Obituary of Donald Lee Van Hulzen

Donald Van Hulzen traveled to his eternal home on December 7, 2020. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grampa, and brother. He loved this verse: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4) He will be remembered as someone who cared for the common interest, not the special interests, and was a firm believer in justice and tolerance. Don taught his five daughters the importance of integrity, perseverance, and hard work. He shared his sense of adventure as the close-knit family tent camped and hiked in state and national parks across the U.S. He successfully instilled in his children the joys of playing a musical instrument, participating in sports, and helping others. Home was a place of love, laughter, activity, responsibility, and support. Don was born on March 14, 1935 in Oskaloosa, Iowa where he grew up. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a Master’s of Health Administration degree and from the University of Minnesota as a Certified Candidate for a Ph.D. in Health Care Administration. He was passionate about improving the health of patients in the hospitals he managed and strengthening the financial oversight and management of these institutions. He started out with the Minnesota Department of Health as a Research Director for Statewide Hospital Planning. He also served as the Planning Director for the Metropolitan Planning Council in the Twin Cities. As a member of the Minneapolis Citizen’s League he was recognized for his contributions to the rebuilding of the Hennepin County General Hospital and the building of the Minneapolis Children’s Hospital. Throughout his career, Don worked as the Interim Hospital Director at the University of Minnesota Hospitals and Clinics, Associate Director, Indiana University Hospitals, and Associate Director, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. After he retired, Don and Joan explored Europe, Russia, and China. They also visited Appalachia and other communities across the U.S. together. Don was an active contributor to the editorial pages of newspapers. He wrote many passionate pieces that were published in The Gazette, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and the Iowa City Press Citizen. As far back as twenty years ago he wrote and encouraged us to think about “powerful money interests, political elitism, and political indifference that threaten to erode substantial social progress.” He challenged us with these words, “The future of our children and grandchildren depends upon how we respond to this and future assaults on legally protected rights and on the rule of law.” Don enjoyed serving at the Community Food Bank and at Faith Academy, in Iowa City. He was an active member, elder, deacon and Sunday school teacher at the churches he attended: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church of Iowa City, IA, United Methodist Church in Carmel, IN, Hope Presbyterian Church in Richfield, MN, and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, MN. He also participated in Bible Study Fellowship. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Elberta Van Hulzen, his brother Ken (Virjean) Van Hulzen, his brother-in-law Glenn VandeLune, and his daughter Jill Schulte. Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan Van Hulzen and their daughters (and husbands): Carol (Patrice) Sienché, Wendy (Greg) Carlson, Laurie (Doug) Schillinger and Amy (Carl) VanEssendelft; his grandchildren Joanne Sienché, Shannon (Sam) Erlander, Jason and Sam Carlson, Heather Schulte, Hannah, Bethany and Caleb Schillinger, and Samantha, Claire and Carley VanEssendelft; his son-in-law Patrick Schulte and wife Brenna; his siblings Bill (Retha) Van Hulzen, and Sandra VandeLune. Joan holds onto her true love’s favorite verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) No public services are being planned at this time. Memorial donations can be made in Don’s memory to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church or CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank of Iowa City or Public Broadcasting Services (PBS).