Click here to view Gordon's Memorial Folder

Gordon Dean Hull, 92, of Redfield, SD, formerly of Tulare, SD passed away on Sunday, February 21st at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield.


His memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday the 26th at the Tulare United Church in Tulare. Pastor Lorah Houser Jankord will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at the Tulare cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home. (www.thelenfuneralhome.com)


Gordon Hull was born on June 3, 1923 near Frankfort, SD to George and Aletta (Hilkemeier) Hull. He was raised and educated near Frankfort, graduating from Frankfort High School in 1941. After graduation he farmed near Frankfort until he moved to a farm west of Tulare. He married Nadine Hartwig on September 3, 1950 in Redfield.


Gordon loved farming. His love for farming started with horses and transitioned into equipment using tractors. He was creative, building his own machinery, sometimes using recycled parts, still fencing in his mid-eighties.. His passion for farming/ranching was continuous for 66 years and was evident in his conversations with all who met him.


Gordon was an active member of the Tulare United Methodist Church/Tulare United Church, serving on church boards, United Methodist Men, taught Sunday School, and was a Dakota's conference delegate with Nadine. He sang in church choir, quartets and solos. His love for music continues today through the voices of his three sons.


Gordon was very community minded, serving in many organizations, including South Dakota Farmers Union, Rural Fire Boards, Tulare Lions Club, and 4 H club leader.
Gordon had a love for history, whose passion for accuracy led him to a love for writing. He
wrote many research papers as well as two books, Dakota Venture and Venture to Oregon. His
talent for speaking was evident in the many presentations he delivered to many schools and
community functions. His works are archived at South Dakota State University and has been
honored by the South Dakota Historical Society.


In their 65 years of marriage Gordon and Nadine loved traveling, which took them to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.


Gordon is survived by his wife Nadine, son Brian (Pam) of Tulare, SD, children Tracey (Jason Smith) Watson, Tony (Susie) Watson, Troy (Nicky) Watson, Travis, (Felicia) Watson, Tiffany (Jeremy) Poirier, and Tasha (special friend Bryan Gatzemeyer); son Terry (Connie) of Aberdeen, SD, children Amanda (Andy) Dolan, Staci (Sreedhar) Thota, Justin (Naomi), Dominic, Spencer (Rosevin), 3 step-children and 4 step-grandchildren; son Warren (Diane) of Hastings, Ne, children Morgan (special friend Madison Graham), and Haley; 18 great grandchildren; Marcus, Tricia, Trevor, Payton, Neka, Trinity, Madison, Taylor, Taya, Noah, Jace, Teagan, Ryan, Adrienne, Sohan, Sahasra, Kiersten, Liam, and another great granddaughter due in March; great-great grandson Parker Watson. Gordon is also survived by two sisters Marian Cramer of Willow Lake, SD and Elna (Norman) Swaney of Willis, TX.


He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son: Loren; three brothers: Charles, Vernon and Henry.

Friday, February 26, 2016
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Tulare United Church
207 Ohio Street
Tulare, SD 57476