William "Bill" Charles Ulrich

William "Bill" Charles Ulrich, 85, of Cedar Falls, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Waterloo. He was born in Mankato, Minnesota, on May 3, 1940, the son of Charles Kennedy and Ethel May (Davis) Ulrich. Bill grew up on the family farm in Lake Crystal, MN, and graduated from Rapidan High School in 1958. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Bill was an excellent basketball player in high school. Wearing #10, he caught Doreen's attention during one of his games and she had to meet him. On December 22, 1962, Bill and Doreen were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in North Mankato, MN. The two started their family together in Minnesota where Bill worked for Kraft Foods in New Ulm, MN, and then UPS in Mankato. In 1970, they moved their family to McPherson, KS, to operate a Happy Chef Restaurant. Two years later, Bill and Doreen relocated to Cedar Falls where they started their first Happy Chef franchise, eventually opening locations in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Tama and Oskaloosa.

Bill had an amazing work ethic and loved to stay busy. He enjoyed yard work, flowers, golf, and was a huge sports fan, especially all the Minnesota teams including the Vikings, Twins, and Gophers.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doreen Ulrich; four children, Todd (Mar'ee) Ulrich, Robin (Thomas) Vishnefski, Dawn Ulrich and Tami Ulrich; five grandchildren, Justin (Lindsey) Hess, Meghan (Tyler) Pingle, Ashley (Ally Drake) Ulrich, Aaron Ulrich and Blake (Paige) Christensen; five great-grandchildren, Blair, Reya and Demi Pingle, and Hudson and Logan Hess. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bill's family for future designation. Please visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.