Ernest Ulrey

ERNEST ULREY, 88, of Kewadin, died Monday, September 22, 2008 with his wife and family at his side following a 3 month courageous struggle to return home after a serious injury. Ernie was born November 5, 1919 to Melvin and Mary Ulrey in Martinsville, Ill. He married Barbara (Johnson) on September 3, 1949 and they made their home in Ann Arbor. Ernie was a Forman at Buhr machine and Tool (later called Bendix and Honeywell) in Ann Arbor. His job also gave him the opportunity to work in Germany, Italy, and Belgium. He retired in 1976 and moved to Torch Lake where he designed and built his dream home. Ernie was a highly decorated World War II Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient. After the war he pursued his dream of becoming a pilot though he later gave this up to raise his family. Ernie was a devoted husband and father who always put his family first and demonstrated endless patience with his children and grandchildren. He was a man who could design, build, and fix anything and was always willing to step in and help his children, friends and neighbors with any project that required his vast skills and expertise. He was a modest man who accomplished many things quietly, took satisfaction in a job well done and never gave up. We will miss him every day and always will. Ernie is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Barbara, his son Gordon (Marie) Ulrey of Georgia, his daughter Pam Ulrey of Kewadin, his daughter Nancy (Tom) Hahnenberg of Traverse City, daughter-in-law Sue Ulrey of Ann Arbor, 4 grandchildren, Jennifer (Rusty) Law, Scott Ulrey, Frank Hahnenberg, Tim (Jennifer) Hahnenberg and one great grandchild, Abbigail Hahnenberg. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Ken, in January 2007. Memorial services will be private, per Ernie's wishes. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com