In Memory

Ulrich Thrams

Ulrich Thrams



 
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08/28/17 07:18 AM #1    

Dave Mann

Bradford High School
Class Of 1963
 
 

Ulrich Thrams

 

 

 

Ulrich Gunter "Ole" Thrams

Ole was the son of the late Arno and Herta Thrams. Born on Sept. 18, 1944, in Schwanis, East Prussia Germany. He immigrated with his parents and sister to Kenosha, Wis., on Jan. 10, 1957, becoming a U.S. citizen on Sept. 2, 1964. 

After graduating from Mary D. Bradford in 1963, he married the love of his life Janet Shipton on June 12, 1965, making their home in Kenosha. Ole joined the Kenosha Police Department on April 1, 1967, and pursued his Associate Degree in Police Science at Gateway Technical College graduating in 1970. He was the first Canine Handler for the Kenosha Police Department working with his Canine Partner until Prince was retired at the age of 12. Ole served as a Lieutenant until his retirement in July of 1995. 

After his "bride" retired in September of 2003 they moved to Augusta, Wis., where Ole enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending precious time with family and friends. He was an active member of the Augusta Lions Club. 

Ole is survived by his loving wife, Janet; three children, Rob (Donna) Thrams, Debra (Dale) Puckett, Denise Thrams; seven grandchildren, Laura Marano, Amanda Cairo, Stephen Puckett, Shane Puckett, Tiffany Feuker, Nathanial Thrams, Brandon Thrams; four great grandchildren, Kayden Lewis, Arya Vesterfelt, Hailey and Hanna Marano; sister Brigitte (Ken) Pfeiffer, Chandler, Ariz.; and niece Jodie (Harold) Hamblin, Queen Creek, Ariz.

Ole was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law Ruth Shipton; sister-in-law Judy Hartman; brother-in-law Bill Hartman; niece Valerie Anderson; and nephew Steven Pfeiffer.

If you knew Ole you know what a sense of humor he had. He told Jan that when writing his obituary it should only read… Ole Died..Boat and ATV for Sale… It's here as promised. 

Per Ole's request, service will be private. 

Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com.



http://www.bradfordclassof1963.com/ 
 
   
   
 



08/30/17 09:34 PM #2    

Frank Nedry

I first met Ulrich ( we called him "Ole" ) towards the end of my sixth grade year at Grant School. Here was this husky German kid who couldn't speak a word of English and all I could think was how is THIS going to work? He had a quick smile and a quirky sense of humor very similar to my own and we soon became friends. I taught him his first English words and my brother and I introduced him to baseball and basketball and Ulrich showed us how to play soccer. We included him in our neighborhood kids activities whenever we could and along with the remedial English classes he took after school he became one of the guys. 

    All through Junior High and High School we would see each other and just stop and say hello with well wishes and smiles. I went on to college and then moved to Washington, DC but I would see Ulrich each summer when I was home on vacation in Kenosha and I called him through the years to catch up on our lives. 

    About two years ago I was able to get together with him and his lovely wife for lunch at a southside Kenosha restaurant and we were sure glad to see each other. We talked for almost two hours and the conversation boiled down to one thing.... mutual respect. My respect for him that a young German boy who couldn't speak English could, with just a little help and encouragement, not only succeed but flourish in America and his respect for me that a complete stranger would take the time and trouble to help him become comfortable in his new country. At the end of the meal we gave each other a big hug as we said our goodbyes. 

    As I drove up Sheridan Road  I had tears in my eyes thinking this might be the last time that we would see each other. And so it was.

    Today I celebrate a life, a life well lived. A life of accomplishment, family and friends and of service to his community and I'm proud to be one of those friends. More than anything else he wanted to be an American and to that I say.... Ole...Job Well Done!

                                                                                    Frank A. Nedry

    

    


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