Donald R. Hultzman

Donald R. Hultzman, age 95 of Brunswick Hills, Ohio peacefully passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 28, 1929, to William and Elsie (nee Florian) Hultzman. Don proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1955-1957.
Don admitted he had always been a casual collector of antique toys, but didn't really get serious about the hobby until 60 or so years ago when he found that repairing broken toys was just as exciting as collecting them. Not only was he intrigued by these mechanical wonders, but he also enjoyed the challenge of bringing a "dead" toy back to "life." These resurrections began with the classic tin wind-ups and later, the battery-operated toys.
Raised in Cleveland, he graduated from West Tech High School and then went on to Baldwin-Wallace College where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. After a two-year stint in the Navy, he joined the Parma City School System as a science teacher. Later, he became a guidance counselor after earning his master's degree from Kent State University.
For a majority of his life, he resided in Brunswick Hills, Ohio (Medina County), a few miles south of Cleveland. He cherished the rural, forested land where he lived where he was surrounded by the majesty of nature and an abundance of beautiful trees. He remained a loyal and diehard Cleveland Indians fan throughout his life during the team's good times and bad. He attended many games in the 70's and 80's with his children - many times staying late outside the stadium to let his kids try to get baseballs signed by the players.
Besides working, raising a family, and collecting and repairing antique toys, Don also did freelance writing for the encyclopedia department of the World Publishing Company, as a science consultant. He also wrote feature articles for toy publications as well as multiple books on battery-operated toys. Many pieces from his extensive collection of pre-1950 tin wind-up toys were used in the 1983 MGM movie "A Christmas Story," and also the 1994 MGM movie, "My Summer Story,"
Left to celebrate Don's life are his loving children, Scott (Kathryn) Hultzman, Todd Hultzman and Kurt Hultzman; his cherished grandchildren, Lauren (Josiah) Gevry, Kyle Hultzman and Rachel Hultzman; his adorable great grandchildren, Oliver and Olivia; and many extended family and friends. Don will be missed by all who knew him.
Don is preceded in death by his siblings, William Hultzman and Eleanor Rechnitzer, and his parents.
The family will welcome visitors from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Waite Funeral Home located at 3300 Center Road in Brunswick, Ohio. There will be a private graveside service at Riverside Cemetery in Cleveland. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made by planting a tree – trees that Don loved so much.
Online condolences and memories may be left for the family on Don's guestbook at www.WaiteFuneralHome.com.