Robert W Hull

Robert W Hull

June 22, 1943 - August 07, 2023

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Obituary

MIDDLETON - Robert W. “Bob” Hull, a deeply beloved and highly respected professor known to many around the world, passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2023, in Madison, Wis. He was born in Chicago, Ill., on June 22, 1943.


Bob attended St. Maurice Grammar School and DeLaSalle High School in Chicago. He completed his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Physics, and a master's degree in Economics at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, Ill. Subsequently, he taught economics at NIU while pursuing his Ph.D. in Econometrics.


Bob's commitment to education took him on a unique path. He embarked on a one-way journey around the world, stopping at different countries before arriving in Australia. It was there that he spent a year teaching at a middle school in Cairns, an experience he cherished. This marked the beginning of his international teaching journey, which touched locations as diverse as the Virgin Islands, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Fiji, the Cook Islands, the Kingdom of Tonga, and the Marshall Islands.


In the United States, Bob's teaching prowess shone at institutions like Benediction University, Hampton University, Northern Illinois University, University of Maryland, and Western Illinois University. Throughout his career, he specialized in mathematics-related subjects, guiding MBA students in Statistics and Operations Management.


Among the cherished memories he created was his time teaching at the University of the South Pacific on the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. There, for four consecutive winter semesters, Bob shared his knowledge and left a lasting impact.


Beyond his academic achievements, Bob's love for boating drew him to Madison, where he spent weekends enjoying the water, just a five-hour journey from his Macomb, Ill., home. In retirement, he found increased opportunities for global exploration through cruising.


Bob is survived by his loving wife, Siraj Hull; his sister, Marilyn Small (née Hull); and his sister-in-law, Bonnie Hull. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. Hull and Gladys Hull, as well as his brother, James Hull.


Bob's legacy lives on as a testament to his intelligence, compassion, and dedication to others. The countless lives he touched, both in and out of the classroom, stand as a testament to his enduring influence. His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

Middleton, WI 53562

(608) 831-6761


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Ramona Cook
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So sorry to see that Bob has passed on. My sympathy to you, Siraj, and to the rest of Bob's family. I will be thinking of you during this sad time.
ML
Mary Lawson
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Bob and Siraj have been wonderful neighbors for decades. We are especially thankful for him allowing our daughter and her childhood friend access to fish his pond. It was always a welcome sight to see him at his mailbox or stopping by for a chat as we worked in our yard. He will be missed and we send our sympathies to Siraj and his family.
LB
Lee Bucey
Other •
I am Robert’s nephew Lee and I have many memories of my fantastic Uncle! The one that I will talk about now is the Wisconsin dells . I was a young kid maybe 10 or so. May have been 1977 or around there. My mother Marilyn Bobs sister made arrangements for me to go visit him. I was excited as can be imagined. Can’t remember the logistics of how I got there but when I d he had plans. We did very memorable things 1st up the Wisconsin dells we did some tourist type things . Then ended up near the heart of town which was arcades galore. I as a young kid in 1977 or so wanted to play all the games in the arcade. Uncle Bob adjusted to this and found a place that served food and beer nearby the areas I was playing games. He gave me money and said I’ll be right here so I knew where to find him. I’d go back to him when I ran out of money he’d give me more and I did that a few times while he was chatting with the people in the place he was sitting. Night came and we wrapped it up. Next day we went to devils lake state park. Just a great park with a lake camping beach etc. The best part was a a giant hill of boulders! What!!! He said pretty much go ahead if you want to climb on them I’ll be right here! I proceeded to climb those boulders with a passion I’d never been exposed to such a thing and allowed the freedom to do it myself! Really great memory Loved my Uncle Bob dearly!
JB
Jim Burnham
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So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Jim Burnham here, I was a farmer and new to sailing coming off of a divorce. Spring Lake MACOMB, WIU. Needed a friend, Bob was there. Bob and I had many Sat. AM breakfasts talking sailing, economics, travels. He had a small sailing boat, I did too, he sold his bought “KICK’N BACK” I bought another boat on Lake Michigan. We sailed on his boat 3 or 4 summers 1989 to 1993 on Mississippi and Illinois rivers and Mark Twain lake with his best friend “Coot”. Just before you and Bob wed, we nearly sunk “KICK’N BACK” in Burlington Ia. After which we unwound at a Restaurant Bar when he said to me “Jim, this is not good. I have a hole in my boat, but I am getting married this week and that is good.” I had been to your house several times and knew you over authentic Malaysian food among guests like Rolf Hackman, Dave and Joanne Bloomberg, Tej Kall and others. As time went on, one guest, whom you kindly let me bring, was Terri. You and Bob were at our wedding. So many memories of you were there, I was there, Bob was there when———————-. Finally, one year ago while out of town, wife Terri ran into the two of you genuine sweethearts at the Country Club in MACOMB and took this picture. I was not there and now, sadly, Bob is not here. I too am grateful to have known such a wonderful kind man with such good tastes in women to be his wife.
DF
Dr Mark L Frigo
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