Paul David Hultman, passed away in a tragic house fire on January 9, 2026. Paul was born in Appleton, WI on November 16, 1968, to parents, David Paul Hultman and Linda (Scharp) Hultman. Paul grew up in Neenah, WI where he attended Tullar Elementary School up until sixth grade when he and his parents and brother, Matt, moved to Munising, MI where his Dad continued working for Kimberly Clark Corp.
Paul graduated from Munising High School in 1987 and furthered his education at Michigan Tech University in Houghton, MI where he graduated with a B.A. degree in Mining Engineering. He later achieved a degree as a Metallurgist.
On August 30, 1998, he married Penny Parkkila and they raised three sons, David and Daniel Doherty, and Jonathan Hultman. Paul and Penny moved to Grawn, MI where he was employed by Century Sun Heat Treating Corp. Paul has 27 years of operational experience at the company, including 10+ years of salt bath heat treating and 10+ years of vacuum heat treatment /Ion Nitride experience. He also has 9 years of metallurgical laboratory experience. In terms of leadership, he has served as an Assistant Production Manager for over 10 years and as Team Leader for the Salt Bath Department for 5+ years. Paul holds a BS in Engineering from Michigan Technological University, and he has completed courses in Materials Science at the University of Florida and Metallurgy of Iron and Steel at McMaster University. He is also a member of several professional organizations, including NADCA, ASM, TMS, and the American Ceramic Society. Additionally, Paul has expertise in knife/edged tools and weapon making, as well as energetic materials.
Paul loved to hunt deer with his dad, Dave, Uncle Jack and cousin Mark. One of his favorite places was his deer hunting cabin in Delta, WI. He also loved fishing for Lake Trout in Lake Superior and was a Trout Master Angler.

Paul also was a great cook and prided himself on making a "just perfectly seasoned" steak.

Paul had a deep love for dogs and considered them family. He was especially devoted to his dogs, Bear and Penelope, who brought him years of companionship and joy. Penelope preceded him in death.

Survivors include his former wife, Penny, sons, Johnathan Hultman and David Doherty, grandchildren Daniel and Sophia Doherty, all of Traverse City, MI, parents, Dave and Linda of Iron River, WI. uncle and aunt, Jack and Karen Hultman, uncle Ron Hultman, uncle and aunt Norman and Barbara Scharp and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was proceeded into heaven by his brother, Matt, son, Daniel, Grandparents, Herbert and Ann Scharp and Alf and Taimi Hultman, aunt Marianne Hultman, uncles, Bob and Tom Hultman.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Pine Hall, 1776 High Lake Road, Traverse City and early this summer in Iron River, WI. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Inurnment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Ashland, WI.