George Hollis Ulrich

George Hollis Ulrich passed away in Milwaukee on September 13, 2023, after a brief illness.

Born to George J. and Pearl (nee Adams) Ulrich in Newkirk, Oklahoma on September 17, 1944, George attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned his BA in Anthropology and was active in many democratic and social causes. After working at what is now the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, he came to Milwaukee to earn his MA in Anthropology and Museum Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. George became a world-leading expert on the societies and cultures of Africa, Oceana, the Pacific Northwest and other groups, and utilized that knowledge in a long and successful tenure as Curator of African & Pacific Ethnology at the Milwaukee Public Museum and Professor of Anthropology and Art History at UWM, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and Mt. Mary College. Well-traveled and a walking-encyclopedia, George loved teaching and was quick to share his knowledge with others; he was a most-formidable adversary in the game of Trivial Pursuit. Though surrounded at home by a collection of books, artifacts and artwork rivaling many museums, it was not all work for George.

He was previously married to Charlotte Gingrasso and Bonnie Ulrich, and was a loving father to Kurt Ulrich and Tyler (Barbara) Marciniak; he was also a caring step-father to Gar and Gabriel Nelson. He often seemed at his happiest spending time with his family and hearing of the many successes of his grandchildren Alex Ulrich, and Lillian, Charlotte and Alice Marciniak.

George will be greatly missed, yet his memory will live on through the wit, wisdom, love and kindness he imparted on all who were lucky enough to have known him.

Visitation at Max Sass Funeral Home, Oklahoma Ave. Chapel, on Monday, Sept. 25, from 10 AM to 11:30 AM, with a funeral service at 11:30 AM Followed by Burial at Union Cemetery in Glendale. In lieu of flowers, memorials to social, academic and environmental causes are appreciated.