Rodney Hulstein

Rodney Hulstein, 94, of Sioux Center, IA, died Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Crown Pointe Estates Sioux Center, Iowa. 

A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Centerpoint Church of Sioux Center with Reverend Stephen Breen and Dr. Lorna Leavitt, officiating.

A prayer service and interment with military honors will take place at 9:30 AM prior to the memorial service.

Visitation will be held from 5-7PM Monday, December 16, 2024 at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

The Hulstein family prefers memorials be directed to Katelyn's Fund Orphan Ministry. 

Rodney's funeral service may we watched at: https://wearecenterpoint.online.church/

Rodney Dean Hulstein was born on June 30, 1930, to Henry and Alice (Juffer) Hulstein. He was born in his country home between Orange City and Sioux Center. Rodney attended country school near Sandy Hollow. He farmed with his father for a year following 8th grade and then continued his education at Sioux Center High School through his junior year. As a young adult, he drove trucks for Hulstein Trucking until he was drafted into the Korean War, where he guarded Korean POWs and delivered ammunition to the front lines. Upon discharge, he continued to build the Hulstein Trucking business. In 1956, he continued his education at Northwestern College but found his love was behind the wheel of a straight truck or semi. He worked with his father from 1946-1959 and purchased Hulstein Trucking in 1959. He continued the business until 1975. Subsequent employment included: lumber yard delivery, grain delivery to Dubuque, over-the-road truck driving, and was also a Rozeboom and Bar K employee. Trucks were his passion for a total of 63 years. In retirement, he picked up cars for Mouw and VerHoef Motors and spent many hours discussing life at local coffee klatches. 

On June 27, 1958, he was united in marriage to Sylvia Weg. They were blessed with four children, Sharla, Murray, Vonda, and Janell. One of his greatest joys was watching athletic events with his children as participants. That love has continued through his grandchildren. He was a lifetime member of the First Reformed Church in Sioux Center where he assumed the positions of RCYF leader, choir member, Deacon, and Elder. 

Rodney will always be remembered for his squeezes, love pats, and pinches by all of his children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, whether they liked it or not! He was given the nickname “Tickle Grandpa” by his great-grandchildren. He was definitely a man of integrity, living out his faith with actions more than words.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Gerrit Robert and Art Hulstein and sister, Arthea Raak. 

His survivors include Sylvia, his wife of 66 years, sister-in-law Harriet Kroese, his children, Sharla Hulstein of Denison, IA, Murray and Fonda Hulstein, Vonda and Jeff Vander Berg, Janell and Greg Pennings of Sioux Center. 11 grandchildren: Randa (Dan) Poel of Sioux Falls, SD, Rylee (Taylor) Morris of Guthrie Center, IA, Jaden Vander Berg of Harlan, IA, Malyn (Kyler) Case of Grimes, IA, Mariah (Graham) Zomermaand of Sioux Center, IA, Jaycee (Sam) Magana of Lemars, IA, Regan (Zach) Mouw of Granville, IA, Parker Pennings (fiance: Ashlyn Ludwig) of Alexandria, SD, Keegan (Carsyn) Vander Berg, Meysi Pennings, Mikaiah Pennings, all of Sioux Center, and twelve great-grandchildren.