Charles Lee Ulrey

Charlie Ulrey passed away at the young age of 83 years. Born in Dearborn, Michigan and raised on a farm in Leslie, Michigan, Charlie inhaled so much dirt in his lungs from farming, he figured joining the Navy with fresh, clean sea air was a great way to clear out his lungs. Unfortunately, his ship, “The Ticonderoga” was filled with asbestos and it was mesothelioma that got him in the end. “Darn it” he used to say, “I knew I should have joined the Air Force.”

Charlie retired as an engineer from Eaton Corporation. In retirement, he was a handyman for family and friends and many at his local church.

As a true Believer in Jesus, before entering the kingdom of Heaven, Charlie forged a trail of wisdom, generosity and collected a whole lot of stuff that we are still trying to figure out what it is and what it could be used for.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Brenda (Robinson) married for 53 years and his three kids, Chris, Amy and Jeff along with many others he mentored.

I’m sure his friends would agree he was the smartest man they knew. There was nothing he couldn’t build or fix. He generously gave of his time and talents. Charlie was the original MacGyver as he could fix anything with a paper clip and a nail file.

Preceding Charlie in death is everyone that passed before him, including his pets, Buddy, Buddy and Buddy. Some of his ashes will be spread under his favorite cherry tree he planted.

Services will be held at the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean where his ship had once sailed. Transportation will not be provided.

If you have a story about Charlie or would like to send condolences, please send to…bulrey@icloud.com. Charitable donations can be sent to Daystar.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27N, Marshall, MI 49068. To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook, or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com