Ronald Walter Ulmer

Ronald Walter Ulmer, died Tuesday, Sept. 13, in his home in River Park after a long fight against cancer. Ron spent his career in state government as an employee of the California departments of Transportation and Health and Human Services.

Most recently, he devoted years of service to the state nutritional program known as Women, Infants and Children. Even after his official retirement as a manager at WIC in 2002, he returned to the program to focus his energy on the development of training videos and public service announcements encouraging good nutrition for infants and mothers.

Born April 14, 1939, the eldest son of Walter Ulmer and Fern Belveal Ulmer in French Camp, California. He spent his childhood in Stockton, graduating from what was then known as Stockton College High School.

He served in the California Air National Guard reserve and attended classes at California State University, Sacramento.

In 1962, he married Jeanine Benedix, of Escalon, who preceded him in death. They had two children, Aaron and Polly.

Ron enjoyed a long interest in technology and astronomy. He constructed an observatory in his backyard in River Park and installed a telescope equipped with an astro-video camera he was able to control from inside his house..

Ron is survived by Janet Ulmer, his wife of 26 years, by his son, Aaron and daughter Polly, both of Sacramento, and stepchildren Margaret Allison of Sacramento and John Cox of New York. Survivors also include six grandchildren, Scott Gaskill, Marina Ulmer, Jacob and Justin Williams, Micaela Landeros and Teri Linggi. And, two great-grandchildren, Marcos and Jim. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Ulmer, of Lodi, and sister Diane, of Oakdale. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Patrick.

Services, under the auspices of Lombard & Co. Funeral Directors, will be at 11 a.m.Sunday, September 18 at Home of Peace Cemetery, 6200 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento.