of Yellville, AR

April 26, 1953 - April 7, 2023

Michael George Hulgan, age 69, of Yellville, Arkansas passed away Friday, April 7, 2023 in Mountain Home. He entered into this world on Sunday April 26, 1953, weighing 8 lbs 6 oz. in Morris, Illinois to George Roy and Helen Hughes Hulgan.

Growing up, Mike played football, worked on a pig farm and earned his title of Eagle Scout. He developed a passion for both cars and motorcycles while working in a motorcycle shop that followed him throughout the entirety of his life. After graduating from high school, Mike attended Wentworth Military Academy and afterwards entered into the U.S. Army as an officer. Mike was stationed first in Korea and then Germany, where he met his wife, Jeri. Together they continued their journey moving to Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Washington DC and finally Saint Louis, where he retired in 1995 as a Major.

Mike and Jeri fell in love with Arkansas and after they both retired they decided to move to Yellville, where he quickly and completely immersed himself into the community. Wanting to get to know the area and the wonderful people who live here he earned his real estate license and worked at BBB Realty for a few years. He fiercely loved his children and devoted himself to fully supporting their passions. He was a band parent, often cooking hamburgers and hotdogs at band functions, raising money for band uniforms and spectating at band events. Michael also volunteered as a leader in the High Adventure Scouts, sharing and supporting his love of the Boy Scout program by chaperoning many of their excursions, including white water rafting on the Colorado River and touring the Florida National High Adventure Seabase.

Even after his children left to build lives of their own, Mike remained very active in the community as well as sharing his family's passions. He took time to travel again visiting new places and sights with Jeri and even worked a few years with the National Park Service at Ocracoke, NC. Locally, he shifted his focus, listening to bluegrass, blues and classic rock, which resulted in his involvement with Music on the Square, as well as personally taking up the banjo. He became a member of the local Rotary Club and eventually the President. Through this he and Jeri hosted students from France, Hungary, Belgium and Brazil and worked on the district level to help other exchange students expand their life experiences by coming to the United States. Rotary was a passion he shared with his daughter, herself a Rotary President and they were oftentimes overheard discussing events, fundraisers and guest speakers.

Michael loved home brewing and had a unique fascination with the science and process behind it. This was a passion he shared with his late brother, Bill, his son and his nephews. He also actively looked forward to Deer Camp each year in Mississippi when they would be reunited. Although, this mostly resulted in more stories shared over cooking food and targets shot than actually hunting.

Michael was incredibly patriotic and loved his faith and freedom. He was a member of the church and actively participated in the Men's Bible study. He was active in the American Legion and served as a Veteran Service Officer providing support and mentorship to veterans in the local community. Michael was a certified Motorcycle Safety Instructor, teaching courses at Arkansas State University Mountain Home.

He was known for his dry sense of humor and always having a kind word for everyone. Above all else, most important to him, was loving his Savior, his family and his friends. He was always quoted as saying that everything else beyond that was just things that could be replaced. Throughout life's many adventures, he was a rock for those who knew him. He was a brave and courageous man when faced with obstacles, including his battle with cancer and was always appreciative to those who helped him. Mike and Jeri worked hard to find joy in each day they were given together. Mike would have found it fitting he left his earthly body on Good Friday in order to celebrate Easter in Heaven.

He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather and friend and he will be greatly missed. He wanted everyone who knew him to know he was grateful for them and for each one to be thanked for participating in his life.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jeri of the home; his mother, Helen Hulgan of Gardner, Kansas; his son, Joshua Hulgan (Kelsey) of Billings, Montana; his daughter, Jessica Piel (Keith Walker) of Bentonville, Arkansas; his brother, Joe Hulgan (Liz) of Sarasota, Florida; two sisters, Helen ''Bobs'' Peterson of Olathe, Kansas; Merri Hulgan (Joe Eby) of Interlochen, Michigan and five grandchildren, Aurora Piel, Jonah Walker, Isabella Walker, Greyson Walker and Ashton Walker.

He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Bill Hulgan.

Visitation will be 6:00 8:00 pm Friday, April 14, 2023 at Roller-Burns Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am Saturday, April 15, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Yellville with Pastor Yvonne Thurmond officiating.

Interment with military honors provided by the United States Army, will follow at Layton Cemetery in Yellville.

Memorials may be made to Presbyterian Men's Bible Study, PO Box 6, Yellville, AR 72687

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