Most teenage boys can be found playing sports or crafting model cars, but not Bill Mulske. During his teenage years in the 1940s, Mulske spent his time in the kitchen dutifully baking with his mother, where his lifelong love for preparing treats began.

The 80-year-old Willowbrook, Ill., resident can still be found in the kitchen each week at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, where he has worked for the last 53 years. Hospital employees and visitors flock to the cafeteria to indulge in Mulske's famous pecan rolls and other delicacies.

Mulske started his career at the hospital in 1955. Although he left Hinsdale for another hospital, he returned less than two years later as a cook, but was soon promoted to supervisor. In 1993, Mulske decided to put away his baking sheets for the last time, and he retired. But the lure of the kitchen was far too great, so he decided to return to the hospital on a part-time basis. Today, he works once a week at the hospital preparing such treats as sweet rolls, fresh strawberry pie, carrot cake and delectable fruit breads.

Mulske's creations are a big draw for employees and patients alike. One patient, who comes in several times a year, looks forward to his famous pecan rolls. Even when they're not on the menu, Nutrition Services staff will ask him to make a special batch for this patient.

"A hospital can be a scary place for some patients," said Mary Bellino, morning tray line manager. "If something as simple as a pecan roll will make their stay that much better, we feel humbled to be able to provide that for them."

In addition to his baking career, Mulske annually prepares special event midnight meals and holiday feasts for hospital employees. He also prepares and serves a buffet meal for the School of Nursing alumni each year. It's this level of service to the hospital that earned Mulske the hospital's Living Our Mission award in 2004. The award recognized his years of dedication and faithful service.

Combining his faith with his vocation, Mulske prepared and supervised the food service operation at the Seventh-day Adventist Wisconsin Conference's annual camp meeting for 41 consecutive years. Mulske enjoyed his work so much, he referred to the venture as his vacation.

Mulske's love for God has been made manifest not only through his work at the hospital, but also through his ties to Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church. Mulske has been a dedicated member of the church since 1955. One year after his arrival, he was chosen to be a deacon, a position he has maintained for 53 years. Mulske heads such jobs as filling the baptistry pool, discharging duties for funerals, weddings and communion services, and odd jobs such as turning the lights of the church off and on.

"He is truly a man who can be described as a faithful doorkeeper in the House of the Lord," said John Rapp, regional vice president of Ministries and Mission, at Adventist Midwest Health. "Bill is a dependable, dedicated and faithful man who exemplifies the commendation 'well done, thou good and faithful servant.'"

Demia Tunis, public relations intern, Adventist Midwest Health