City. In 1965 he joined the United States Navy, serving two years off the coast of Vietnam aboard a minesweeper, the U.S.S. Engage.

Ron was married in 1965 and to this marriage two children were born. He was later divorced.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1967, Ron began working at Lehigh Cement as an electrician. He was employed by Lehigh for several years, until an injury compelled him to early retirement.

Ron was a “tinkerer” by nature, and spent much of his spare time repairing vehicles as well as undertaking countless household remodeling ventures for family and friends.

In his earlier years, he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and riding his Harley-Davidson.

Over time he became more of a homebody who found pleasure in taking his dog for car rides and cheeseburgers, as well as feeding numerous birds and stray kittens. Ron loved watching movies and always enjoyed talking about what he liked or disliked in a movie.

For many years, Ron enjoyed taking an annual fall drive to the Mississippi River to buy apples and cheese.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Renee (Kurt) Zirbel, of Mason City, IA; his son Travis Ulrich, of Mason City, IA; grandson, Travi Ulrich, of Mason City, IA; granddaughter Nazareth Zirbel, of Mason City, IA; brother Merlyn (Geneva) Ulrich, of Mason City, IA; sister Beverly Gates, of North Carolina; brother-in-law Don (Roberta) Meyer, of Mason City, IA; numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard, Robert and Lowell Ulrich; sisters Sharlyene Baird, Linda Quinones, and Roberta Meyer; his beloved dog, Duke.

Memorial Park Cemetery, Crematory and Funeral Home, 11495 265th St., Mason City, Iowa 50401, 641-424-2151. ColonialChapels.com.