When someone thinks of Ulrich (Rick) Huemmerich, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person who’s also kind, caring and funny. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of humility with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional morals and integrity, he was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Ulrich knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his family.
Ulrich was born on December 16, 1944 in his childhood home in Bonefeld, Germany. His parents were Werner and Johanna Huemmerich. Ulrich was raised with two younger siblings, a brother Achim, and sister, Gisela. As a young boy, Ulrich enjoyed playing soccer, motorcycling, and skiing.
For two years Ulrich served in the German Army. His belief in the principles of discipline and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life. He moved to the United States in 1969 while installing machinery at several Steel Mills. His daughter Gisela was born in 1971.
Ulrich met the love of his life in 1978. They met at a Saint Patricks Day Party at a club called Penn Station. Both of them had to make several attempts to find the location and nearly gave up. But as faith would have it, they were brought together. He said he knew when he first met her that he would marry her. On September 25, 1981, Ulrich exchanged wedding vows with Karen Jean Cholette at the St. Marks Lutheran Church of Riverview, Michigan. Throughout their near forty years together, his strong love and concern for her well-being never failed. This marriage also made Ulrich a father to Karen’s two sons, Cole and Adam. Deeply concerned for their development as they grew up, Ulrich maintained a firm hand in his children’s upbringing, and was exceedingly proud to watch them develop into upstanding adults. They later blessed him and Karen with six grandchildren: Madison, Katie, Desiree, Brittney, Jessica and Alex.
An avid motorcyclist, Ulrich enjoyed taking long adventures on his bikes. In 1981 he rode thousands of miles from Michigan to Alaska, when most of the Alaska Highway was still unpaved. Yellowstone Park, Monument Park, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Death Valley, were some of his other favorite adventure destinations. He also enjoyed going back home to Germany to visit his family and old friends.
His greatest passion was collecting and restoring Vintage BMW Motorcycles. Through the years, Ulrich received many “prestigious awards” for his impeccable restorations. He also frequented many motorcycle rallies around the country where he would participate in bike shows, both as a judge and as a contestant.
His home’s slightly inclined driveway made it somewhat problematic to maneuver a motorcycle with a sidecar, which triggered an idea…he needed a transmission with a reverse gear. There was nothing available on the market, so in the early 90’s Ulrich created it! His sidecar with reverse gear always drew a lot of interest and even won the most technological award at the "Hocking Valley Vintage Rally" in 1997. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastime, share a story or drink a few beers, but was also willing to share his interests and knowledge with others. He wrote many informative articles for various motorcycle and BMW Club magazines.
A very hard worker, Ulrich was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was a natural leader, with an extensive education, and well respected among his peers. In both his personal and professional lives, Ulrich upheld his standards of excellence. His primary occupation was as a Technical Engineer. He was employed for thirty six years by General Motors Corporation, Cadillac Division. Ulrich’s retirement finally arrived in 2004. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada from Michigan. There he enjoyed his new found leisure time and appreciated the extra hours he was able to devote to his restoration work.
Beginning in the late summer of 2017, Ulrich fought a brave battle against Mesothelioma, Cancer. He passed away peacefully on May 31, 2018 at 9:50 PM at Nathan Adelson Hospice, in Las Vegas, Nevada, with his wife by his side. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary, in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 6, 2018, where he was laid to rest.
Survived by his wife Karen, his children, Gisela, Cole, and Adam Cole, his six grandchildren, Madison, Katie, Desiree, Brittney, Jessica and Alex, his brother Achim, sister Gisela, brother in law, Gundi Franz, daughter in law, Lora Cole and son in law, John Thielbar. Ulrich’s memory will continue to be cherished by his family and many dear friends, both in the United States and Germany.
All who knew him would agree that Ulrich lived his life to the fullest with his feet firmly on the ground, always ready for an adventure and a good ride. He will be sadly missed forever and always.
