Paul was born on Easter, April 11, 1971, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Kathleen and Patrick Martinsen. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Des Moines. At 19 years, he joined the Marines and served in Desert Storm. After his service, he married Alexandra McGinley. He went to Iowa State University and went into information technology, working for various insurance companies, working his way to being an executive. 

Paul has three children, Catherine, James and Jacob. He has two living sisters, Hollie and Deanna, five nieces and nephews, and his mother, Kathy. They all currently reside in Des Moines.

He is survived by his son, Jacob; daughter, Catherine; and mother, Kathy. Paul was preceded in death by his son, James; father, Pat; brother, Robert, Theo and Lillian Ripperger; sisters, Diana and Pamela Sue; and grandparents, Darryl and Catherine Martinsen.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.

Arrangements entrusted to Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.