Werner Hermann Ullmann

Werner H. Ullmann, 83 years old, of Fullerton, CA passed away suddenly and peacefully in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday August 1, 2019.

Werner was born in Frankfurt, Germany to Herman and Emma Ullmann on March 7, 1936. Having survived World War II as a child (9 years old at the end of the war), he immigrated to America in 1956 to Los Angeles, California. After a short time he landed a job at Mine & Mill Machinery, where he worked until 1983 and eventually worked his way up to vice president. This is where he became known as ‘Al’, as no one would say his proper name with correct German pronunciation.

During that time he honorably served his country in the United States Army (1959-1961) and was stationed in South Korea.

After Mine & Mill closed in 1983, he worked at Kaner Company for 10+ years and then at JM McKinney Company for 20+ years until his passing. Dad had a strong work ethic and was proud to be working into his 80s. He enjoyed being the first one in the office to unlock the place, make the coffee, and get everything ready for everyone else.

Dad married Hildegard in 1964 (they met and courted in Hollywood), moved to Rowland Heights in 1968, and made a home for and provided for his family that eventually included three children – Heidi, Mikey, and Ricky. After Mom and Dad divorced in 1987 after 23 years of marriage, he moved to nearby Fullerton and the same +apartment until the end of his life. Many joyous gatherings occurred at that apartment over the decades including untold games being played together, famous ‘Papa’ breakfasts, and holiday and birthday celebrations. In particular, he loved having his grandson Matthew over every Friday night for years and helped raise him to be the success he is today.

Papa is survived by ex-wife Hildegard, daughter Heidi, sons Michael and Richard, and grandchildren Matthew, Daniel, Sebastian, and Chloe. He recently found out that his soon-to-be 1st great grandchild is a girl and he was very happy about that.

For those who knew him, dad had an endless enthusiasm for life and all it contained – work, travel, family, friends, good food, colorful sayings, and the simple pleasures that many of us take for granted. On his final day of life, he was having a great day – he had lunch with his daughter and grandson, had just successfully flown to Las Vegas (flying being a passion), and was enroute to meet one son later that eve to fly the next day to visit the other son and his family. He was independent until the last moment of his life and living the way he wanted to, and for that we are eternally grateful.

As Werner was a simple man and we fortunately know his last wishes, there was a simple viewing in Las Vegas and a celebration of his life there soon after his passing. He will be cremated with at least some of his ashes eventually spread at Grand Canyon where he had many years of pleasant travel memories. We fiercely loved him and he knew it, which is providing comfort and solace during this very difficult time.

A celebration of Werner’s life will take place Sunday August 11, 2019, 2:30pm - @5:30pm, at the Elks Lodge at 1400 Elks View Ln, Fullerton, CA. Food and drink to be provided, all who knew him are welcome, and plan on more joy than sorrow because that is just how he wants it. Plan on sharing your ‘Papa’ stories as there are plenty of them.

As we cannot fathom heaven without him, we plan on seeing him when we get there. Dad, you were the best father anyone could have asked for. Thank you God for putting him in our lives! We will never, ever forget you.