Whitney John Ulrich's Obituary
Whitney "Whit" John Ulrich, of Ojai, CA entered his eternal home in Heaven on March 29th, 2023.Born on November 15th, 1931 in Boise, ID, Whit spent most of his childhood growing up in El Sobrante, CA. After graduating from Concordia Lutheran High School in Oakland, CA, Whit signed a contract to play baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals organization. In 1952, Whit was in his third year of playing Minor League baseball and having a breakout season as a Pitcher for the Columbus Cardinals of Columbus, GA, when he received a draft notice to join the U.S. Army in the midst of the Korean Conflict. As a member of the 3rd Infantry Division, Whit served in Special Services and later as a Radio Operator.After returning home from the Army, Whit, met Kathryn "Kay" Wagner, of North Hollywood, CA. The two were married in 1957. In 1959, Whit graduated from UCLA, majoring in Physical Education. Kay and Whit, then moved to Ojai, CA, in 1960, where Whit took a job as an English and PhyEd teacher at Matilija Junior High School. After retiring from teaching in 1991, Whit enjoyed working at Soule Park Golf Course where he had many friends.Whit loved working in his orchard on Rice Rd. and to share fruit with friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed travelling, watching and playing sports; as well as spending time with wife of 65 years, Kay, and with his children and grandchildren. Whit was also a firm believer in his Savior from sin, Jesus Christ. He was a dedicated member of Wayfarer's Lutheran Chapel of Ventura and later Fillmore, CA.Whit was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and his brothers, Alfred and Leslie. He is survived by his wife, Kay; by children, Andy, Edie, Tom, and Luke (wife Rachel); by grandchildren Richard, Aaron, Jared, Hailey, Whitney, Sophia, Max, & Iggy. Whit's family extends their deep gratitude to dear friends and caretakers, Sunday and Rosie, and all at Assisted Hospice Care of Ventura; the faithful shepherding of Pr. Les Lanier; the friendships and fellowship they cherished with the people at Wayfarer's Lutheran Chapel, as well as Ojai friends and neighbors, and many former students and colleagues who have reconnected with Whit in the past years.All are invited to attend a Memorial Service & Luncheon at Wayfarer's Chapel in Fillmore, CA, on Sunday, April 2nd, at 9:30am. A Burial Service, will be held on Monday, April 2nd, at 11am, at Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura, CA-officiated by Pr. Les Lanier of Wayfarer's Lutheran Chapel.Any who wish to express condolences to the family are invited to an Open House at the Ulrich home on Sunday, April 2nd, from 3-5pm. Call/Text (805) 910-9022 for address.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Whit's name to Bethany Lutheran College of Mankato, MN at blc.edu/donate; Wayfarer's Chapel of Fillmore, CA; or Help of Ojai at helpofojai.org/donate. Blessed be his memory!
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