John W. Hulka's Obituary
John W. Hulka, age 78, met his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in West Palm Beach, FL. He was born on October 10, 1945, to Charles and Helen (Warnock) Hulka in Peoria, IL, but soon after moved to Muskegon, MI which he called home most of his life. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School class of 1963. He was a proud veteran who served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam war where he earned a special Army Commendation Medal with a “V” device for his heroism during combat. John had a strong work ethic which he inherited at a young age, while working at the Hulka Market, their family business, for many years. He had a 23-year career at Kaydon Corporation, working as a supervisor and machinist before retiring in 1995. John loved to stay busy, even after retirement he kept at it with his own food delivery business while also working at Kamm Electric. In his younger years, he had a passion for astronomy and learning all things about outer space. He and a friend built a dome with a large satellite on his home to further learn about the stars. He also had a passion for ham radio and was a member of the Muskegon Area Amateur Radio Council for many years. John spent numerous years as a ham radio operator assisting in many tasks including search and rescue. His most prized passion was his Corvette, though he also enjoyed boating, fishing and riding his motorcycle. John loved traveling and enjoying the simple pleasures in life with Tonya Raschke, his loving significant other of 21 years. Together they cherished many days filled with endless and spontaneous adventure in the Florida sun, which John soon called home in 2016. He was a man of many talents and loved nurturing his knowledge by fixing just about anything and everything he could. John will always be remembered as a compassionate and easy-going man. His tender-loving spirit will truly be missed by many. John is survived by his loving other half, Tonya Raschke of West Palm Beach, FL; two brothers, Charles (Crystal) Hulka Sr. of Gig Harbor, WA and Robert (Bernie) Hulka of The Villages, FL; and extended family and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and twin brother, James Hulka. John will be laid to rest with Military Honors at 3:30 PM on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Mona View Cemetery, 3335 Mona View Dr., Muskegon Heights, MI 49444. Arrangements are entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Memorial contributions in his honor can be directed to Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 1860 E. Hile Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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