Richard “Rick” Ullrey, 74, of Cascade, MI, died of heart failure and cancer treatments on Saturday April 18, 2026, in Grand Rapids, MI.
He was born on December 14, 1951, to John and Eloise Ullrey in Gobles, MI. Rick attended Western Michigan University and went on to work as a CPA.
On August 19, 1972, Rick married his wife Nancy née Gettys, and together they have 53 years of marriage. Rick was known for his Christian faith, creative ideas, engaging conversations, and ability to fix anything. He loved hosting friends and family at the cottage on the weekends, and geezer coffee Tuesday mornings.
Rick is survived by his wife Nancy, children Aaron Ullrey (Erin Anderson), Seth Ullrey (Samantha Roslund), and Grace O’Connor (Justin O’Connor); grandchildren Finn Roslund-Ullrey, Lee Roslund-Ullrey, and Andrew O’Connor; siblings Larry Ullrey, Susan Akey, Jack Ullrey (Marsha), and Jane Starr, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Especially missed by Dale Sonke and Drucilla Stiver, and Lee VandeBunte.
He was preceded in death by parents John and Eloise Ullrey, son John Ullrey, and brother David Ullrey.
Visitations will be Thursday, April 23 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at O’Brien Eggebeen Gerst Funeral home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 24 at 10:30am, with visitation at 10:00am, at Thornapple Community Church, 3260 Thornapple River Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with luncheon.
Robinson Cemetery in Gobles, MI.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Versiti Blood Center, 1036 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
6 Responses
I am going to mis his “Hey” and big cherry smile whenever we saw he other. Cherish the times growing up with as a mentor.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy and your family. I am so thankful for Rick’s work with the food bank as well as your years of wonderful service. My God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Nancy you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be your help and guide at this time. Rick was a wonderful ma, full of fun and joy. He will be greatly missed by you and your beautiful family.
Much love, Lynn and Charleen 🙏
Nancy you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be your help and guide at this time. Rick was a wonderful ma, full of fun and joy. He will be greatly missed by you and your beautiful family.
Much love, Lynn and Charleen 🙏
Nancy you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be your help and guide at this time. Rick was a wonderful ma, full of fun and joy. He will be greatly missed by you and your beautiful family.
Much love, Lynn and Charleen 🙏
Rick was an Ullrey patriarch who valued family and took the lead at family reunions for many decades. I will never forget Rick’s kindness, levity, and the importance he put on spirituality and family legacy. I will miss him very much. Our prayers are with Nancy, their children, grand-children, his siblings, and friends. Love Nate T