Debra Ulrich

Debra Lynn Ulrich, age 68, of Hastings, MN passed away on December 18, 2025 after a 14 month battle with cancer. She went peacefully to be with Jesus, surrounded by her loving family.

Deb dedicated more than 40 years of her life to helping others; embodying kindnesss and compassion in everything that she did. For 17 of those years, she served as a foster care provider for Dakota County, opening her heart and home to countless children and families. She then spent the remainder of her career working with adults with disabilities at ProAct Inc.

Her love for animals, including her horses and dogs brought her constant joy. However, nothing mattered more to her than family, especially her role as a mother and grandma.

Deb is survived by her loving husband, Philip “Flip”; her children, Jacob Lane of Hastings, MN, Jennifer (Rikk) Malm of Prescott, WI, and Tricia (Kinyoun) Buford of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Andrew (Savana) Lane, Mason and Miles Malm, and Mckenzie and Beau Buford; parents, Robert and Jeannine Avery of Waterloo, IA, Frank and Donna Yule of Hastings, MN; siblings, Robert (Dawn) Avery, David (Coreen) Avery, Shanna Yule, Brenda (Greg) Stickler, Jaki Bremer, and James (Pam) Yule; and her two standard poodles Jaxson and Harley and her Quarter horse Ebony.

Deb is preceded in death by her dear brother, William Avery; sister, Barb Cordes; grandsons, Chanceler Lane and Braden Buford; and former husband and dear friend, Daniel Lane.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 5:00PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service. Dinner will follow the service.

Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.