Joseph Edward Ulm

Joseph Edward (Joe) Ulm, ever a proud U.S. Marine, died peacefully April 13, 2012. He was 91. Joe was born in Cincinnati Ohio. He attended Roger Bacon Catholic High School. In his early teens he met his lifelong sweetheart and future wife, “Nan” on a roller skating outing. The young couple won many roller skating awards and later married in 1943. Joe spent four years in the Marine Corps and attained the rank of gunnery sergeant. He served as an instructor in small arms and demolition and participated in action against the enemy at Okinawa and the occupation of China. The family moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1953 and Joe took a job with Home Milk Producers, where he advanced to Regional Sales Manager. After 17 years with Home Milk, he became sales manager for Powerline Poultry Products, which provided eggs for most cruise ships docked at Port Everglades. He later worked as Purchasing Director for King Motor Center and retired as Purchasing Director for Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center. Joe was active in community service and received many honors. He served as Lieutenant Governor and District Convention Chair of the Florida District of Kiwanis International, bringing the first convention to south Florida. Under Joe’s leadership, the convention achieved an all-time top attendance record. He also received the Centurion award of the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, which brought him national recognition. Joe became the first PTA President at the newly opened Lauderdale Manors Elementary School, stayed active in PTA over the years and ultimately was awarded an Honorary State Life Membership in 1964, the highest award given by the County Councils of PTA. Joe was known for his creativity, ingenuity, energy, and resourcefulness. He loved a challenge. One of his coworkers at Bahia Mar summed up his many accomplishments this way, using an old Marine Corps saying: “The difficult he accomplishes immediately, the impossible takes him a bit longer”. Joe now happily joins his loving wife Nan, whom he missed immensely. He is survived by his son, Ronald (Ron) and daughter-in-law, Mary Gayle. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you affectionately make today a special memory for yourself and the people in your own life. As Joe often reminded his family, "I've had it all --now you need to be sure to take advantage of the good things you have while you still can…”. Joe’s friends will join Joe’s family in sharing fond memories of their time with Joe at 2:00 p.m. April 20, 2012 at Richardson Park Manor House, 1937 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305.Online condolences can be shared at edkalis.com. Arrangements entrusted to Edwards Cremation and Funeral Services, Wilton Manors. 954-566-5564