In Memory
Kenneth Eugene Hulstein passed away on January 29, 2026, to be in the loving arms of Jesus after a hard-fought 15-month battle with cancer.
Ken was born on December 21, 1950, in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he was raised on a farm in a close-knit Dutch community. His family later moved to McCook, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school and was recruited to play football for the Oklahoma Sooners. Ken played linebacker at the University of Oklahoma from 1969 to 1974 under legendary head coach Barry Switzer. The brotherhood formed during those years remained strong, with his former teammates proudly referring to themselves as “Barry’s Boys.”
Ken moved to Denton County, where he owned and operated mobile home parks and rental real estate. He married Janet Teece in 1989, and together they shared 36 years of marriage. He was a loving and devoted father to Justin Hulstein and Lindsey Bean. One of Ken’s greatest joys was watching his children play sports. Both Justin and Lindsey went on to receive Division I athletic scholarships, Justin in baseball at Kent State University and Lindsey in soccer at the University of North Texas.
Ken had many passions throughout his life. He was a traveler who loved planning trips to different parts of the world, enjoying scuba diving, sightseeing, skiing, sailing, and horseback riding. He loved animals and shared special bonds with his Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. He found joy in birdwatching and spending time in nature. An avid reader, Ken especially loved non-fiction books about history and world events. He stayed well-informed and faithfully read three newspapers cover to cover every morning. He passionately followed college and local high school sports and later in life also enjoyed umpiring baseball.
Ken was a wonderful friend who genuinely loved connecting with people from all walks of life. He maintained many lifelong friendships and never met a stranger. He had a special gift for building relationships and engaging in meaningful, heart-to-heart conversations. Known for his wonderful sense of humor, Ken loved to make people laugh. He was incredibly selfless, always putting others before himself, and was deeply passionate about mentoring and helping those around him. He lived by the Golden Rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and carried a true zest for life, embracing each day with joy and enthusiasm.
Ken was preceded in death by his father, Gary Hulstein; his mother, Nelvina Aldis; and his sister, Elizabeth Touchon. He is survived by his wife, Janet Hulstein; son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Chelsea Hulstein; daughter and son-in-law, Lindsey and Blake Bean; grandchildren, Brady Bean and Victoria Hulstein; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Dennis Jensen; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who loved him deeply.
Ken was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother, and friend. He was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed by the many lives he touched.
Ken’s legacy lives on through the relationships he built, the lives he impacted, and the love he poured into his loved ones. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28 for family and friends.
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