Kermit Keith Ulrich, 97, Garrison, ND, formerly of Miles City, MT went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 16, 2020 at a Garrison Care Center.
Born May 28, 1923, on his mom’s birthday, to Albert Paul Ulrich and Georgina Ruth Smith Ulrich, in Cathay, ND. He was born in Grandpa & Grandma Smith’s house. He had an older brother, McRay. When he was 9 years old, 1932, his family moved to Fairview, MT. He graduated in 1941 from High School and the next day he went to Sidney, MT to register for the draft. Kermit’s aunt and uncle from Coeur ‘d Alene, ID, talked him into moving out there where he worked on the construction of Farragut Naval Training Base. He saved enough money to attend U of M for the 1942-43 school year. He was allowed to finish that year before being drafting in 1943. He had a choice of the Army or Navy Seabee’s and he chose the Seabee’s. Basic training was in Virginia and then on to CA. The Seabee Construction Battalion was sent to Hawaii to construct an airstrip after Pearl Harbor was bombed. Then on to Okinawa, Japan to build an airstrip, where he was stationed during the dropping of the two atomic bombs. He was there when peace was declared in 1946. After his Battalion was sent back to the US, he had 2 months to go until his discharge. He was then assigned to a ship going to China where he basically waited for a ship back to the US. After the service from 1946-1948 he attended Business College in Minneapolis. He finished a three year course in two years. Kermit worked at Sawyer-Clater Lumber Company in Minneapolis after college. He married LaVonne Slagel in 1950 and moved back to Fairview in 1951. He worked at the Booke Auto Company Chevy Garage as a bookkeeper and parts man. The next move was to Wolf Point MT, where he worked for Chrysler Camrud Motors Garage as a bookkeeper. He then opened his own accounting office. They lived in Wolf Point for ten years where they had all four of their children. The last move for the family was to Miles City MT in 1962 where he started a job with Great Plains Acceptance Corporation, a small loan company. Kermit also did Income Taxes and sold real estate and insurance. Eventually the Corporation moved out of town, so he opened his own Accounting office in Miles City. He hosted two retirement parties with the whole family, then went back to work and retired completely at the age of 87. He was a very dedicated husband, father and grandfather along with being a hard worker. Kermit and LaVonne sold their house and moved into the Miles City Manor after 65 years of marriage. In 2017 they moved closer to their daughter in Garrison, ND, and celebrated their 69th Anniversary before LaVonne’s passing in December of 2019.
Kermit’s faith in Jesus Christ was central to his long life. He was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he held the offices of president, elder and other rolls. He was church treasurer in Wolf Point, where he championed the issuing of bonds for monies to expand the church. He has been a member of the Lions Club, Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed seeing his children and grandchildren, the weekly Bible Studies, the daily coffee time at Big Sky Pharmacy, playing golf and pinochle with neighbors. He and LaVonne traveled on several U.S. bus tours with friends, and attended a number of his Navy Seabees reunions. Kermit was quiet and put a lot of thought in the words he spoke, but always seemed to have a joke or two up his sleeve. He was very loved and will be missed.
He is survived by his children; Kathy (Jerry) Jackson, Chelan WA; Robert (Chris) Ulrich, Billings MT; David (Aizel) Ulrich, Philippines; Loree (Shannon) Jeffers, Garrison ND; His grandchildren; Alexandria Ulrich, Kylee Jeffers, TattiAnna Ulrich, Breana Ulrich, JamesUlrich, Kara (Kyle) Lidberg and Thomas Ulrich, great grandchildren; Zaylie and August Ulrich and Jade Nash, nieces and nephews, and his adopted family, the Dranes’. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne, parents, Albert and Ruth Ulrich, brother, McRae Ulrich, brother-in-law, Donald Slagel and grandson, Seth Ulrich.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 27, 2020 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday December 27, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 28, 2020
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service.
Monday December 28, 2020
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday December 27, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 28, 2020
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service.
Monday December 28, 2020
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Janice Primozich says
Dear Kathy and all the Ulrich family, I am thinking of you at this time of your loss. Kermit and Lavonne were some of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure to know. The family they leave behind is a legacy to their Godly lives. May warm memories sustain you.
Sincerely,
Janice (Lopez) Primozich
Maureen Klapmeier says
Many wonderful, happy memories of Kermit and LaVonne over the years. Kermit was a quiet man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was our tax man for quite a few years and we so enjoyed the years of home Bible studies with him and LaVonne. Now we can rejoice that he and Bill are in heaven with their Lord Jesus.
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Ulrich family, Jim was Kermie’s “neighbor” in the bank annex building for many years and enjoyed his company immensely. We both considered Kermit and LaVonne friends and treasure our memories of them. God bless.
Jim and Mary Ann Stockhill Liles
Maureen Larson says
Dear Kathy and family,
Holding you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I didn’t know your father and mother well, but remember how wonderfully they welcomed me into their home. Such genuine, loving people that made you feel privileged to know them.
Pam Pettigrew says
Loree, Kathy and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers with the death of your wonderful dad. I have so many good memories of Kermit and LaVonne as a kid, both at church and in your loving home. Kermit was a man with quiet and fun presence. May your memories and the knowledge that you will see him again in heaven bring you peace.
Dave Schott says
Kermit and my dad went to coffee at Big Sky Pharmacy for many years. My dad had Alzheimer’s in his later years and I don’t think he provided much in the way of stimulating conversation but Kermit endured and continued to join him at the coffee breaks. Kermit was so patient and kind. I know my mom really appreciated that Kermit was there to keep an eye on my dad, and I’m sure Dad appreciated the company. Kermit was a saint.
My sympathy to the Ulrich family.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
To the Family of Kermit. Our Prayers are with you. Enjoyed lots of cards and bible studies with your parents. They will be missed but hope the memories with help you in the days ahead.
Brian Oster says
Kermit and my folks were good friends and as they got older Kermit and LaVonne would continue to meet with them. They were a blessing to my family, and to many others. They will be thought of always and missed. I know they are rejoicing in heaven. Our sympathy and love to the Ulrich family.
Cori Hanel Brubaker says
To the Ulrich family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family was always special to ours.
Dean Holmes says
to Loree, Kathy, David and Bob, your dad and I spent lots of hours with coffee klatch at Big Sky Pharmacy and several years in the Trinity Lutheran Church together, a very quiet and wonderful man. My prayers are with you all
Marlus Amsden says
`Kermit and LaVonne are rejoicing with our heavenly Father. What a blessing they both were to Denna and I. I will miss their funny sense of humor. They celebrated their anniversary 1 week before us. I remember Kermit telling us that we were one week behind them so we had better catch up. Denna enjoyed being an elder with Kermit. Until we see them again.
Terri Fandrich says
Lori and family,
I have such fond memories of your Dad, as our accountant for so many years. He was always so kind, helpful, and had such a great dry sense of humor. Lifting you up in prayers of strength and comfort. RIP dear Kermit.
Ron Hathaway says
Kermit and I shared the same office space for 27 great years. We coffee’s together at the drug store with lots of people who are no longer with us. Rest In Peace my friend.
Jerry Jackson says
Kermit was a wonderful father-in-law and friend. I will fondly remember the blessing he spoke over Kathy and I at our wedding in Billings. Both his son-in-laws shared military backgrounds with Kermit so we had most military branches covered (Navy, Air Force & Marine Corps). You will be missed but never forgotten. Until we see each other again.
Marla Malley says
His heart felt smile and greeting will be missed in our church and community. Prayers for your family as you grieve.
Jane Pallister says
Kathy, Bob, Dave and Loree – I was so very fortunate and blessed to know your parents and always admired their kindness and compassion. Your dad had such a great sense of humor and he was such a gentle, loving man – I know both of your parents are extremely proud of the four of you! Sending love and sincere condolences during this difficult time. I know Lavonne will be there waiting to welcome him home and that makes me smile.
In Sympathy and Friendship,
Jane (Brown) Pallister
Al Homme says
what a fine gentleman
Susan mathers valach says
Prayers and blessings to the Ulrich family.
I know you are and will be grieving a huge loss, as well as celebrating a long and full life. May that celebration and your wonderful memories carry you through. Your parents were wonderful people.
With my love and prayers for comfort and strength.
Susan Mathers Valach
Doug and Barb Foote says
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless❤️
Harriet Blumhorst Graf says
In Isaiah we read, ‘precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints…’ And precious indeed is the knowledge that Kermit is now rejoicing in heaven with his Savior. His life was a beautiful testimony of his faith and it was a blessing to know him and Lavonne, to spend time in their home in Bible Study and socially.
Loree Jeffers says
Thanks so much for the kind words and thoughts that you all shared of our beloved Dad. Dad loved Miles City and all of you!
Pete Stabio says
I am sorry for your loss but am grateful for the many, many years you experienced Kermit’s and LaVonne’s love. I did not know Kermit well but based on the quality of his children I had in class, he and LaVonne were salt of the earth people. Loree served as a teacher’s aide for me, did an outstanding job and is still a loyal friend of mine.
Barb Harbaugh Morgan says
Kermit’s family,
Most of my memories around the Drane family involved a visit to see Kermit and LaVonne. Kermit was a wonderful man with a quick sense of humor. There was always a visit and a snack. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.