GRB AFSS

03/29/2026

From OZ

07/19/2025

Paul K. Hinga
April 18, 1950 — July 17, 2025
Suamico, WI
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.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Paul K. Hinga, please visit our flower store.

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05/16/2025

Charles "Charlie" E. Dawes Obituary
Charlie Dawes, age 75, of Nekoosa, WI, passed away, unexpectedly, at his home, on May 1st, 2025.
Charlie was born on January 27, 1950, in La Crosse, WI to George and Marjorie Dawes. He grew up in La Crosse and was a 1968 graduate of La Crosse Central High. He continued his education at Lawrence University in Appleton WI. He met the love of his life, Barbara May, at a Wisconsin-Purdue football game in the fall of 1981. They were married on June 2nd, 1984.
Charlie worked as an air traffic controller at Austin Straubel Airport in Green Bay WI. He retired in 2000 after 25 years of service.
Charlie was an avid sports enthusiast. He played basketball and football while in high school and loved watching both of those sports whether it was high school, college, or professional. He also enjoyed fishing with family and friends in Wisconsin and Florida.
Charlie had a passion for golf. Whether playing it or watching it, He was intrigued by the game and was always trying to perfect his swing. And no matter where his playing partner’s ball landed, (behind a tree, next to a rock, in a pond etc….) he was notorious for always saying “You’ve got a shot!” Charlie was fortunate enough to attend many major sporting events in his life: The British Open, The US Open, The PGA, The 1982 World Series, The 1996-1997 Super Bowl in New Orleans, The 2001 Final Four in Minneapolis. For a man who loved sports, these events were a dream come true.
But Charlie was best known for his kind heart, great smile and wicked sense of humor! He was the guy who would give you the shirt off his back and would go to great lengths to please his family and friends. And he always loved a good laugh! You never knew what he might be thinking next!!!!
Charlie is survived by his wife, Barbara May-Dawes, two brothers, George (Carol) Dawes of Sun Prairie, WI, and John (Patty) Dawes of La Crosse, WI and two sisters, Sue Ruble and Kris (Joe) Bernhardt, both of La Crosse, and brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Sue May of Nekoosa. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Lance Ruble and Ron May. Charlie was a humble man who never thought of himself as special. But we who were fortunate enough to know him know just how special he was. He touched many lives with his kindness, love and humor and he will be missed dearly by many.
A memorial service will be held at Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home in Nekoosa at a later date.
To send flowers to the family of Charles "Charlie" E. , please visit our floral store.
Hid

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03/29/2024

I just found out that Tom Hinrichs (TH) passed away on March 16, 2024.

Find the obituary of Thomas Hinrichs (1941 - 2024) from Green Bay, WI. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care.

11/16/2023

11/16/2023

Yesterday's band of misfits: MS,DA,RR,BD,MAJ,KA,JA,DK,KD.

11/16/2023

I was reminded that I neglected to post the attendees of the August event. They were: DA,RR,RF & Peggy,MS,KA,DK,RL,AU,PH,SG & Ken. You may now put away your torches and pitchforks.

10/18/2023

Goodmorning everyone, I think we have time for 1 last get together this year before the
snow starts to fly. Mark your calendars 11/15/23, (Wednesday November 15) Old Chicago
1PM. Hope to see you there. This message was also emailed to the group.

DA

08/17/2023

GRB AFSS 8/17/23

07/19/2023

It is time for another GRB AFSS OC get together. Mark your calendars, Wednesday AUG 16 1PM at OC. Hope to see you there. This was also sent as an email to everyone in the GRB AFSS group that I have an email address.

05/14/2023

Had a decent turnout for the Old Chicago fete. Attending (in no particular order) were: DK, RR, KA, JA, RL, DA, MS, CO, ME, AU, KD, and OK. We had enough of a turnout so we didn't have to talk trash about anyone who didn't attend but there's no guarantee that we won't next time. Please make a note of this.

05/10/2023

OC get together 5-10-23