Ulric Landenberger

Ulric Landenberger was born November 23, 1919 in Panambi, Brazil, the fourth of six children, to Jacob and Betty Landenberger who were serving as missionaries/pastor to the German settlers there. In 1928 the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Detroit later purchasing a farm in Gladwin, Michigan. After Ulric graduated as valedictorian of the Gladwin High School class of 1937, he began studying engineering at Lawrence Technological Institute earning a Degree in Mechanical Engineering in May of 1942. While attending Burns Avenue Baptist Church in Detroit, he met Leota McDonald, who became his wife in August of 1942. Ulric was inducted into the U. S. Army in September 1943 and served as a corporal in the 352nd Ordnance Company. His service was primarily in the European Theater in World War II until his discharge in 1945. Upon return to civilian life, Ulric established his family in the Detroit area, working as an engineer in various small shops. Four children were born to Ulric and Leota: Judith, Valerie, Keith and Bryce. In the early 1970's Ulric began his career with General Motors as a design engineer which included a patent award in 1982. He built a house he designed in Mt. Clemens, where he and Leota hosted many Baptist Life activities. Ulric loved to travel and take photographs. With Leota he would make "travelogues" to share at church socials. At his church he was a song leader, Sunday School teacher and youth leader. He was the family historian, researching and compiling genealogical records and stories of the Landenberger family. After losing Leota to cancer in 1980, Ulric began wintering in Florida where he met his second wife, Elberta Weaver Shank. They were married in August of 1982 and have made their home in Mt. Clemens and Gladwin Michigan, Boca Raton, Florida, and New Paris, Indiana. Ulric is survived by his wife, Elberta, his four children: Judith Landenberger, Valerie Matako, Keith (Denise) Landenberger, Bryce (Anna) Landenberger, six grandchildren, Adam, Andrew, and Alessa Landenberger in California, Alissa(Nathan) Edwards in Indiana, Kira (Benjamin) Landenberger in Michigan, and a great-grandchild, James Edwards and many nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no visitation. A family graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2011, at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, Michigan. Rev. Giblin of Midland Evangelical Free Church will officiate.