Gordon Leland Ulrich, 70, Iola, passed away Friday, June 19, 2015, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan.
Gordon was born April 10, 1945, in Iola, the son of Leland Herschel and Genevieve Arlene (Fleischman) Ulrich. He grew up in Iola and graduated from Iola High School in 1963. While Gordon was attending Emporia State University his father suffered a heart attack and he returned to Iola to help run the family business, Ulrich Furniture, which has been in continuous operation in Iola for 80 years. On Nov. 16, 1965, Gordon married Gloria Jean Blohm in Iola, and they have always made their home here.
Gordon was an Eagle Scout and coached his children’s teams as they were growing up. He was an avid KU fan and enjoyed following all of his grandkids’ sporting events. He loved to dicker and tease his customers, family and friends and was known as a practical jokester. Gordon also enjoyed yard work — even though he complained about it!
Survivors are his wife of almost 50 years, Gloria Jean Ulrich of the home; two children, Lori Moore and husband, Kris, Iola, and Brek Ulrich and wife, Elizabeth, Iola; seven grandchildren, Kyra and Piper Moore, Ben Stewart, Jackson Ulrich, Logan Ulrich, Reagan Hill and Mason Key; two great-grandchildren, Addison and Harper Hill; one sister-in-law, Emily Ulrich, Isle of Palms, S.C.; three nieces, Lara Goldman of San Francisco, Calif., Sonya Fischer, Durham, N.C., and Stacy Ulrich, Boston, Mass.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Donald Leland Ulrich; his parents, and his brother, Jerry Lee Ulrich.
Cremation has taken place.
Celebration of life visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at Waugh-Yokum and Friskel Chapel in Iola.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Allen County Aces Volleyball Club or Iola Soccer Club. Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum and Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
Gordon Ulrich
