Fred Hulbert
Fred Hulbert
Oskaloosa. Fred Irvin Hulbert, 85, of Oskaloosa was welcomed into heaven on Sunday evening August 21, 2011, while being cared for at the Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Fred was the fourth child born to Alfred H. and Myra “Verne” Heaverlo Hulbert, near Beacon, Iowa, on December 3, 1925. In April of 1944, WWII beckoned and Fred enlisted in the United States Army, as did his three brothers. He served with courage in the 97th Infantry Division as a B.A.R. Rifleman, completing tours in Germany, Czechoslovakia, and in the Occupation of Japan. Fred earned: a Combat Infantry Badge, an American Campaign Medal, a European/African/ Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two battle stars, an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, an Army of Occupation Medal, a WWII Victory Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars. Upon his discharge from the Army and returning to the States, Fred met the love of his life Geraldine Lester; they were united in marriage on December 22, 1946. Born to this union were four children. Early on Fred was a heavy equipment operator for Mahaska County and for other construction companies. Fred then started his career at auto parts stores. He worked for various stores in Oskaloosa; lastly for Arnold Motors from 1973, until his retirement in 1989. Fred surrendered his heart to the Lord in 1993; he was a very active member of the Calvary Bible Church where he served as an elder. He was also a member of the Oskaloosa American Legion. Fred was a very devoted family man; he faithfully supported his children and grandchildren’s endeavors. He will be remembered as being quiet and humble. He exemplified a loving, gentle, firm yet compassionate father. The Christian example he set, made it easy for his children to know how to love the Lord.
His family includes his wife of 64 years and 8 months, Geraldine Hulbert of Oskaloosa; their children: Bonnie Jean Burggraaf of San Antonio, Texas, Janice Kay (& Howard) Brink of Hedrick, Michael Duane (& Peggy) Hulbert of Johnston, and Kathy Sue (& Jerry) Richardson of Oskaloosa; Grandchildren: Tammy (& Brandon) McDaniel, Andy (& Tammy) Brink, Amy Brink (& Patrick Bailey), Jesse Rogers (Chelsey Skyles), Andrew Richardson, Justin Richardson, and Ashlee Hulbert; great grandchildren: Ryan Bailey, Cameron Skyles, Kyle, Chris, and Ally Holtzinger; a brother and his wife: Floyd and Ethel Hulbert of Eddyville; a sister in law: Ione Hulbert of Oskaloosa; and a brother in law: Russell Gosselink of Grinnell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Cecil Hulbert; and a sister: Goldie Haggard.
Funeral services for Fred Hulbert will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Dr. Douglas Smiley officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Graveside Military Rites will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion, V.F.W. and D.A.V. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday morning after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Tuesday evening from 6-8 to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Mahaska Hospice.
Source: Bates Funeral Chapel
