Karl Louis Ulmer

Karl Louis Ulmer, 81, died at MeritCare Medical Center in Fargo, ND on Sunday, August 4, 2002, due to complications of pneumonia. Karl was born May 1, 1921 in Fullerton, ND, to Alfred and Martha (Munsch) Ulmer. He grew up on a farm, and graduated from Fullerton High School in 1938. He developed a keen interest in music and, in 1940 obtained a teaching certificate from the Ellendale State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, ND. He went on to teach in Glover and Kulm, ND, before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1942. After basic training in Hawaii, Karl was assigned to Ranger Battalion and served in the Pacific Theater from November 1942 until October 1943. He was then assigned to a USAF Pilot Training Program at Pittsburgh University until May 1944. Later, he was reassigned to field hospital training and then to the European Theater of Operations, where he served with the 67th Field Hospital on the front lines until V.E. Day in May 1945. Karl resumed his education after the war and enrolled at the University of North Dakota where he earned his BA Degree in Education. He married Sally Schlaht on December 28, 1947, in Medina, ND. They moved to Plentywood, Montana, where Karl was band and vocal instructor. In the summer of 1948, he obtained a position in Jamestown, where he remained for 35 years as the band director and chairman of the music department. During that time he earned his Master of Music Education Degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder. In Karl's music teaching career, he received many honors. He was voted one of the ten Most Outstanding Band Directors of America, Distinguished Band Master of the Year, and he received the prestigious First Chair of America award. He published an article in the "North Dakota Teacher" magazine in 1972. His band premiered the North Dakota State March in 1974. The Jamestown High School marching bands, under his direction, achieved international acclaim. He served as guest conductor/clinician on numerous occasions in several states and was a music festival adjudicator for many years. Karl retired from teaching on June 30, 1983. In retirement, Karl maintained an instrument repair shop at his home and continued conducting, most recently conducting the local biannual multi-piano extravaganza. He also kept his judging credentials up to date and continued to be called upon for judging state music contests. Karl was an active member of BPO Elks, VFW Post 760, Jamestown Civic Music Association, North Dakota Music Educators' Association, National Music Educators' Association, North Dakota Band Directors' Association, American School Band Directors' Association, National Retired Teachers' Association, and AARP. Karl was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, where he was an ordained deacon and elder. He served as clerk of session and sang in the choir. He was currently serving on the Presbytery. Oftentimes on Sunday mornings, he could be found in the church kitchen, helping prepare breakfast for the college student church attendees. Gardening was one of Karl's favorite pastimes. His yard was awarded Yard of the Week some years ago. His roses were the pride of his garden. He enjoyed working crossword puzzles, baking oatmeal cookies, learning computer technology, traveling, attending reunions of the Army 67th Field Hospital and watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Karl is survived by a son, Mark (Jo Ann Polley) Ulmer, Northfield, MN; a daughter, Kim Carter, North Ogden, UT; two brothers, Benjamin (LeNora) Ulmer, Missoula, MT; Milton (Avelon) Ulmer, Fullerton, ND; four sisters, Anna (Herb) Emde, Vista, CA; Mildred Gebhardt, Fargo, ND; Monica Hallerud, Independence, MO; and Gertrude (Edward) Anderson, Mesa, AZ. Karl was preceded in death by his wife Sally, his son-in-law William Carter and his parents. Services: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 8, 2002 at the United Presbyterian Church, Jamestown, ND with Rev. David Thompson officiating. Prayer service: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2002 at Eddy Funeral Chapel, Jamestown, ND. Visitation: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2002 at Eddy Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown, ND. Memorials: United Presbyterian Church, 302 2nd Ave. S.E., Jamestown, ND 58401.