Delbert William Hulke

Delbert William Hulke of Elgin Funeral services for Delbert William Hulke, 79, will be held at 11 a.m. today, at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W Highland Ave., Elgin. The Rev. Joel Kline will officiate. Born July 23, 1923, in Courtland, Minn., the son of William and Dora (nee Todt) Hulke, he died Monday, Oct. 28, 2002, at Sherman West Court, Elgin. Burial will be in Lakewood Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Hulke was a World War II Navy veteran, having served with the Seabees Construction Battalion. He received a Star from the Asiatic-Pacific, Philippine Liberation and a Victory Medal. Delbert worked as a master carpenter and construction superintendent for 12 years and in 1952 was severely burned in a work related accident. He was the first patient in the Easter Seal program, later receiving the Easter Seal Outstanding Achievement Award for overcoming a handicap. Delbert supervised the renovation of the first Easter Seal Office. From 1958 until his retirement in 1989, Delbert worked as a new construction inspector/appraiser for First Federal Savings and Loan. He was a devoted and much loved husband, father, grandfather and will be long remembered and missed by his family and friends. Mr. Hulke was a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren of Elgin, the Elgin Lion's Club and VFW Post #1307. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (nee Kaufman), whom he married on Jan. 4 1947; sons, Steven D. (Anne) of Oklahoma City, Okla., Stuart A. (Barbara) of Basking Ridge, N.J., and Scott E. (Deborah) Hulke of Orlando, Fla.; grandchildren, Scott (Laura), Kristin (Rob) Harper, Katherine, Stuart E., Stephanie, Emily and Sarah; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Michael Hulke and Riley Harper; brothers, Walter, Stan (Ruth), Richard (Margie), and Larry Hulke; sisters, Helen Walters, Marcella Hulke, Lorraine (Loyal) Humbracht, Delores Sterba, Ruth (Frank) Pagoda and Dorothy Olsen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Christine; sisters, Erna Lindorfer and Aleta Lunz; and brothers, Irvin, Raymond, William and Wesley Hulke. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. today, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren or the Jane Shover Easter Seal Center. Arrangements were made by Laird Funeral Home, Elgin Friends may visit www.dailyherald.com/obits to express condolences and sign the guest book. For funeral information, (847)741-8800.