William
"Bill"
Bertram
Kulkens
William Bertram Kulkens 99, of Rutherford, NJ went home to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 23, 2022. He passed away peacefully at his home with his caring family by his side. He was born on August 30, 1922 in Labiau, East Prussia to the late William John and Anna Margaret Kulkens. As a little boy, he emigrated to the USA in 1928, celebrating his sixth birthday on the boat to America.
After skipping a grade in grammar school, Bill graduated Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ in June 1939 at age 16. Immediately after, he attended Fordham University in NY and graduated in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Business Administration. He then served in the US Army during WWII from August 1943 until June 1946 as a Master Sergeant. In August, 1949 he married the love of his life, Mary Eleanor (DeVries), and they enjoyed 66 wonderful years together. He worked as a General Credit Manager in the textile industry for most of his working career. During this time, he received a graduate degree from NYU. In 1985, he formed his own financial service company and worked as a consultant for several more years.
He was a Sunday School Superintendent, youth worker, Treasurer and then President with the gathering of Christians he attended in Passaic, NJ and later in Mahwah, NJ, where he worshipped the Lord. He ministered God’s Word faithfully and enjoyed attending one-day Bible Conferences. He served as President of an eldercare facility in PA called Emmanuel Home for many years.
A humble person who was liked by many, he followed the holy scriptures by being “clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). With a desire to see God’s wonderful creation firsthand, he visited many places around the world with his wife. Bill enjoyed watching Rutherford High School sporting events with his son throughout the years. His presence at the games will be missed. He also served on the RHS Booster Club as Treasurer.
Bill was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2015. He is survived by his daughter Barbara (Hawryliw) and son-in-law Greg Hawryliw of South Carolina; his daughter Carol Kulkens and son William C. Kulkens, both of Rutherford; his 2 grand-daughters Karen and Laura and 5 great-grandchildren Jayson, Aryanna, Joseph, Annalyn, and Abigail all of South Carolina. Bill will be missed greatly by his family, fellow believers in Jesus Christ, and friends who knew him.
For those wishing to make a donation in Bill’s honor, please consider supporting Emmanuel Home at www.emmanuelhome.org or Mountain View Bible Camp, Inc at www.mvbcamp.org .
Visitation will be on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 4-8PM and a service on Friday, 10AM at the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford, NJ with interment to follow at East Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton, NJ.