Donald M. Ulm

 Donald M. “Bear” Ulm, 89, a resident of Fairfield, passed away, Monday, June 17, 2024 at Addington Place in Fairfield.

 Don’s choice for his service was to have a party with food and music. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Walton Club in Fairfield. Please dress casually. Iowa State and Chicago Cubs attire are welcomed. Private burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Compassus, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, or Evergreen Cemetery. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements. 

 Don was born July 9, 1934 in Des Moines, the son of Maynard and Merna (Ballard) Ulm. In 1951, Burlington High School won the state championship in football, Don, #81, played tight end. He attended Iowa State University, where he played football for two years. After college he enlisted in the United States Navy as a fire control technician, Class C, in March 1956. Don married Norma Lee Drew, August 19, 1955 in Ft. Madison. She preceded him in death December 28, 2009.

 Don’s father, Maynard, bought Van's Grocery in 1952 and changed the name to Mayn's Grocery in 1967. Don became owner in 1976 and operated the store until it closed in August 1990. He worked for Hayes Auction Service until his retirement. 

Don was known as “Bear” for most of his life in Fairfield. He always had a big smile and bear hugs for anyone that would stand still long enough. Don was a member of the Elks Lodge, a volunteer fireman, and served on the Walton Club board. He enjoyed playing golf, cards, and watching football and basketball. Don was an avid Iowa State Cyclone fan. 

 Those left to honor his memory include his daughters, Luann D. Ulm (Leland) Camp, Debra Kay (Lance) Hampton, and Janette (Dennis) Miller; sister, Karla Ferrel; grandchildren Ryan (Sabrina) Kurka, Lee (Kathy) Kurka, Mallory (Dylan) Knudsen, Jessie (Dave) Dunn, Corey (Ryan) Thomeczek, Sarah (Bret) Parrigon, Kelsey (Derek) Spooner, Kyle (Lexi Greathouse) Hampton, Crystal McCabe, Denny (Andreana) Miller; 17 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Ulm; brother-in-law, Vic Ferrel; grandson, Shae McCabe; in-laws, Walt and Dorothy McKeehan, and Virginia and Kenny Freitag; two nieces, two nephews, and one great-nephew. Bear will be deeply missed.