Dr. Ulrich Carl Columbus

Dr. Ulrich “Rick” Carl Columbus was born on May 17, 1937, in Königsberg, East Prussia (present-day Kaliningrad, Russia). Rick was a World War II survivor who immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 with his parents and three younger siblings. He graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary and became an ordained Lutheran minister and psychologist, a calling that intertwined his love of the Lord with his deep compassion for others.

Rick was an avid fisherman and a talented musician who loved playing the harmonica and accordion. He will be remembered for his selfless devotion to caring for others, his joyful spirit, and the kindness, love, and compassion he shared with everyone around him.

Rick passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the age of 89 in Sarasota, Florida, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Carl and Margaret Columbus; his brother, Lothar Columbus; his brother, Manfred (Fred) Columbus; and his first wife, Helen Jean Columbus (née Mittelsteadt).

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosina Sorrentino Columbus; her daughter, Sharon White, and her children, Amelia and Lucia Scalies; her son, Al White and his wife, Laura, and their children, Gia and Joey; the mother of his children, Connie Dale Columbus (née Friedt); her son, William (Bill) Friedt, and his children, Keelin and Kyle; his son, Gabriel Columbus, and his children, Mya and Alex, and their mother, Lisa; his son, Joshua Columbus and his wife, Kelly (Kellie), and their children, Alexander (Alex) and Maxwell (Max); his son, Jeremiah Columbus; his son, Jacob Columbus, and his children, Nehemiah, Isaiah, and Elijah, and their mother, Jillian; his son, Nathan Columbus and his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Elijah, David, and Bella; his sister, Karin Columbus; and numerous nieces and nephews.

On July 25, 2026, his ashes will be laid to rest in the ocean at North Captiva Island, a location that held a special place in his heart, where he created treasured memories with his family and embraced his faith.