Lawrence John Ullrich

Lawrence John Ullrich, 80, passed away Monday, October 21, 2024, in Kerrville, Texas. Larry was born December 29, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas.

The following is the obituary which Larry himself wrote:

I would first like to disclose that the idea of writing my obituary was inspired by a very dear friend, John Ragland, who departed “this vale of tears” on September 18, 2015.

While I had little memory of that December 29th day in 1943, when I first met my parents, Helen C. Martin and David P. Ullrich who lived in San Antonio, Texas. I do remember being brought up by loving parents who demonstrated love of God, love of family, a strong work ethic and values. Their characteristics were instilled into all eight of us kids; and I was fortunate to be the second in this long line of mouths to feed. There was no money left over from dad’s two jobs and mom’s Avon job. We all sat down and ate together and none of us were ever hungry. Mom saw to that. I appreciated what I had and looked forward to my brother David’s hand-me-downs. When I could say they were now mine, even for a short while before Louis got them. 

I was a poor student at St. Peters Grade School and Central Catholic High School. I was accepted conditionally at St. Mary’s University; after two years I was asked not to come back. When those “hallowed” doors hit my butt, I promised myself never to return. A promise I kept until after being diagnosed with dyslexia. I graduated at the age of 50 from the University of San Francisco. 

My career at Continental Airlines began way before a graduated. In 1965, Mr. Dan Houston, a dear family friend, thinking of my brother Louis but only remembering my name recommended me for a part-time baggage handling position. I got the job and years later Mr. Houston told me he was thinking of Louis but thought I was he. Louis later got on with Braniff Airlines, so all was OK on the home front; we were both airline brats. 

It was a sacramental moment that I met my wife, Diane, on a Continental flight from Dallas to San Antonio. We have been blessed to have so many years together. 

Larry’s career with Continental continued with advancement to Station Manager in San Antonio, San Diego and Figi. After leaving Continental, Larry worked for TSA, where he met lifetime friend, Sid Burback. Airline people usually don’t talk to passengers when they are traveling, but when Larry saw his future wife boarding a short flight from Dallas to San Antonio, he said to himself “I am going to talk to her.” This led to 25 years of love and being in love thanks to God’s plan and timing. Larry married Diane on June 12, 1999, and worked as teacher at Notre Dame School for 10 years teaching religion and computer for pre-K through 8th grades. His sense of fairness, understanding of learning and excellence in all he did impacted many children who remember and love him for what he poured into their lives. During this time, and forward to the day he passed, Larry was evening and Saturday manager at The Center for Fitness, where his talents of responsibility and dependability were appreciated. A “guy’s club” evolved on Saturday morning at the Center that created bonds of deep friendship and the latest news in Kerrville was shared. After Notre Dame, Larry was hired at MHDD by Linda Werlein, where he was an IT specialist scheduling video appointments for the consumers with doctors in 12 clinics as well as answering IT support calls. His calls always ended with a “God bless you.” Larry was a passionate Patriot that lived the conservative values of God and Country. Several friends asked if Larry voted before he passed October 21. Larry was a serious WWII history buff and he researched and honored Diane’s father, Daniel Dryden Rees, who was a 101st Airborne paratrooper who jumped in Normandy D-Day. It was Larry’s true delight to instill these values with great love to his grandson, Robert Ullrich, who lives with Diane and Larry.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, David and Helen Ullrich; wife, Carol Ullrich; infant sons, Robert and Lawrence Ullrich; and brother, Stephen Ullrich.

Larry is survived by his wife, Diane Ullrich; son, John Michael Ullrich and wife Kimberly; grandchildren, Brandon, Jason, Jonathon, Jordan, Janelle, Robert and Stephen; great-grandchildren, Jason, Madison, Austin, Brooklyn, Julian, Scarlett, Asher and Benjamin Parker; brothers, Fr. David Ullrich, O.M.I., Louis Ullrich and wife Judy, Edward Ullrich and wife Mary; sisters, Margaret “Missy” Cochran and husband Tom, Collette Orlandi and husband Jack, Teresa Wirtz and husband Dick; sister-in-law, Danelle Bocock and husband Bob. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Larry’s extraordinary characteristics included trust, acceptance, compassion and love for family and friends. He was a man that loved life, his travels, his religion, his work ethic and his Notre Dame football team.

We should all learn from his example of how to live life.

Funeral services for Larry will be at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kerrville, Texas, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, with the Rosary beginning at 10 a.m., with the Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m.; a reception will immediately follow at Impact Christian Fellowship, located in the Fellowship Hall at 2031 Goat Creek Road. A graveside service will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 11 a.m.

Larry, today we are here to celebrate your life and your legacy. Our love and devotion we send with you to your heavenly home.

Please consider a memorial to one of Larry’s favorite charities: The Pregnancy Resource Center of Kerrville, 830-315-4541; Casa de Soza, 830-370-2271; or Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in Kendalia, http://www.wildlife-rescue.org/donate.

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kerrville Funeral Home, 830-895-5111.