Michael J "Mike" Hulke

1968 - 2007

Michael J. "Mike" Hulke, 39, of Kingston, Ill., formerly of Elgin, passed away following a car accident Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007.
Born June 18, 1968, in Elgin, he was the son of John and Linda (Smith) Hulke.
Mike grew up in Elgin and attended local schools, graduating from Larkin High School in 1986. He then attended Illinois State University.
Mike worked for R.R. Donnelly in the graphics department for many years but was most recently employed at the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin as a blackjack and roulette dealer. In his spare time Mike was also taking courses at H&R Block for a future in tax preparation.
Mike was a very kind and peaceable man who also possessed a great intellect. In his younger years, Mike was a perennial National Honors Society student, and when he was just in junior high school he became the Illinois state math champion. Throughout his life, Mike was able to absorb knowledge at an amazing rate. Having nearly a photographic memory, he could recall statistics for players and teams of every sport.
He loved to travel and see all the different stadiums throughout the U.S. Mike also enjoyed playing the drums, listening to classic rock and playing video games, especially the sports games on the Nintendo Wii. When he wasn't immersed in statistics, music or travel, Mike loved to read. Although a good mystery or science fiction novel intrigued him, it was sports and "Star Trek" that found a special place in Mike's heart. Thoughtful and caring in many ways, he recently participated in the Hampshire-Plato CROP Hunger Walk and was the walker with the second-highest number of sponsors. Although he was taken too early, he lived enough life to keep his memory alive for many years to come.
Mike is survived by his loving parents, John and Linda Hulke of Kingston; a sister, Michelle (Alain Bolduc) Hulke of Genoa; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and a very special "nephew dog," Toby.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
The funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Road, corner of Route 47 and Plank Road, in Hampshire, with the Rev. Gerhardt Mau, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will follow at North Plato Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at the church.
A memorial has been established in his name. Checks can be made to the "Michael J. Hulke Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories can also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com.
For information, call (630) 365-6414.