Richard C. Hullinger

Donald “Donnie” C. Hullinger, 76, passed away peacefully May 1, 2019 after a four year long battle with metastatic prostate cancer.  
    He was born August 13, 1942 to Clarence and Anna Marie (Walker) Hullinger in Pierre, S.D. He was the second oldest, just behind Richard. He was followed by Barbara, Eileen (Kotz), Lyn, Vicki and Tim.  He grew up and resided in Murdo, S.D.; a town he has loved and made his mark on.
    While in high school, he met a beauty, Bonnie Dybing, from Presho. He told many stories of skipping school, stealing a car from his brother, Richard, and showing up outside Bonnie’s classroom window just in time for her to get “sick” and have to leave school. When he was 17 he enlisted in the Army. While he was in basic training, Bonnie snuck out of her house in the middle of the night, got on a grey-hound bus and met him in South Carolina to marry him. While over seas, the Army generals wisely recognized his abilities and recruited him to set up their sound systems to throw memorable parties. During his down time, he often would cross into a restricted area of Berlin to taunt the Russian soldiers so they would chase him as he knew his car was faster. After his return from Germany, he and Bonnie had three children - Bridget (Ambur), Lisa and Heath (deceased).  
    Donnie and Bonnie have successfully owned and operated the Sioux Motel since 1986. If you ever made it over to the Sioux Motel, you probably spent time riding around in the golf cart with Donnie, listening to his new jokes and many stories. You may have learned about the fun he had getting cops to chase him when he was young, or maybe one of the pranks he and his brothers would play. For the younger Hullinger generations, these visits with Donnie inevitably turned into games of “sock tag” with the cousins until Bonnie would find him hiding on the roof and yell “Donnie! We’ve got customers!” The party would then turn into racing around town playing “ditch-‘em”. All in all, Donnie was known as a kid at heart.
    Through the years, he has continued to embrace all opportunities to have fun. He is remembered by his infamous Sturgis rally hat, “The Donnie” cocktail, sock tag, dirt bike riding in the Black Hills, jokes and contagious laughter. Donnie was also recognized for his love and generosity for all. Donnie had an aura that drew all to him and was a friend to everyone he encountered. Many in the family have referred to him as the family “glue.” He has been an important guide and mentor throughout his life - leaving a lasting impression on his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. He was a man who truly lived every single day and embraced every moment. Although we all miss him dearly, we will carry him with us for eternity.
    He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughters, Bridget (Gary Ambur) and Lisa; grandchildren, Lindsay Ambur, Austin Ambur and Renee Cressy; great-grandchild, Aiden Forsman; mother, Anna Maria, siblings, Richard, Eileen Kotz (Jim Kotz), Barbara, Lyn, Vicki and Tim along with many adoring nieces, nephews and friends.
    Donnie was preceded in death by his father, Clarence and infant son, Heath.
    The Hullinger family invites you to celebrate Donnie’s life with them July 20, at the Rusty Spur. Details to follow.