David Dean Ulrich

David Dean Ulrich, age 78, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Appleton Area Health Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville, MN. Interment will be on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

David Dean Ulrich was born in Ortonville, MN, on September 20, 1944, to Milton E. and Florence A. (Karels) Ulrich. He was educated in Ortonville and St. Cloud, MN.

David’s career started as a social worker and he advanced to program director and administrative supervisor for The Department of Human Services in Moose Lake, MN. In these positions, he was able to help many people. David retired to St. Paul, MN, and Big Stone City, SD.

David had a life-long interest in politics and social issues, particularly in the areas of human rights and for those who are disadvantaged. He was a gardener and spent many hours photographing nature and foraging for wild mushrooms, berries, and hazelnuts. David enjoyed walking, fishing, swimming, and visiting with family. He fulfilled a life-long desire to live by the water by having properties at Dago Lake in Pine County, MN, Coffee Lake, and Big Stone Lake. Salt water fishing and adventures were enjoyed at property at Pine Island, FL.

David did much reading with emphasis on current events, sciences, and technology. He was self-taught in the use of computers and utilized them extensively in a lot of his interests and activities. David enjoyed and was interested in multiple forms of real estate, providing support and homes for both former mother-in-law, Shirley, and his former wife, Sharol. He was unselfish, kind, generous, and honest. Throughout his final illness, which was difficult and long, he was stoic and strong.

Surviving David are his brothers: Mark, Larry, and Duane; sisters: Lynn, Susan, and Margaret; numerous nieces and nephews. He loved his family and spoke of them often.

Also left to miss and remember David are: Tony, the Beeman family, and Ken.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Florence Ulrich; brothers: Merle, Paul, Jeff, and Joe; and sister, Judy.

David supported with his words, activities, and gifts, several charitable institutions, including: AARP Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union.