Vivian Amelia Ulrich, age 92, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on September 17, 2026, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie.
Vivian was born on May 9, 1934, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Zula (Unger) Bader. She graduated from Nicollet High School and was united in marriage to Harold Ulrich on July 28, 1956, in Courtland, Minnesota. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and community.
Throughout her life, Vivian was employed by the University of Minnesota and Blooming Prairie Utilities. She also worked as a secretary for Dr. Nealy in Blooming Prairie, and Josten's in Owatonna. She enjoyed lining up travel for many through her travel agency. Vivian was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie and dedicated many hours of service to her community. She served as a Girl Scout troop leader, worked as an EMT, and participated in the Steele County Wildflower Route Committee in Steele County.
Family was the center of Vivian's world. She cherished attending the activities, sporting events, and milestones of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing bingo, cards, bridge, and 500 with loved ones and she especially loved gathering family together for meals and celebrations. Vivian was well known for her famous potato salad, a recipe she guarded closely, and never gave away. She and Harold were loyal supporters of the Minnesota Gophers, holding football season tickets for 37 years. She also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, entertaining family and friends, and playing Farkle with her grandchildren.
Vivian is survived by her husband, Harold Ulrich of Blooming Prairie; children, Barb Cenci, Steve (Barb Winfield) Ulrich, Peter (Patty) Ulrich, Scott (Diane) Ulrich, and Sue (Keith Marthaler) Cook; grandchildren, Angela (Shawn), Jared (Allison), Mike (Maggie), Matt (Amelia), Ben (Jenn), Sarah (Matt), Holly (Phil), Cory (Maggie), Kristine, Adam (Kristin), Lindsey (Jeff), Stephanie (Jake), Alex (Taylor), Zachary (Brianna), and Megan (Luke); 28 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way; sister, Shirley (Doug); sister-in-law, Susie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Davey; siblings, Herb, Ione, and Darlene, and numerous in-laws.
A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with burial to follow at Blooming Prairie City Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Blooming Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.
