Gerrit R. Hulstein

GERRIT R. HULSTEIN, 86, of Sioux Center, IA died Friday, January 23, 2009 at the Royale Meadows Care Center in Sioux Center.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 10:30AM at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center with Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating. Interment will follow the service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center.

Visitation will be Monday from 2-8PM, with the family present from 6-8PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

The Hulstein family prefers memorials to honor the memory of Gerrit Hulstein.

Gerrit Robert Hulstein was born at home on September 13, 1922 in Perkins, Iowa to Henry J. Hulstein and Alice (Juffer) Hulstein. He was the oldest son of four children. He attended country rural school which was two miles away through the 10th grade.

At age 18 he began his own trucking business, hauling hay from South Dakota. Gerrit modified his truck with railroad ties to extend it, due to the fact that there were no weight limits at that time. Locally he hauled livestock. Business was good, and he purchased a new 1941 Chevrolet automobile. During his time in the service, his brothers and father kept the trucking business going.

He enlisted in the Army and began service on November 3, 1943. Initially he was in the Artillery in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; then later moved to Camp Roberts, California. After a brief stay at home for 10 days he was sent overseas to the Philippines and New Guinea. He was discharged from active duty on February 17, 1946, at rank of sergeant. His girlfriend, Louise, was said to always have her bedroom light on late at night because she wrote a letter for every day he was gone.

One year after major adjustments to civilian life, he married Louise Franken on February 18, 1947. They made their home on a farm Northeast of Sioux Center for over fifty years. Gerrit and Louise had five children to keep life busy. He was faithful to attend all activities and loved to coach from the stands. He set a great example for his children at meal time and especially before retiring for the night, with one hand up by his eyes & the other hand under his elbow, he would pray to God. His head never hit the pillow until time had been spent with his Lord.

In 1977 Gerrit sold 69 acres and kept 11 for the acreage. He then began driving gravel truck for Hymans Construction and Joes Ready Mix, till age 79. In 1997 they sold the acreage and moved to a condominium in Sioux Center.

His last few years allowed him time to spend with family, children, grand and great-grandchildren which he enjoyed immensely. He also enjoyed playing guitar, bowling, playing cards, pool, and riding motorcycle. In the last year and a half, Gerrit lived at Royale Meadows in Sioux Center.

Gerrit was a member of the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center for his entire life.

Survivors include his wife, Louise, and children: Sandra and Ron Schnabel of Inver Grove Heights, MN; Robert and Linda Hulstein of Orange City, Kevin and Deb Hulstein of Maurice, Keith and Donna Hulstein of Hull and Mike and Pam Hulstein of Sioux Center, 15 grandchildren and spouses, and 13 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include a brother, Rodney and Sylvia Hulstein of Sioux Center and a sister, Arthea and Ken Raak of Worthington, MN.

Gerrit was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Art Hulstein and grandson, Rick Hulstein.