William "Bill" Hulbert died on July 23, 2021 with his wife and children at his side.
Bill was born April 1, 1936, the second eldest of five children born to Giles and Helen (Mitchell) Hulbert, in Lowville, New York.
Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War; however, by the time he was called the Basic Training the conflict had ended and he was stationed in Alaska were he repaired communications equipment. Upon completing his enlistment, his family had moved to Elkhart Indiana and he joined them there.
It was in Elkhart that Bill met Marcia Pearce and six months later, April 16, 1961 they married. They traveled a bit and then settled down to welcome two children, Bill "Jr" in 1967 and Christine in 1969. Initially planning to raise their family among many cousins, Bill's career took a different path and he accepted a job at B&B Trucking in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
As a Class A Master Diesel Mechanic, this was a union (Teamsters Local 7) position. They bought a small "starter home" on the border of Vicksburg/Portage and lived there for the next 20 years. During this time Bill continued with the Teamster by taking a position with Alvan Motor Freight until his retirement. His coworkers knew him for his great sense of humor and his willingness to help.
Bill loved to travel which resulted in family vacations throughout the United States. Tents, pop-ups, campers, motorhomes, trailers, and eventually a fifth wheel; Marcia would have the equipment and family packed up and ready to go and he would drive to the family to great adventures.
Once they were empty nesters, they traveled to Dolan Springs, Arizona where he spent time with his younger brother. He continued to travel locally, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and many other communities/attractions with occasional trips to the Midwest to visit/help family members. After ten years in Arizona, Bill and Marcia moved Auburn, Indiana.
Bill's final move was to Portage, Michigan. Only a few miles from that starter home. It broke his heart to move from his Bride of 60 years and he often he wanted to 'come home' or have her there with him. However, the staff at Medilodge of Portage and Heartland Hospice became a new branch to our family tree and we are grateful for them.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marcia and two children Bill "Jr" (Lisa), and Christine Ballinger, as well as, his youngest sister Linda (Sam) Harrington. Additionally he has many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Giles and Helen Hulbert; his siblings, Margaret Nye, Donna Troyer, and David "Butch" Hulbert, and a grandson, Jordan.
The family has requested donations to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers, suggestions include charities for Parkinson's Research or Veterans Assistance Funds.