Tilden Twp - Paul H. Kaminen, age 76, a Tilden Township resident, passed away at his winter home in Old Town, Florida, on Monday, February 22, 2016.

Paul was born to Jacob & Helen (Kytosaari) Kaminen on February 15, 1940, in Ishpeming, MI. He attended National Mine High School before serving his country in the US Army. Paul attended Michigan Technological University where he studied mechanical engineering and met his future wife, Shirley Perander. They were married on June 6, 1967, in Ontonagon, MI.

Paul owned and operated Paul's Shell Station in Republic in the late 1960's; he later owned and operated a gas station in Negaunee. He was an aviation mechanic at the Marquette Co. Airport and a heavy equipment mechanic for A. Lindberg & Sons. In the late 1970's, Paul worked as an instructor at the D.J. Jacobetti Skill Center in Marquette, MI. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Education from Ferris State University while working as an instructor at Northern Michigan University (NMU) teaching various mechanical trades. He was Professor Emeritus after retiring from NMU's aviation technology department.

Paul, who was well known for his skills as a mechanic, spent much of his free time tinkering in his garage. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and racing cars. Paul had a great love of flying, had his own private pilot's license, and was even building his own airplane from scratch. He had an appreciation for history, world politics, and music. He skillfully played guitar, accordion, and piano.
Paul and Shirley spent most of their married life living in Tilden Township where they raised their five children. They built a vacation home in Old Town, Florida, at which they enjoyed time with family and friends. Once Paul retired, they began to spend their winters at their Florida home until Shirley's passing in 2002. Paul, together with his good friend and travelling partner, Sally Narhi, continued to enjoy dividing his time between Michigan and Florida.

Paul is survived by five children: Tina (Carl) Koski of DePere, WI; Mark (Tammy) Kaminen of Republic; Kathryn (Dave) Bayer of Oconto Falls, WI; Bonnie (Richard) Obermiller of Menasha WI; and Paulette (Jesus) Santiago of Green Bay, WI; twelve grandchildren: Pamela Carter; Jon, Bekah, Josh, Jacob and Daniel Koski; Taylor and Rachel Kaminen; Billy and Roxanne Kallatsa; and Breanna and Justyce Simons; three great grandchildren: Patrick and Penelope Carter; and Bennett Martinez; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Helen Kaminen; his wife, Shirley (Perander) Kaminen; brother, Marvin Kaminen; two sisters, Nancy Sterner and Marlene Flack; and grandson, Patrick Hallum.

Paul's family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, February 29, 2016, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm where Military Honors will be accorded at 3:00 pm by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380.

Private interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.
A luncheon will follow at the Bible Baptist Church at 615 S. North Lake Drive, Ishpeming Twp.

Paul's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance. The family requests in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society or a charity that supports America's veterans.