Marlyn Hulst

On February 11th, 1931, Ralph and Margaret (Dolphin) Hulst welcomed their second son, Marlyn W. Hulst, into the world. On that seemingly normal day, Marlyn took his first breath and unknowingly launched himself into living life’s greatest adventure where he discovered love, purpose, and legacy. It is with heavy hearts, we announce that Marlyn’s earthly journey is over. On July 24th, 2024, Marlyn took his last breath, in the house he built for love with his family at his side in Sioux City, IA at the age of 93. 

Marlyn Hulst was a loving, caring, and loyal husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, veteran, and avid golfer. He was a quiet, gentle man, who possessed a quick wit, with a dry sense of humor that highlighted his impressive talent for finding life’s hidden little ironies that most people miss. 

Many of Marlyn’s early childhood memories were made in the towns of Wilmer, MN and Austin, MN. At the age of 8, Marlyn and his family moved to Sioux City, IA where he went to school and created many meaningful lifelong friendships, including Lois Wood, his high school sweetheart who just happened to grab his hand one day and never let go. 

In 1949, Marlyn graduated from East High School before enlisting in the United States Navy. From 1949-1950, Marlyn served on the USS Boxer. After the Navy, Marlyn started his career with Ma-Bell, aka N.W. Bell before the company split and became AT & T. 

The next big moment in Marlyn’s life happened on March 24, 1951, when he married his love, Lois Wood. The newlyweds planned and worked towards their future dream until the war broke out. In 1952, Marlyn was recalled to service where he resided on the USS Toledo during the Korean War until 1954. Once returned home, Marlyn continued his employment at Ma-Bell where he worked as a cable splicer and in the PBX department for the next 38 years until his retirement in 1988. 

When he wasn’t working, Marlyn enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, attending Third-Presbyterian Church with Lois and later to Faith United Presbyterian Church with his daughter and son, supporting all his grandchildren and great grandchildren at their many extra-curricular activities, and playing as much golf as he could. 

His legacy is one of evidence. His story, his actions, and his faith prove how one man’s love can impact the world for generations to come. Until his last breath, Marlyn upheld a value driven life where his steadfast presence, rock solid support, and good- natured cheerleading were shared freely and readily with his family and friends who he loved so much. While his presence is and will be missed, it is nice to know that Marlyn will face this next heavenly adventure with the same determination and resilience that have kept him balanced on earth and if… there is a golf-course, we’ll know the first place to look when we get there because his love was not misplaced.

Marlyn is survived by his 4 children and spouses, Gary and Barbara Hulst, Julie and Bill Morgan, Becky and Jeff Bainbridge, and Bryan and Mindy Hulst; 1 sister-in-law, Barbara Hulst; 12 Grandchildren and partners, Nick and Fiona Cline, Nadine Meis, Kimberly and Adam Nordby, Carolyn Theis, Sarah and Jeff Kosiba, Katie Morgan, Joe and Elizabeth Morgan, Pamela and Bubba Johns, Justin and Johanna Crain, Adam Bainbridge, Haley and Alex Arguelles, Chad Zieg and Fiancée Crystal Bond, and Tori Zieg; 40 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Lois Hulst; parents, Ralph and Margaret Hulst; siblings, Al Hulst, sister-in-law Margaret Hulst, Lewellyn Hulst 

A graveside service will be held Saturday August 3rd, 4:00 at Memorial Park Cemetery located at 6605 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106. A celebration of life will follow the service at Faith United.