Thomas Ulrath

Thomas Albert Ulrath, 80, of Bridgman passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.

At the request of Mr. Ulrath, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held 11 AM Friday, August 22 at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman. Friends may meet with the family from 10 AM until the time of the service on Friday. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Berrien County Cancer Service or Bridgman American Legion Post 331.

Tom was born August 21, 1927 in Toquin, Michigan the son of the late Albert and Lucille (Copper) Ulrath. He served in the US Army during WWII and was a member of the Bridgman American Legion Post 331. On November 13, 1948 he married the former Beverly Smith. Tom was a truck driver and worked for Harris Trucking in Benton Harbor, retiring in 1987. He and his wife spent their winters in Florida. Tom loved to be outside working in the garden or yard. He also enjoyed woodworking and made wooden rocking horses for his children and grandkids. Most of all, Tom loved spending time with his family and grandkids.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Beverly; seven children – David (Carolyn) Ulrath of Heath Springs, South Carolina, Ruth Ann (Floyd) Kosinsky of Plant City, Florida, Deborah Ulrath of New Orleans, Linda (Salvatore) Pitino of Holiday, Florida, Patricia (Scott) Richerson of Bridgman, Gary (Sheila) Ulrath of Bridgman, and Joanne (Ken) Grantham of Otsego; 15 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and two sisters – Mary (Pete) Doyle of Malibu, California and Bonnetia (Stan) LaFountain of Paw Paw.

Tom was also preceded in death by a grandson, Nicholas.