Paul K. Hinga

Paul K. Hinga, age 75, of Suamico, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 18, 1950 in Kalamazoo, MI, son of the late Kenneth and Grace (Sluys) Hinga and was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, Class of 1968.

Paul began a long, successful career as an air traffic controller in Sitka, Alaska. He continued this work in Kotzebue, Alaska, then Marquette, Michigan. Eventually he relocated to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he worked for Austin Straubel Airport, retiring after many dedicated years of service. While working in Green Bay, he met the love of his life, Mary Brusky. Paul and Mary were united in marriage, September 12, 1998 and built a beautiful life and home in Suamico.

Paul's incredible life has been beautifully summarized by his dear friend, Doug.

"Paul Hinga made me smile.

Whether in person, over the telephone, via email, or just as a quick, passing memory during the day, Paul Hinga made me smile. He was an established veteran at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan when I arrived there for my summer job as a park ranger in 1973. Paul took me under his wing, and coached me on dealing with both tourists and co-workers. His unique sense of humor was infectious, and I happily enjoyed it for the next 52 years. Over that time we would often share a laugh, recalling people and events spanning those five decades.

The greatest enhancement of our friendship occurred when Mary became Paul’s wife. She refreshed his spirit, and put her own sense of humor to good use. From then on, it has always been Paul and Mary, as one friend. Seeing Paul find happiness and fulfillment in his marriage has been the best memory of all.

Even as his medical challenges mounted during the last 10 years, Paul’s spirit couldn’t be broken. It would have been easy for Paul to feel sorry for himself, to lash out at the world for being unfair, or to scowl in self-pity. Under Mary’s devoted love and care, Paul did none of that. He rooted vigorously for the Detroit Tigers and Michigan Wolverines, kept a vast archive of humorous stories to share, and never lost that grin that always preceded his robust laugh.

As the days pass I will miss my good friend Paul in so many ways. Yet I am very grateful for the memories that he left with me. They are the gifts that keep on giving. Paul Hinga still makes me smile."

Paul is survived by his wife, Mary and his brother, James (Lynnette) Hinga.

A celebration of Paul's life will be held at Newcomer Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, WI), Monday, July 28, 2025 from 1 to 3 PM. A memorial service will follow at 3 PM.

Paul had a soft spot in his heart for animals. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paul's name to your favorite animal charity.

Paul's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many doctors and caretakers in both Madison (UW-Madison Transplant Center) and Green Bay for their care and compassion.