Kenneth “Ken” L. Hults

Obituary

Kenneth Lee Hults born on June 11, 1950, lived a life rooted in generosity, warmth, and the joy of gathering with others. What was most important to him was his family, especially his four grandchildren. 

Madeline, Libby, Liam, & Elliott here – We would love to tell you about our Grandpa Ken and the incredible human being that he was. Rain, snow, sleet, or shine, our grandpa traveled to the great plains of South Dakota to make it to every Grandparent’s Day, show, coronation, match, competition, and birthday party. Whether it was his beaming face in the audience as he held up his camera or a smiling face in the morning when he dropped us off at school, he truly was our #1 supporter. He was the biggest example of kindness and love, qualities that he instilled in each of us forever. He never left a conversation or phone call without making sure each of us knew just how loved and special we were. His generosity radiated through his actions as he placed each one of us above himself. In the summers when we visited Glencoe, he spent hours driving us around to each and every park in the city, making sure his car was stocked with each of our favorite treats. That is just the kind of person and grandpa he was. He always had a new garage sale trinket to show us, a story to laugh at, or a fresh pan of baked goods, even though dinner was in an hour. Our grandpa adored traveling, and we were fortunate enough to be a part of his adventures in Missouri, Hawaii, and Izaty’s, memories that will last a lifetime. His brilliant energy, love for others, and zest for life were apparent in every room that he walked into. We will never take for granted the impact that he had on each of our lives and will forever cherish our memories with him. Nothing that we could say will ever amount to the incredible grandpa that he was; he will be our hero forever.

Ken is the son of LuVerne “Pete” and Mary Hults.  He spent his childhood on the family farm in Gary, SD, along with his two older brothers, Ray and Gene. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church. Being the youngest of all the boys, and having a stomach that was rather sensitive to the smells of the barnyard, he was named his mother’s first assistant in their kitchen, where he developed his love for baking and cooking. He spent his summers with numerous cousins who loved staying on the family farm. He graduated from Gary High School in 1968 and went on to Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. 

Ken began his working career in rural SD.  Although not officially on the payroll, he did spend nearly one full day helping his brother and sister-in-law with their garbage route - although that didn’t work out as he was unable to get over the stomach “sensitivity” he developed at the farm.  He did work in banking as well as sales and installation of computer systems, accounting, and bookkeeping. He spent most of his career working at Lakeside Elementary, a job that brought him so much joy. Two decades of students at Lakeside still remember his morning announcements over the PA system, “GOOD MORNING LAKESIDE…” (think Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam!). 

While traveling through Glencoe, he had a chance meeting with a woman named Bev who liked to laugh as much as he did. They laughed, and they laughed. And then they laughed some more. Their friendship and love led to their marriage on October 19, 1985. What was most important to Ken was his family. He was proud to be a father of two sons, Skipper and Nathan. As a father, he is remembered as selfless and generous (especially when exceeding his budget at a fireworks stand on the 4th of July). He didn’t just attend their many activities, he was active in fundraising, volunteering, and leadership in Boy Scouts, Church organizations, theatre, music, and athletics. 

Ken is survived by his wife, Beverly Fritz-Hults; his two sons and daughters-in-law, Wallace “Skipper” & Pamela Fritz and Nathan & Katharine Hults; his grandchildren, Madeline, Libby, & Liam Fritz and Elliott Hults; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond & Betty and Gene & Pam Hults; his nephews and niece, Scott & Penny Hults, Jason & Gina Hults, and Sarah Hults; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Lee & Peggy Sietsema, Bill & Karen Sietsema, Eileen & Ernie Graves, Don & Anita Buesing, Nancy & Paul Sharkey, Rosemary & Loren Jansen, Carol & Paul Smith, and Janelle Sietsema OSB; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Mary & LuVerne “Pete” Hults; his mother- and father-in-law, Donald & Ann Sietsema; his brother-in-law, Edward Sietsema; and sister-in-law, Betty Buesing; and his nephews, Steven Hults, Tom Sietsema. 

Ken, Dad, Grandpa, Friend - We love you and we miss you more than you know.