Vergil R. Ulrich

Vergil R. Ulrich, age 74, of Hibbing, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, at Heritage Manor with his family by his side.

Vergil was born on February 2, 1952, in Hibbing, Minnesota, to Chester and Bernetta Ulrich. He graduated from Hibbing High School.

In 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Joann Kanipes. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and adventure, raising three daughters whom he loved dearly.

Following high school, Vergil served in the Minnesota National Guard. He spent his career in the mining industry, working for 31 years at U.S. Steel Minntac and 10 years at Hibbing Taconite. Vergil also owned and operated Hill Top Motors. He never liked to sit still and was always working on something, helping someone, or tinkering with a motor.

Vergil was a member of the Hibbing Curling Club, the Squires Car Club, and the Parkinson Support Group. He was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church; Vergil faithfully served his church community and was a dedicated board member for Children of Grace Daycare. His faith was an important part of his life and guided the way he cared for others.

He especially enjoyed traveling with family and friends, whether by RV, plane, train, or automobile. He treasured the memories made on the road and the time spent with those he loved at the cabin.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Joann; daughters: Tina (Shawn) Oles, LaTisha (Darren) Gietzen, and Janna (Greg) Hunter; grandchildren: Logan Gietzen, Sammantha, Hanna and Blake Oles; brother-in-law Jim (Patty) Kanipes; sister-in-law Susan (Kevin) Kern, nieces: LaDonna (Mark) Resch, Stacie (Joel) Franck, and Kristi (Jason) Hicks; and nephews, Joe Kanipes, Anthony Kanipes, and Gabe (Stephanie) Kern and numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother.

Vergil will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his generous spirit, his love of family, and his ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, and countless memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Hibbing, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, and Pastor Tim Yearyean will officiate. Interment will be held at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing, MN. The service will be live-streamed on the Grace Lutheran Facebook page. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing, MN.