Jerry Michael “Mike” Hull, 73, of Monmouth, IL, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at 2:37 pm, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at his home. Mike was born November 21, 1949, in Burlington, IA, the son of Jerry O. and Bette J. (Pirtle) Hull. He was raised and educated in Media, graduating from Media High School in 1967. Mike served with the United States Air Force from 1969-1970, with a tour of duty in Vietnam. Mike married Elaine A. Blender on August 9, 1969, at the Raritan Reformed Church in Raritan, IL and she survives. They had just celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary last week. Mike was a farmer and raised livestock in Warren and Henderson Counties. He also worked as a correctional officer for 15 years at the Hill Correction Center in Galesburg before retiring in 2014. He was a man of stability, farming for almost 50 years, raising his family in the same house until both daughters were married. He modeled consistency and integrity. The only thing stronger than his word was his love for his family. He took great pride in providing a stable home life for his family, and his daughters took those lessons into marriages that have both lasted over 20 years.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine Hull of Monmouth, his two daughters, Jera (Brad) Deal of Peoria, IL and Jona (Mark) Cox of Goshen, KY; 6 grandchildren, Allie Meister (Gabe), Julianna Deal, Lily Deal, Mitchell Cox, Caden Cox and Abby Cox; and one great granddaughter, Mia Kate Meister. Also surviving is his brother Steve Hull of Monmouth and his sister, Penny Moore of Oquawka, IL, and several nieces and nephews.
One of his granddaughters gave him the moniker “Grandpa Wishes”, which he embraced for the rest of his life. One grandson followed in his footsteps into the Air Force and is currently in training in North Carolina. He provided what his daughters describe as a “Cinderella life”, which is fitting, as one of his favorite memories was taking his kids and grandkids on a 5-day trip to Disney and shutting down the park nightly for the week, determined to be part of the fun. He put both daughters through college, an opportunity he wasn’t afforded. He was a good sport, once golfing the back nine in driving sleet, gloveless, just to spend an extra 2 hours with his son-in-law. He had a quick wit, often listening until the end of a story before offering a humorous one-liner. He also loved telling stories, especially about his children and their childhood, and he had a way of getting a laugh from an entire room when he’d nailed the punchline. He was always willing to lend a hand, his time, or anything else needed to make sure his family was taken care of. He was generous with his family, never letting anyone else pay for family meals at restaurants, the only request being that he’d get to choose the place! He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Linda Gipe and Connie Mowen.
Cremation has been accorded. Per Mike’s request, no services are planned at this time. Memorials may be given to the Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Clinic and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com. Finally, he believed in God, and though he was quiet about his faith, if he was standing here today there’s one thing he’d say for certain: Jesus Christ is Lord!
