On the recordMarch 10, 2025
today I want to honor an outstanding Iowan who devoted his life in service to our home State and to America. This weekend, my good friend of nearly 70 years was laid to rest with full military honors, after passing away on February 16, at age 99 years young. Evan L. Hultman was better known by his nickname. He was called ``Curly'' for his thick crop of curly blond hair. Throughout his career in the military, law, and politics, Curly never met a stranger. And he never let a blade of grass grow underneath his feet. A stand-out athlete, Curly helped lead his high school football team to victory at the state championship in 1941. He was a multisport varsity athlete at East High School in Waterloo. In the ninth grade, he met the love of his life Betty Ann Hook. Following graduation from high school in 1943, Curly enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married his high school sweetheart on October 14, 1944, before Curly served in the South Pacific in the 19th Infantry Division. A member of the ``greatest generation,'' Curly served our country in uniform with honor and distinction. He remained in the Army Reserve for more than a half-century following Active Duty. In 1980, he attained the rank of major general. After the war, Curly attended the University of Iowa, earning his bachelor's and law degrees. From there, he delved head first into civic and political life.…
