Hans Ulland

life story

Hans Lorenz Ulland, aged 56, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away on November 8, 2024

Born on October 29, 1968, in Nashville, TN, Hans was the son of Richard and Mary Ulland (Kaasa). Raised in Rochester, MN, he graduated from John Marshall High School in 1987 and pursued degrees in Philosophy and English at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. It was there that he met Kristin Lee, his future wife and lifelong partner. Married on January 2, 1993, they built a life full of love, raising four children: Anders, Mette, Osa, and Espen, as they moved from Milwaukee, WI, to St. Paul, MN.

As a founder of Air Motion Systems, an innovator and manufacturer of LED and UV curing technology for the graphic arts industry, Hans turned a vision into a successful business, ultimately selling the business in 2017. Beyond his professional accomplishments, it was the connections and friendships he made within the printing industry that truly defined his career. A die-hard Green Bay Packers fan, Hans never missed an opportunity to gather with family and friends for game days—whether it was Sundays filled with cheers, Fantasy Football deliberations, or Saturdays at the Gopher Stadium.

Hans was known for living life to the fullest, whether hosting gatherings that filled the room with laughter, embarking on travels around the world, savoring family time, or enjoying simple pleasures at his dream cabin on Crosslake in Northern Minnesota. He was a lover of sports, music, art, and spirited debates over books, politics, and pop culture. Despite never joining social media—a feat many marveled at—Hans kept his connections personal and meaningful, a testament to his authenticity.

Diagnosed with cancer a year ago, Hans faced his illness with bravery and grace, surrounded by his cherished family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, resilience, and an open-hearted spirit that touched countless lives.

Hans is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ulland; father-in-law, Tom Lee; mother-in-law, Joie Lee; and great-niece, Lucy Jo Koppel-Lee. He is survived by his wife, Kristin; children, Anders, Mette, Osa, and Espen; his father, Richard Ulland; brother, Erik (Jill) Ullanderson; sister, Kari (Jason) Makoutz; brothers-in-law, Hans (Nancy) Lee and Paul (Tobie) Lee; sister-in-law, Beth (Paul) Klein; nieces and nephews: Danny (Anna) Lee, Lars (Alex) Lee, Eric (Allison) Klein, Kyle (Erin) Klein, Marcus Lee, Odin Lee, Julien Makoutz, Zoe Lee, Ethan Makoutz, Ian Ullanderson, Saffron Makoutz, Declan Ullanderson; great-nephews: Otto Lee and Griffin Lee; extended family; and many cherished friends.

Memorials can be made to Luther College, Children’s Surgery International, Cedar Summerstock Theater, or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. A visitation will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Avenue South, St. Paul, MN, on November 22nd at 10 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11 AM. Service will be live streamed at https://www.gloriadeistpaul.org