Stephen Hulst
Newberry, FL - Stephen Nelson Hulst, age 69 of Newberry, FL, formerly of Miami, FL, passed away Friday January 8th, 2021. Mr. Hulst joined the presence of the Lord peacefully and at home according to his wishes. He passed with his beloved wife and family by his side. Stephen was born on November 5th, 1951 in Miami, Florida to Judith Hulst, his beloved mother.
Stephen was a Reserve Sheriff's Deputy for the Alachua County Sheriff's Office where he put in 20+ years of service before retiring. During his career as a deputy, Mr. Hulst also worked for Gainesville Regional Utilities, also retiring after 20+ years of working in several departments, finishing as a gas technician specialist. Being the dedicated lifelong provider of his family that he was, and never one to be idle, after "retirement" Stephen went on to serve as a Police Officer with the Santa Fe College Police Dept until he was forced to retire for health reasons.
There was little to no other activity he loved more than to roam around the beautiful Florida Keys in one of the many small Boston Whaler boats he was so fond of. He loved the simplicity and proximity to the ocean that comes with a boat such as that. It was his passion to search the emerald waters for hidden lobster or to explore the countless islands in hopes of finding something that no one else had laid eyes on since the time it was lost, being a treasure hunter at heart. Often, he would salvage old buoys and ropes that were long ago discarded and, by way of tide, made their way to become entangled in the mangroves. No matter what simple treasures he claimed, it always made him happy to be in that spot at that moment with his family by his side.
Mr. Hulst was preceded in death by his younger brother David and his mother Judy. He is survived by his beloved family, wife Olivia, daughter Rachel Hulst, three sons, Jason, David and Brant Hulst, his granddaughters Maliyah and Cheyenne, grandson Dayton, and two grandchildren, not yet born, who he would have cherished. He is also survived by his brother Carl Hulst, sister Marie Hulst and nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 2021 at Countryside Baptist Church 10926 NW 39th Avenue Gainesville, FL. In lieu of flowers, should anyone wish to donate, his family would like to honor his memory by supporting the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, a Christian ministry to boys that touched his heart. This can be done either by contacting Milam Funeral Home or the ranch directly at www.RBR.ORG (RBR | It Is Better To Build Boys Than To Mend Men.) or (386)328-1281. Arrangements are in the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 S. Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361 www.milamfh.com

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Published by Gainesville Sun from Jan. 11 to Jan. 12, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Hulst

Sponsored by Gainesville.com.

12 Entries

Ed Book

January 17, 2021

I got to know Steve when we were at the Santa Fe College Police Department. He had such a great even-keeled pleasant demeanor & was always professional. I enjoyed his company. A Walk of Heroes tile with his name on it memorializes his service there. To Libby & the Hulst family, I am so sorry for your loss.

Mandy Rich

January 16, 2021

Rachel and Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Love you!

Spurgers

Sent Flowers

Paul Smith

January 13, 2021

So sorry for your loss I remember Steve very well from Santa Fe college I use to work with Steve thoughts and prayers to the family.

Glen Spurgers

January 12, 2021

Steve kept his priorities straight when getting boat rigged to hit the water.
Simple: just take what you need to fish, snorkel, dive, all that other stuff just gets in the way, you know : (flares, paddle, radio, compass, life preservers (except a piece of one to sit on).
I remember the comment was something like: “Come on we’re going fishing not going on a voyage”

Glen Spurgers

January 12, 2021

I took cooking lessons from Steve.
Anything you had available went into frying pan. And Left overs were good for next three days.

Glen Spurgers

January 12, 2021

As much as Steve loved the water he also had no hesitation to getting his truck (or yours) in the mud. “Just seeing how good it could pull”

Jennie Parker

January 12, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Emory Davis

January 12, 2021

Words cannot express how I feel about the loss of a great friend as Steve. I was his supervisor at Santa Fe Police Department and workout partner in the gym. My heart goes out to the family for their loss.

Pam Harlan

January 12, 2021

To Libby, Rachel, Jason, David, Brandt and all of Steve’s wonderful grandchildren I am so sorry for your loss. Steve will always be remembered as a man with an enormous heart for his precious family and wow to know God’s love so deeply! What a joy it has been to know Steve over the years! May his love for you all and to know he is living on with his Savior bring you His Comfort & Peace. Surrounding you all with love and prayers❤

Stan Tileston

January 12, 2021

Libby and Family,
Wow just saw Steve in the paper. So sorry for your loss. I hope he is now resting peacefully. I know I will be one of many to say that your husband, father, grandfather was a good friend and co- worker to 3 of his many jobs. Steve talked of his family a lot, and if he had 10-15 mins in between job 2 of 3(during a 24 hr period) he would fit a visit in with a friend. Always enjoyed working with Steve at ACSO and a couple other places too. May God Bless your family. Rest In Peace our brother in Christ and LEO.

T D

January 11, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief, and find comfort from knowing that God draws close to the broken-hearted.

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