Obituary: Paul H. Tussing

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

Paul Herman Tussing, Sr., 85 of Chassell Michigan passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at the Omega House after a short illness. 

He was born June 28, 1938 in Marquette, Michigan to the late Rollie and Ethel Tussing.

He attended Houghton High school and graduated with the class of 1958. After graduation, he worked for over 23 years at Weber’s Sporting Goods in Houghton, with some time away serving in the United States Army until 1967 when he was honorably discharged as a Sargent. After that, Paul worked for over 19 years for Michigan Tech University starting out in the mail room and as a custodial worker until he became the manager of the MTU Pro Shop and later, University Images. After he retired, he continued to work for over 17 years for Isle Royale Resorts being a main land agent at the Houghton dock for the Ranger.

Paul married the love of his life, Patricia (Mattson) Tussing of Pelkie, Michigan on August 15,1964. Together they had two children Penny Tussing of Ishpeming, Michigan and Paul Tussing Jr. of Chassell Michigan. He was proud to be called “Papa” by his two grandchildren Zakkary Tussing and Lexus Tussing of Jacksonville, Florida.

Paul was an integral part of developing and coaching the Houghton County women’s hockey program. Coach Tussing, along with his wife Pat, helped coach several Houghton Angels women’s hockey teams and helped assist other local hockey organizations with their programs. He also coached numerous Copper Country Junior Hockey Association teams bringing home the Michigan state championship trophy for the 1977-1978 Squirt “A” boys hockey team. Many in the community loved and respected Coach Tussing and he loved being a part of the local hockey programs.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Rollie and Ethel (Tussing) Balma and step father Hector Balma, his brother Dale and wife Louise Tussing, sister-in-law Sue Tussing, sister-in-law Nancy Turunen, brother-in-law Gerald Mattson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Paul and Priscilla Monette.

Paul is survived by his wife Pat, resident of Portage Pointe, their children Penny and Paul, grandchildren Zakk and Lexi, his brothers Howard “Butch” (Karen) Tussing and Rollie Tussing, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. 

In 1997, Paul climbed Mt. Rainier in Washington as part of the Jansport 25th annual climb. He loved to go to the casino, trips to Laughlin, running alongside his daughter Penny, lunch at Tina’s Katalina and spending time at his camp in Alston. He spent the majority of his life fishing with his good friend and brother-in-law Gerry, deer hunting with his son Paul, including over 20 years elk hunting in Colorado.  

At his request, there will not be a funeral service. However, we know he will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assistin