David H. Hulke

1934 - 2016

Hulke, David H.

David H. Hulke passed away peacefully with several loved ones by his side on Monday, October 10. He was born February 16, 1934, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to the late William and Agnes (Schmid-tke) Hulke.

He proudly served with the Green Beret Special Forces and was trained at Fort Bragg. He would often speak fondly of his military service and the adventures involved, including many airplane jumps. After the military he enjoyed a 40-year career as an extruder operator at James River Corporation and was proud of his work there.

David had a gentle soul, a kind heart, and a forgiving spirit. He taught his family many lessons, not the least of which to just go with the flow, and not to complain - it doesn't do any good anyway as he would say! His life was never easy, but he always remained true to those life lessons. Even throughout the past few years when he battled many different and often painful ailments, he always kept a positive attitude.

Surviving David is his wife of almost 61 years, and gambling partner, Shirley (Zimmerman) Hulke, and their four children: Susie (Robert) Anderson, David (Maritza) Hulke, Daniel (Katie) Hulke, and Sherry (Jeff) Steck. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Ben (Chris) Hinds, Carla Gardner, Stephanie (Matt) Lyons, Danielle (Beau) DeBruin, Samantha Hulke, Erica Steck, and Evan Steck; as well as three great-grandchildren: Aylee, Samuel, and Griffin, along with a fourth grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his sister Laura Murphy, his brother Roger (Betty) Hulke, his sister-in-law Faye Hulke, his brother-in-law LeRoy Dahm, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and seven of his ten siblings: Elaine, Irene, Alice, Emma, Vernette, Harlin, and an infant who died at birth.

As many of the medical staff he encountered over the years would say, he was the patient everyone wanted to care for because he was easy going and always looking to put a smile on the face of others. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the genuinely caring and compassionate medical teams at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Froedtert Medical Center, who made this difficult time a little easier for everyone.

A private family service will be held at Westgor Funeral Home.

Westgor Funeral Home

205 W. Doty Avenue

Neenah 722-7151

Online condolences:

www.westgorfuneralhomes.com