Obituary of Howard Edward Ullrich

Howard Edward Ullrich (“Howie”) of Tucson, Arizona passed away peacefully at home at age 93 years from complications of Alzheimer's disease.

Howard was born on July 30, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois as the oldest of 3 children to Violet and Harold Ullrich. Howard was predeceased by his brother, Whalen Thomas, and his sister, Marlene. After graduating from Lane Tech High School, Howard enlisted in the Army where he served for 1 year. When the Korean War began, Howard was recalled and served overseas in Korea from October 1950 until December 1951. Upon returning from the war, Howard met a young woman named Nancy Schechter who worked with his mother at Goldblatt’s department store. After dating for two years, Howard and Nancy were married on January 23, 1954.

Howard is survived by his loving wife Nancy (nee Schechter), his 2 adoring dogs Poppy and Polly, and his children, son Brad Harold Ullrich (Aley) and daughter Terri Lynn Ullrich. Howard was predeceased by his other son, Randon Howard Ullrich, who passed away in October, 2022. Howard is also survived by 5 beautiful grandchildren, Joshua Zane Johnson, Jesse Kellen Ullrich, Timothy Bryant Ullrich (Brittanie), Jaymes Ullrich and Breanna Ullrich, as well as 2 precious great grandchildren, Casey Zane Johnson and Hazel Adeline Ullrich. Howard was also dearly loved by many people but especially by Karen Wheeler, who has been a member of the family for nearly 30 years and whom Howard considered his “daughter,” often saying “you are one heck of a daughter, even if I didn’t have anything to do with it.”

Howard was proud of his career, first with Retail Credit Company (Experian) and then as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer (IRS-Inspection). Howard was also extremely proud of his military service. As a military Veteran, Howard served for several years until his death as the Commander of the Edward W. Rhoads Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association (Tucson, AZ).

Howard was also very active in his church, The Church of the Painted Hills in Tucson, Arizona, singing for years in the church choir, being the “primo pancake flipper” for the annual church pancake supper, preparing sandwiches for charity on a monthly basis, serving as Moderator for the Church Council, and many other activities.

Howard was a sports fan and although he retired to Tucson, Arizona in the early 1990’s, Howard was true to his Chicago sports teams, rooting endlessly for the Cubs, White Sox and Bears. As his children were growing up, Howard strongly supported each of their sports endeavors by managing/coaching his sons youth baseball and football teams and traveling for miles to watch his daughter in tennis tournaments and bowling matches.

The family gives their immense gratitude to Soulistic Hospice and Marik, LLC (Home Health) for their incredible caring of Howard at his home in his final days. The family plans to have a celebration of Howard’s life on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at which time Howard will forever have a home at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Marana, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Alzheimer's Association, The Alzheimer's Foundation, Soulistic Hospice or another charity of your choice.