Steven R. Ulrich

Steven Roy Ulrich, age 53, of Hawley, Minnesota, passed away peacefully under the care of hospice at Essentia Hospital – Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes on July 4, 2025.

Steve was born on November 19, 1971, at the Army hospital at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to Roy and Susan (Lemke) Ulrich. In his early years, the family moved frequently before settling in Virginia, Minnesota. He attended elementary school in Virginia and was confirmed in his faith at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. He went on to graduate from Virginia High School.

Steve found comfort and joy in the outdoors and especially loved spending time in the woods hunting birds with his dog, Spooky. He cherished the peacefulness and serenity of being among the pine trees—moments that brought him a quiet kind of happiness.

After a near-drowning experience, Steve’s best friend taught him how to swim—an act that would shape his life in meaningful ways. He went on to join the high school swim team and spent time teaching special needs children how to swim, something he looked back on with deep fondness and pride.

During high school, Steve began working at the Village Inn in Virginia, MN. His work ethic, leadership, and dedication eventually led him to become the general manager of the Village Inn in Moorhead, MN. He poured his heart and soul into building a strong, supportive team—earning corporate recognition for having the lowest turnover rate in the country, an accomplishment he took great pride in. Many of his team members and regular customers became lifelong friends and an extended family.

It was at the Moorhead Village Inn where Steve met the love of his life, Nicki. They were married on October 25, 2003, and together raised their son, Austin, born in 1996. In 2020, Steve became a proud grandfather to Ava, who brought boundless joy to his life. His family was his world.

Steve is survived by his wife, Nicki Ulrich; son, Austin Ulrich; and granddaughter, Ava Ulrich. He is also survived by his mother, Susan Ulrich; sister, Julie (Barry) Reigstad; brother, Gerry Ulrich; mother-in-law, Patricia (Tim) Larson; father-in-law, Gary Thorson; brothers-in-law, Jarid (Darcy) Thorson and Justin Glass; nephews, Tyler Ulrich, Gavin Ulrich, RJ Reigstad, Tyler Thorson, Brandt Thorson, Karson Glass, and Kacey Glass; and nieces Alyssa (Maverick) Delaney, Erica (Brandt) Smith and Megan Reigstad. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Ulrich, and sister-in-law, Kali Glass.

Steve will be remembered for his kindness, determination, sense of humor, and deep love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

A visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13 at Lysne Lutheran Church. Interment will take place at Lysne Cemetery immediately following the service.