Larry W. Ulrich, 87, of West Point, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hillside Villa in West Point, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s. Funeral Mass will be 10:30am on Thursday, March 26 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point with Rev. James Weeder as celebrant.  Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the Nielsen Community Center. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00pm at St. Boniface Catholic Church at Monterey. Memorials may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Endowment, St. Joseph’s Elder Services Foundation, or Guardian Angels Central Catholic Endowment.  Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

Larry was born on December 17, 1938, to Joe and Eleanor (Baumert) Ulrich on the family farm near West Point. He attended St. Boniface Catholic School at Monterey for his elementary years and graduated from Guardian Angels High School in 1956. After high school, Larry returned to the farm, working alongside his father to continue the Ulrich family farming tradition while also serving in the Army Reserves.

During that time Larry began courting a Dodge girl, Janet Parr. The two were married on January 7, 1961, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Dodge, with Monsignor Roman Ulrich officiating the ceremony. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. Over the next ten years, they welcomed four children: Jean, Barb, Mary Lynn, and Tim.

Farming and cattle feeding were Larry’s lifelong passions. The family operation eventually became Ulrich Cattle, built in partnership with his son-in-law, David Guenther. Larry was deeply involved in 4-H, serving on the Cuming County Extension Board and staying active in the beef program. He found joy in the traditions that came with it: annual calf-buying trips, cattle sales, and the countless hours spent preparing calves with his kids. The county fair and Aksarben brought plenty of joy—and yes, a little blood, sweat, and a few tears—as all of the Ulrich kids showed calves.

Larry’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted Catholic, attending morning Mass, serving as a lector, and participating in Christians Encounter Christ (CEC). Larry was a longtime member of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

Above all, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. He loved picking up the grandkids from school and stopping at Chef’s Corner for an ice cream treat—something he may have enjoyed just as much (or more) than the kids. He cherished attending many sporting events and playing cards with his grandchildren (somehow, Grandpa always won). He and Jan also made many trips across Nebraska to visit Colorado kids.

Larry and Jan shared 65 years of marriage—a remarkable milestone that speaks for itself. Together, they enjoyed traveling and meeting new friends, while also spending time with their forever friends, who were often found gathered around a card table. Larry especially looked forward to happy hour with his cronies, his Wednesday card group that stayed with him over the years, and farm drives to check on “the guys,” often alongside his good friend Hal Wagner.

Even in his final chapter, Larry’s spirit for life remained. He and his beloved Jan were able to share one last special date night—a Valentine’s supper with steak and wine at the Villa, which felt only fitting for a lifelong cattleman.

He will be remembered most for the life he built, the family he loved, and the many memories made along the way.

Larry is survived by his wife, Jan (Parr) Ulrich of West Point; his children, Jean Guenther and her children, Adam (Hannah) Guenther and Caitlyn (Cody) Eiler; Barb (Joe) Franzluebbers and their children, Jacob Franzluebbers, Chelsea (Taylor) Werner, and Marissa (Jake) Werner; Mary Lynn (Mike) Baird and their children, Hannah (Nate) McCabe, Madi (Christian) Hoelsken, and Landon Baird; and Tim (Michelle) Ulrich and their children, Jami (Zach) Krenk, Sam Ulrich, and Ben Ulrich; along with 16 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Diane (Tom) Carlson and MaryAnn (Duane) Klabunde; his sister-in-law, Joan Brune; his brother-in-law, Art (Dorothy) Parr; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, David Guenther; his parents, Joe and Eleanor Ulrich; his in-laws, Henry and Emma Parr; and his brother, Mel Ulrich.