Anna Marie Hullinger passed away peacefully on January 23, 2021 after a short stay in the Philip Nursing Home. Anna Marie (Walker) Hullinger was born in a log house 12 miles north of White River, South Dakota, to Ralph and Mary (Krogman) Walker on July 23, 1919. The oldest of four children including Bub, Jo, and Lil.
When Anna Marie was six years old, the family moved to her grandparents Krogman Ranch near White River. She attended county school and spent her summers herding sheep on horseback with all the other kids on the ranch. Anna Marie’s love of horseback riding left her with very fond memories of these days.
She met Clarence Hullinger of Draper, South Dakota, at a dance in Westover. They were smitten with each other from the start and after a two-year courtship and Anna Marie’s graduation from White River High School, they married on September 20, 1937. To this union seven children were born: Richard, Donnie, Barbara, Eileen, Lyn, Vickie, and Tim.
Their first years were spent south of Draper, farming, mowing hay, and working hard to purchase some land and cattle. In 1946, they moved to Murdo and enrolled their two boys in school. By 1964 there were five more little ones and the opening of the “Tee Pee Restaurant”, later to include a motel and campground. In 1972 Anna Marie, Clarence, and son Richard began a four-decade adventure creating the “1880 Town”.
Anna Marie’s family was her love and joy. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother going above and beyond caring for her husband, her children, and the rest of her family. She was the heart and soul of her family, and the strength we all knew we could rely on throughout her life. She will be dearly missed and remain in our hearts forever.
Survivors include three sons Richard (Earlene) Hullinger of Murdo, Lyn Hullinger of Apache Junction, Arizona, and Tim (Lynette) Hullinger of Murdo; three daughters Barb Boyd of Sturgis, Eileen (Jim) Kotz of Presho, and Vickie Hullinger of Murdo; a daughter-in-law Bonnie Hullinger of Murdo; 22 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; one sister Jo Hoff of Ephrata, Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Anna Marie was preceded in death by her husband Clarence on December 13, 2011; son Donnie Hullinger; grandson Heath Hullinger; granddaughters Kay Kotz, and Brittany Boyd; a great-grandson Skyler Jackson; a sister Lil Peters; and a brother Bub Walker.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the auditorium.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 2:00 p.m. CST on Friday, January 29, 2021, at the Murdo Auditorium. Live streaming will be provided and can be viewed on this webpage at the start of the service.
Interment will follow at the Murdo Cemetery.
Guest Book
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you for your loss!
~ Jeff & Emily Sanderson
Eden Prairie, MN (2/6/2021)
I remember when I was a 12 my grandma and grandpa drove us from Washington to South Dakota. We camped at the grounds and ate at the Teepee restaurant that was the best summer touring 1880 and visiting the family. In 2012 I drove through and got to see all the updates. Clarence and Anna Marie smiling the whole time they visited with Grandma and Grandpa.
~ Michele Deems
Nemacolin, Pennsylvania (1/26/2021)
My deepest sympathy to the Hullinger family. Annie was a great women and she will be miss.
~ Darrin Jackson
Lead, SD (1/26/2021)
I met Anna Marie when she and Clarence, with Richard and Donnie, put up hay for my Dad, Harvey, on the farm south of Vivian. She was a constant through my life, giving me advise, encouragement and inspiration. She recognized the beauty of each season in the natural countryside, she enjoyed preserving history, and she loved family. I am so fortunate to have known her. I cannot attend her funeral in person, but I will be there virtually and in spirit. God rest her soul.
~ Sylvia Hullinger Fuoss
Edina, MN (1/26/2021)
Eileen and family, my love and sympathy go out to all of you. Whenever I went to Murdo with you, your Mom always welcomed me and my family. She was a great lady and I know how much all of you will miss her. I will pray that the Lord will wrap arms around all of you. God bless!
~ Gayle Merscheim
Fort Pierre, SD (1/29/2021)
What a wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed. But she accomplished much in her lifetime. She's earned her rest.
~ Connie Lee
2901 West Louisiana Apt. 1 Midland, TX (1/26/2021)
Condolences to the entire family. Rest In Peace, Mrs. Hullinger.
~ Brenda (Kerns) Polk
Huntsville, AL (1/26/2021)
During the summer of my seventh grade year I was riding bicycle east of the elevator when a lightning bolt cracked above the road during a thunderstorm. I was frightened and knocked on the door of the Hullinger house. Anna Marie admitted me and let me stay inside until the storm passed. Condolences to the family on behalf of the Tedrow family, Russell, Marie, Ron and myself. Anna Marie was active in the Catholic church along with my mom and truly an exceptional person.
~ Doug Tedrow
Silverton Oregon (1/26/2021)
Such a sweet Lady. My condolences to the family.
~ Monica Iversen
Mitchell,SD (1/28/2021)
Our sympathies to Eileen & the rest of the family. What a milestone to have reached the age of 101! May God comfort you all & reassure you that Christ has paid the price for us all!
~ Mike & Joyce Kinsley
Savage, Minnesota (1/28/2021)
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you for your loss!
~ Jeff & Emily Sanderson
Eden Prairie, MN (1/28/2021)
I first met Anna Marie when I was 10 Years old, when she came to visit her sister Jo, our family lived in Walt Prahl trailer park, East of the Phillip 66 gas station. my mother who passed away 16 Oct 2020 at the age of 100 worked with Anna Marie until the Tee Pee closed in 1984. I enjoyed the stories she shared and how thankful she was that Grandpa Krogman took them in when he father left the family, I thought it was interesting in Harold Krogman obit that his family thought he was old enough to be on his own at 12, but the parents took in the Walker family. Mom and I enjoyed visiting with Anna Marie and loved the stories she shared.
~ Leroy Hix
311 Willow Drive, Box Elder, SD (1/28/2021)
What a wonderful lady! My first job was working for her at the Teepee Restaurant. Not only did I learn about the restaurant business but work ethics! My condolences to the family! She will be greatly missed.
~ Lisa Hatheway
(1/28/2021)
I got to know Anna Marie in those six summers, I worked at 1880 Town. I cannot begin to tell you all the happenings and fun times of meeting folks who came to the town. Always looked forward to the work-campers that came back each summer. Some of you know my thoughts of putting together a book about the Town. Was put in touch with Jan Cerney ... the book became a reality. Anna Marie had her special recipe for homemade chili. And, boy was it could. She wouldn't give out her recipe. Can't help but wonder if she gave it to someone in the family. My thanks to some of the Hullinger family ... for the opportunities for building lasting memories. May you rest in peace, Anna Marie.
~ Sonia Nemec
Edgewood Vista in Spearfish, SD (1/31/2021)