Michael J. Hulke

"Mike"

Age 39, of Kingston, formerly of Elgin, passed away following a car accident Thursday afternoon, October 4, 2007. He was born June 18, 1968, the son of and John and Linda (Smith) Hulke in Elgin, IL.

Mike grew up in Elgin and attended local schools, graduating from Larkin High School in 1986. He then went on to attend 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 Black Jack 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 Student and when he was just in junior high 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 through out 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 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 Walk for Hunger and was the second highest sponsored walker. Although he was taken too early, he lived enough life to keep his memory alive for many years to come.

Mike now leaves his loving parents, John and Linda Hulke of Kingston, IL; one sister, Michelle (Alain Bolduc) Hulke of Genoa, IL; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and a very special "nephew dog", Toby.

He now joins his maternal and paternal grandparents who preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. at the St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Rd., corner of Rt. 47 and Plank Rd, Hampshire, IL, on Monday, October 8, 2007. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday, October 9, at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Gerhardt Mau, pastor of the church, will officiate and interment will follow at North Plato Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in his name. Checks may be made to the "Michael J. Hulke Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com.