Taylor Michael Ullrich

Taylor was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to Fred and Patricia (Oxley) Ullrich on May 7, 1984. His mother describes him as a joyous, curious, self-assured, loyal, loving, and inclusive child. His father remembers him as confident, entertaining, helpful, determined, and gentle. He adored following his older brother Mason around and trying to do everything he did, with a level of self-confidence that often exceeded his physical ability as the younger child, and occasionally led to injuries. He enjoyed participating in Boy Scouts, basketball, soccer, softball, clog dancing, and playing the piano.

During his high school years at Lincoln East, he was active in choir and drama, and starred in numerous plays and musicals. He continued his love of music at Nebraska Wesleyan University, studying musical education. His studies took him all over the country and even internationally for performances. He was fortunate to build lifelong friendships with a wonderful group of fellow music lovers that continue to bring his family happiness and comfort.

While at NWU, he felt called to pause his studies to serve his country. As a Sergeant in the United States Army, Taylor had a profound impact on the lives of so many. Having served deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Taylor’s dedication and service to his country is best expressed through the words and memories of the men and women who served by his side; in recent days, they have shared and used the following words: selfless, bold, hard-working, amazing mentor, remarkable soldier, caring, tough, incredible friend, brother, and as one soldier simply put, “Taylor was the battle buddy you always wanted.”

After serving in the army for nine years, he sought jobs that would allow him to continue helping others. He worked in a treatment center for troubled teens, and as an immigration officer assisting immigrants seeking citizenship. Most recently, he was an Associate Director at Parkview Services, a nonprofit organization focused on helping with housing for individuals with disabilities.

While he was very proud of his work as both a soldier and a citizen, nothing brought him more joy than his beautiful family. In 2012 he met the love of his life, Katie Weinmeister, through a dear childhood friend. Although very different, they discovered that opposites certainly do attract. They married in 2015 in Nebraska, and had a second wedding celebration in Seattle the following year. Taylor loved pointing out that Katie was crazy enough to marry him twice! Together they built a wonderful life and enjoyed every minute they had together, and wish it could have gone on forever.

His two children were his pride and joy. He loved daddy-daughter dates with his sweet girl, whether it was simply running errands together or packing an elaborate picnic to eat at the park with the ducks. During the height of the pandemic, he selflessly took on being a stay-at-home dad for six months. This was simultaneously fun and challenging, as they quickly realized they share the personality traits of independence and stubbornness. They took on many projects together, and loved getting to know each other better. While he did not have much time with his baby son, they enjoyed snuggling and making each other laugh, and he was very proud to teach him how to wave and high five. He was the best husband and daddy in the world.

Taylor dedicated his life to serving others, and was always happiest when he could be lending a helping hand – sometimes to the point that his loving wife would say he was being “too helpful!” He would answer the phone day or night for anyone, and would go out of his way to do even the smallest thing if it would bring happiness to someone else.

While fighting cancer for the past 7 years, Taylor endured a leg amputation, six surgeries, multiple hospitalizations, many rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, radiation to his lungs, spine, and brain, and countless scans and blood draws; and yet, he never once complained. After turning to alcohol to help deal with the stress of cancer, he was able to beat his addiction and was sober for over two years. He enjoyed being a bright light for those caring for him, and was always striving to make his doctors and nurses laugh. He tried absolutely everything to stay on earth as long as he could, and we are so proud of how hard he fought, and grateful of everything he went through to be with us.

We would like to say a special thanks to the many wonderful caregivers he has had through his health journey, especially: Dr. Wagner, Jennifer, and Stephanie at SCCA; Dr. Cane, Dr. Schaub, Dr. Kim, Megan, Vivian, Ken, Ashlee, and Jeremiah at UWMC Radiation Oncology; Margie, Jennifer, and Charlie with Evergreen Hospice; the many nurses and doctors that cared for him in the UWMC Emergency Department and oncology units; and everyone else that made his life better through their loving care.

He will be missed by so many, especially his wife, children, parents, brother, in-laws, niece and nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends and fellow service members all over the world.

Taylor wanted everyone who remembers him to spend their lives spreading love to others. We encourage you to spread some love in his honor every day!

A celebration of life will be held both live and virtually on Sunday, January 30th at 2:00pm PST at Redmond Presbyterian Church. For the safety of their young children, his wife requests that everyone attending in person is either fully vaccinated or able to share proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours prior to the service. Per King County order, masks are required for the entirety of the service. Taylor enjoyed dressing comfortably, so we encourage those attending to wear whatever feels comfortable; any attire from tee shirts to tuxedos is welcome!

Redmond Presbyterian Church

10020 166th Avenue NE

Redmond, WA 98052

Virtual service link will be available on January 30th at www.redmondpres.org

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the Ullrich family during this difficult time. Donations can be made here:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-ullrich-family?utm_campaign=p_cf*share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer__;Kw!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!fJGjexiaRKNvyyO-SFvSLtrEgzV1UZqVIrFjWqTfMSZqRWdW95acS2Hdwppo4R7B7gAAxfvcLrE$