Eugene Field Ullrich Jr.

As anyone who knew him would expect, he fought hard every step of the way. But at the end, Eugene F. Ullrich, Jr. (Gene) left us peacefully on Friday April 15, 2022. He was 95 years old.

Born in Chicago, Ill. in 1926 to Eugene F. Ullrich, Sr. and Margaret P. Ullrich (née Lynch); a child of the Great Depression and graduate of Senn High School in the city’s Edgewater neighborhood; an Army Air Corps veteran who served his country proudly; a nononsense blue-collar guy with an incredible work ethic, who through grit and determination built a successful white-collar career, retiring from Application Engineering Corporation in 1988; a man of great faith and generous friend of the Catholic church; a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend - Gene always put his family first.

Within his family, Gene was the last of those from the Greatest Generation by a wide margin. He experienced many hardships, but he was fortunate to live a very full and happy life. For 49 of his 95 years, Gene was married to the love of his life, Aileen. He knew that made him the luckiest man alive and he never took it for granted. He loved his children, grandchildren and extended family very much. At the same time, a large part of him had spent the past 22 years, patiently waiting to be with his bride again.

While Gene could be stubborn, he was also the wisest, most perceptive person his children knew. They will greatly miss their talks with him.

Gene had a number of years of declining health. This past year in particular was very hard on him. His family is incredibly grateful to the many healthcare professionals who have cared for him over the years. He had some truly amazing people looking out for him, providing exceptional care every step of the way.

The family writes: “We hope there is a beautiful Northwoods lake there where you are now with great walleye fishing. We hope that you, mom and the whole gang are all together again, and partying like it’s 1979. Rest easy now dad. We love you and miss you already.”

Eugene was preceded in death by his beloved and devoted wife of 49 years, Aileen D. Ullrich (née Hughes). He is survived by his loving children, Julie Quiroz and Eugene G. (Moira) Ullrich; grandchildren, Brian, Kate, Caroline, Aileen and Patrick; and great-grandchildren Justin, Zachary and Owen. He was uncle and great uncle to many.

A visitation for Eugene will be held from 3:00pm until 7:00pm on Friday April 22, 2022 at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 West Main Street, Barrington, Ill. 60010. A second visitation will take place the following morning, Saturday April 23, from 9:00am until the time of mass at 10:00am at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 316 W. Mill St, Wauconda, Ill. 60084. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Illinois AMVETS at ilamvets.org.