David James Ulledahl (DJay)

David James Ulledahl (DJay), 41, was born on June 26, 1981, and passed away on November 23, 2022.

Survivors include his brother Daniel Ulledahl (wife, Sarah; children: Emma, Daniel, Jr.); father, Darwin Ulledahl (wife, Chan; her children: Jennifer, Joseph); and mother, Lorraine Gieringer (his half-sisters, Elizabeth, Isabella). He is also survived by two paternal aunts and their families, plus two maternal uncles and their families.

He became a very talented magician in his teen years, learning to use his carpentry skills to build many of his props, “tricks,” and beautiful furniture. He had an early history with alcohol, but primarily drugs. He spent about 20 years on the streets until he suffered an aneurysm (traumatic brain injury) in May, 2020. After several months in the hospital, he experienced about 2½ years of nursing home life. In September, 2022, he joyfully moved into an apartment, assuring all that his past was past. No longer earthly bound, we know he has joined many family members and friends now helping him fly higher and better than he ever could here. There will be no services. We ask, though, that you take a moment to toast him and his creativity, charisma, cunning smile and very wide streak of deviousness.

Visits: 1

Condolences

  1. Emily Spangler on December 1, 2022 at 12:47 pm

    DJay was an amazing person to get to share life with in high school. I will cherish our friendship and the fun and magic he brought to life. Love you all.



  2. Diana Barnes on December 1, 2022 at 1:06 pm

    Lorraine,

    Diana Barnes here. I am so sorry to hear of DJay’s passing. I remember when he entertained Clune & Company at one of our Christmas parties. He was a delightful young man. His battles are over. May he rest in peace. And may you be at peace and comforted in your heart knowing his struggles are over.



  3. Debbie Fleenor on December 1, 2022 at 1:13 pm

    Lorraine,

    So sorry to hear this. His struggles are over. He was really talented and a great guy. I loved watching his shows with his “lovely assistant”. Love to you all!



  4. Sherry on December 1, 2022 at 1:15 pm

    Well done, mom. You carried him in every way and I know you will continue to carry him in your heart. Keep breathing.



  5. Catherine Dent on December 1, 2022 at 1:15 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort and many, many hugs!



  6. Janet Thompson on December 1, 2022 at 1:26 pm

    Lorraine, I’m so very sorry for your loss! Sending prayers for comfort and peace for you and the girls. Hugs!



  7. Susan (Lanz) Cook on December 1, 2022 at 1:51 pm

    Lorraine:
    So very sorry to learn of your loss. Sending prayers for peace, comfort and strength.



  8. Brenda Austin on December 1, 2022 at 2:05 pm

    My heart breaks for you Lorraine. So sorry for your loss.



  9. Julie Cahill on December 1, 2022 at 2:36 pm

    Lorraine, You and your family will always hold a special place in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you peace and comfort. I am keeping you all in my prayers.



  10. Sheryl Reynolds on December 1, 2022 at 5:52 pm

    I’ll always remember DJ as an adorable little 4 year old. Despite his battles, he had a sweet and sensitive heart. Sending love to all of you.



  11. Donna Freeman on December 1, 2022 at 6:07 pm

    Lorraine, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. May God’s loving arms enfold you and bring you comfort in the days ahead. In love and friendship.



  12. Brenda Ford on December 1, 2022 at 6:25 pm

    Lorraine, I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap his arms around you and your family today and the days to come.



  13. Icy Gines on December 1, 2022 at 6:32 pm

    Icy Gines
    Lorraine and family, you are and always will be in my heart. I know that it is difficult during such a time as this, but I know that out God will give you the strength you need. Rest in His love and care. DJ is now at rest.



  14. Jennell Fredrick on December 1, 2022 at 7:11 pm

    Lorraine,

    I’m so sorry I cannot imagine. Sending prayers and hugs to you and the girls.



  15. Joan Deans on December 3, 2022 at 8:54 am

    Lorraine,
    I’m so sorry DJay has passed. It’s hard for me to sum up the years of effort, hope and anguish I watched you endure advocating for him. There were times I saw sparks of greatness in DJay like when your boys were teenagers moving boxes of files to my basement and DJay carefully instructed me on how to stack and preserve the documents. It warmed my heart. He learned that from you. You have the company of untold numbers of parents who launched their children the best they could but had to step back when they couldn’t control the choices they made as adults. I will miss him, evening just hearing about the harrowing events of his life. May he rest in peace. We are praying for you and your family.



  16. Sarah Odom on December 3, 2022 at 10:39 pm

    Lorraine, I’m so very sorry to hear of your son’s passing. I hope you find comfort in the good memories and strength in the love and support of your friends and family. {{HUGS}}



  17. Shane Minsey on December 12, 2022 at 5:46 pm

    Some of my best and earliest memories are from the times DJay and I spent together. We performed dozens of magic shows and rode our bikes all over Raytown. I loved hanging out at his house with his family. His mother is so sweet. I’m thankful I have so many wonderful memories and I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but I know he is in a much better place.



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