David "Dave" J. Hulke

David John Hulke was born to eternal life on March 17, 2025, at the Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls, WI, after a brief battle with stomach cancer. 

Dave was born on September 21, 1942.  His parents, Bernhard “Ben” and Emilie (Gronholz) Hulke chose to bring their fourth child into the world at the family home in Courtland, Minnesota.   

In Courtland, he rode his pony to and from Immanuel Lutheran School until 8th grade.  He attended New Ulm High School, where he graduated on June 3, 1960.  Four days later, his father passed away.  

On August 26, 1960, he started the adventure of a lifetime, when he joined the United States Navy.   His mother passed away less than six months later. 

After graduating from Boot Camp, he went on to graduate from Aviation Storekeeper “A” School.  Dave traveled extensively throughout the United States and the Pacific, including assignments in Kodiak, Alaska during the Good Friday earthquake of 1964.  He served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Coral Sea stationed in Alameda, CA and aboard the USS Midway stationed in Yokosuka, Japan.  He retired as Chief Petty Officer from the Navy in 1980, after serving as a Navy Recruiter in Wisconsin Rapids.  He attended Mid-State Technical College, and then, began a 22-year sales career in the trucking industry working for various companies including CW Transport, Roehl Transportation, Interstate Trucking and H.O. Wolding. 

His partner during this great adventure called life was Nancy (Newton).  They met in 9th grade and were married, in Courtland, on October 3, 1964.  From there, they went to California for a brief time, and then, on to Guam where their daughter, Barbara, was born in 1965.  Their adventures also included being stationed in Grand Forks, ND where their son, Michael, was born in 1968. 

Dave was very proud of his children and their spouses.  He loved and was greatly loved by his 6 grandchildren and was blessed to be a great grandpa (or Sir) to four great grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was welcomed into heaven by his brothers, Dennis Hulke (1942) and Donald Hulke (2018), sister Delores Langhorst (2019), and grandson Corbin Brey (2022).  

Left inspired, but broken hearted, are those that loved him most.  His wife, Nancy; children, Barb (John) Brey, Mike (Karolyn) Hulke; grandchildren, Brandon (Hannah) Hulke, Garrett (Leah) Hulke, Parker Brey, Madison (Dustin) Lindgren and Chandler (Cameron) Kidd; great-grandchildren, Dallas Brey, Calvin Hulke, Simon Hulke and Mary Hulke; sister, Dianne Johnson (Jack Graf), and many special nieces and nephews. 

Those that knew Dave will be surprised to find that some of his greatest hobbies and passions are not mentioned in his obituary.  There is only ONE thing that he wanted to be remembered for and share with all of you.  It is Dave’s desire that those who loved and knew him would also know and love the Lord. 

Acts 20:24…I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. 

We love and miss you!  

Fair winds and following seas! 

A memorial service will take place at 11 am on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at The Bridge Church, 1210 E Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Pastor Sam DeLoye officiating.  A memorial visitation will take place that day at the church from 9 am until the time of service.  Inurnment with military honors will take place at a later date at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Spooner, Wisconsin. 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Dave's name to Marshfield Clinic Compassionate Care-Eau Claire Angel Fund https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/giving/areas-of-greatest-need/list-of-funds or to The Bridge Church. 

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701 has been entrusted to serve the family. 

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