Howard Owen Trullinger, Jr.

Born in Kansas to Mildred (Huggins) and Howard Owen Trullinger Sr, Hal grew up with a kindhearted big sister Virginia (Anderson) and little brothers Doug and Greg Trullinger. Hal was one of a kind from a young age, getting into mischief, but also enjoying reading on his mom’s lap where he first discovered his passion for books. Immediately after graduating from Central High School (Sioux City, IA) in 1966, Hal joined the US Marine Corps inspired to serve his country after reading a novel, Battle Cry. While proudly serving in Vietnam (1966-1969), he wrote 100s of letters (mostly to his mom) detailing his coming of age while experiencing war.

He and his mom had a special connection. Hal earned a Purple Heart for his injuries. After returning from Vietnam his family had moved to Denver, CO, where he met Linda Jelovchan on a blind date at the movies seeing “Pat Garret and Billy the Kid.” They were married in Rawlins, Wy, in 1973 and began their family having two children, Jason and Jaime. They moved from Wyoming to Illinois in 1977 so Hal could pursue his dreams at the Art Institute of Chicago. Hal attended many colleges, including University of Chicago to study math theory, not for a degree, but to quench his quest to learn as much as he could in his lifetime. Hal loved normal things like vacations at the cabin and walking the dogs, but what made him legendary was his revolving “phases,” collections and hobbies to obsess over and never less than a few at once (yeah, he tried juggling too).

He was a Marine artist, black belt in Taekwondo, philosopher, mathematician, art historian, digital artist, computer programmer, did he ever tell you he was in the movie industry? (working at Blockbuster video after retiring from a career at Ameritech), photography, Tarot, harmonica and string instruments…just to name a few…the list is extensive. He collected baseball cards as a boy, then coins, hats, coats, canes, instruments, again, just to name a few. He loved folk and beatniks, Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead, Bruce Lee, Albert Einstein, Toulouse-Lautrec and endless other artists. Among all personas, Hal’s favorite role in life was Dad. Season passes to Six Flags, water parks, baseball fields to hit a few. He was always willing to have a fun day with his kids. As Hal aged and effects of Agent Orange exposure took its toll on his health, he was in constant pursuit of peace through philosophy theology and most of all family. A Man of Constant Sorrow was his go-to song at karaoke with Linda, but he was truly a man of great inspiration. “No great genius has ever existed without a mixture of madness.” Season passes turned to Steppenwolf Theater with Linda where he slept through dozens of great performances. He loved to give random gifts “to remember him by” as he called you the wrong name. “It’s a Trullinger thing.” He didn’t want the grandkids to see “Pop Pop” as too old, but he’d say “you can’t stay cool forever.” When sad about his declining health, he’d quote a favorite book, The Velveteen Rabbit and accept he was “becoming more real.” Man, was he a real dude? The Big Lebowski was more than a favorite movie, it became part of his philosophy of life. Always searching to discover a tasty food, like the “world’s best burger” at Five Guys. & quote; No great genius has ever existed without a mixture of madness.& quote; Jack of all trades, master of none. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Mildred Trullinger grandparents, nephew Matthew, sisters-in-law Sandra and Rhonda, and niece Kenna, whom he missed dearly. Hal is survived by his beloved wife Linda Trullinger; children Jason (Lauren) Trullinger and Jaime (Kevin) Trullinger Mordue; siblings Virginia (Kenny) Anderson, Greg Trullinger, and Doug (Sharon) Trullinger; and grandchildren Sawyer, Alice, Calliope, and Ryder, who brought Pop-Pop immeasurable joy. His nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will miss hearing about his latest shenanigans.

Celebration of Life Monday, June 15, 2026 · 2:00 – 4:00 PM/ VFW Post 2298 · 117 S. 1st St., West Dundee, IL 60118

Gathering to follow in the restaurant/bar area from 4 – 6:00 PM Hal will be honored for eternity at the cemetery in Eaglesville, MO, alongside his parents.