Richard "Rick" Lloyd Ulfers was a husband, father, brother, uncle, and son. He was a veteran. He was a collector. He was a hard worker. He was an honest man. He was a provider. He was a friend. He was taken from this world all too soon. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of March 13, 2021.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Darlene Marie Bergman of Iowa (October 26, 1999), father, Wendell John Ulfers of Iowa (May 21, 1970) and brother John Ulfers of Iowa (April 9, 2007). He was also preceded by the love of his life, Karen Loker of Tennessee (April 19, 2015), his wife of nearly 44 years. They had four children, Carrie Anderson married to Dana Anderson with four children Austin, Cheyenne, Cody and Chloe; Sherrie Thompson with 4 children Margo, Shelby, Cara and Shawn; Michael Ulfers married to Malissa Ulfers and three children Angela, Kaitlyn and Brayden; and Crissie Sweitzer married to Rusty Sweitzer and four children Hayley, Dakota, Holly and Dallas. He had 8 (plus one on the way) great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Bonnie Wiederkehr and husband Richard and children Robert, Joe, Nick, Cassie and Megan; sister  Anita Echelberry and husband Jerry and children Nathan and Raymond: and brother Randy Ulfers and wife Brenda; and children of John Ulfers, Michelle, Wendell and Jennifer.

He served in the US Navy for 23 years active duty and another 7 years in the reserves. He served on several ships including USS Outagamie County, USS Deluth, USS Brooke and USS Schenectady City. He was a veteran of the Vietnam and Gulf wars.  He worked for 27 years as an ag diesel mechanic at various farms in Central California, working over 20 years at Excelsior Farms of Hanford.
He suffered a massive heart attack in 2008 and had triple bypass surgery. He had end stage COPD, emphysema and congestive heart failure. This last year his health had shown vast improvements and he was still hopeful to return to work as an ag diesel mechanic. He walked daily and loved to color. He was a hard-working man that was fulfilled by caring for the people he loved.. He loved his family and was a very proud father and grandfather and great-grandfather. He was the guy you couldn't help but like and want to be friends with. He was a blessing and inspiration to all that had the privilege of knowing him. He was loved immensely and will be missed more than words can say.

There will be a Celebration of Life on April 10, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 726 E D Street, Lemoore CA 93245

A potluck gathering will immediately follow at the family's home. All are welcome to join.