Herbert Marvin Kulman

Herbert Marvin Kulman, aged 94, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2024, at his home in San Diego. He was born on June 12, 1929 in Sayre, Pennsylvania, to David and Mary [Kemmler] Kulman. He is preceded in death by his parents and his older brothers Armand [Alice] and Melvin [Dorothy], as well as his ex wife Joann [Gilbert]. He is survived by his children Jonee Kulman Brigham [Scott] and Michael Kulman, his grandchildren Sam and Joe Brigham, as well as extended family and dear friends. 

Herb loved music, gardening, and nature, so after serving in the Army, he decided to study forestry, and later forest entomology. He earned a B.S. in forestry at Penn State University, a Masters of Forestry at Duke University, and a PhD in Entomology at University of Minnesota. He worked in the US Forest Service, and held academic positions at West Virginia University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In 1966 he returned to  the University of Minnesota, to lead the forest entomology program, conducting research on forest defoliators, training 30 graduate students including 13 PhDs, and authored or co-authored over 80 journal articles before he retired in 1991. One of his popular articles described how to create habitat to attract butterflies. He shared his love of nature with his children and took them on nature hikes where he would point out details of bark, leaves, and insects, exclaiming, “Isn’t that wonderful!” Building on an interest in literature he gained in college, he joined the Minneapolis Writers Workshop and took up writing, including several published short stories, and drafts of two novels. After retiring to San Diego, he established a beloved circle of friends through choir, bridge, and garden clubs. His garden was legendary and made the local paper for his extensive collection of colorful succulents. Inside, his collection of original landscape paintings was also legendary, with his floor-to-ceiling salon-style display in every room - even the bathroom. He enjoyed giving garden and art tours to family and friends. After having grandchildren, he wrote down his Mooshy Mouse and Morris Mouse stories that he’d told Jonee and Michael growing up so that his grandchildren could enjoy them too. Herb believed that positive societal change was possible and in lieu of flowers, gifts to the ACLU are preferred in honor of Herb.

Herb was healthy, independent, and active for 94 years until spring 2024 when he declined, and passed away peacefully in home hospice. Outside in his garden, butterflies could be seen welcoming him into the oneness of the world where we will always hold him dear.

Celebrations of Life:

In San Diego, California, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, afternoon to early evening - Thank you to all who gathered and sent messages.

In Roseville, Minnesota (In the Twin Cities), Friday, August 9, 2024, 5:00 pm gathering and program, followed by dinner
Harriet Alexander Nature Center | 2520 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113Follow short walking path upward toward the nature center which is tucked into the trees. 

Related Memorial Events:

Public Presentation: on Saturday, August 10th, 2:00 pm-3:30: Butterfly Effect: An Ecology of Lepidopterists - Featuring Dr. Marc Epstein. Funded by the Herbert M. Kulman Trust, in memory of his research, teaching, and love of nature - (Event LINK) Also held at Harriet Alexander Nature Center.

Blue Skies: House Concert and Harris/Walz Fundraiser: Saturday, August 10th, 7pm-9:30pm Featuring Jayson Coleman, Vocalist from San Diego, and David Martin, Twin Cities Guitarist performing in Birchwood, MN. Funded by the Herbert M. Kulman Trust, in memory of his love of music and hope for a better future. Learn more at the Blue Skies website LINK.

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Questions? please email joneekb@gmail.com