Harold Hula

Harold Lloyd Hula, 94, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas.

Harold was born on the family farm near Blue Rapids, Kansas, on July 23, 1930, to William (Vilem) Joseph Hula and Libbie Ruth (Novotny) Hula. He graduated from Blue Rapids High School in 1948 where he lettered in all sports. He attended Washburn University, where he was a proud member of the Alpha Delta fraternity. He married Anna Marie Siemers on June 24, 1951, and was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force Reserves through ROTC upon graduation in 1952. Harold served on both reserve and active duty as a meteorologist and was stationed overseas in French Morocco, North Africa, in 1953-54. Returning to the States, he taught Math and Science at Capper Junior High in Topeka and then joined the administration team at Topeka West High School when it opened in 1961. He completed a Master’s degree in counseling at the University of Kansas and then spent three decades as the Director of Counseling and Testing at Washburn University before retiring in 1994 as the Director of Counseling and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

Harold was a loving father, grandfather, and educator, who devoted years of his life to counseling university students and serving the counseling profession at the state and national level. He was proud of his Czech heritage and his early farm life in Marshall County. Over many years he brought his support and sense of humor to those in his family, his poker groups, Alpha Delta, and the Sportsman’s Club. He was, above all, an inveterate collector of numerous things including coins, stamps, magazines, books, envelopes, paper clips, rubber bands, license plates, sporks and wet wipes to name just a few. Many marveled at, but few could understand, his pioneering work in unconventional filing and organizational systems which frequently involved the use of stairs.

Harold is survived by sons Christopher (Julie) of Overland Park, Kansas, and Kevin (Susan) of Towson, Maryland, and beloved grandchildren Megan (Nathen), Brennan, and Keanan. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Bill, and his wife of 70 years, Anne, along with numerous uncles and aunts.

Viewing is from noon to 8:00 p.m. Friday, with visitation from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the United Presbyterian Church in Blue Rapids with Pastor Shannon Borgman officiating.  Casket Bearers are Chris Hula, Kevin Hula, Megan Hula, Brennan Hula, Keanan Hula, and Nathen Hula.  Burial will be in the Czech-Moravian Cemetery, south of Blue Rapids.

Those wishing to contribute a memorial in lieu of flowers may consider the Blue Rapids Historical Society or the Washburn University Foundation (please include Hula International Student Scholarship Fund on the memo line), and may send them in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at 308 W. Walnut St., PO Box 61, Waterville, KS 66548.