Paul L Martinsen

Paul L Martinsen February 15, 1946 – January 20, 2026

Paul L Martinsen (79), our beloved husband, father, and papa, left this world on January 20, 2026 to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by the love of his family.

Paul was born February 15,1946 in Caldwell, ID to Clyde and Bonnie Martinsen. He was the first child in a family that would grow to include one brother and four sisters.

He attended Boise High School, graduating in 1964, before proudly serving his country as a Sargent Specialist- E5 specializing in Helicopter Avionics in the United States Army serving in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1968.

It was the winter of 1969, when he met Phyllis Hochhalter and set out to win her heart. On January 8, 1972, they married. Beginning a fairytale that spanned 54 years and gave them two children that he adored.

Paul loved fixing things, so much so that he spent 30 years working as a Maintenance Director for the Idaho State School and Hospital where he retired in 2013.

Paul was an avid griller; he loved cooking on his Traeger and Dutch Ovens. He also enjoyed watching his beloved Sea Chickens (Sea Hawks), BSU Broncos, learning to fly fish, traveling and was a fantastic photographer.

Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson's Dementia in 2022. In 2023 Paul and Phyllis moved to Grace Independent Assisted Living where he resided until his death. The staff at Grace were amazing, taking extremely good care of him.

Paul is survived by his wife, Phyllis, daughter Sandra (Tim) Ammann, son Steve (Diana) Martinsen and two granddaughters Chantel and Lexie Martinsen.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Bonnie Martinsen, and brother John Martinsen.

Services will be at the Veterans Cemetery on March 20, 2026 at 11am.

A Celebration of Paul’s life will held on April 19, 2026 from 3pm – 4:30pm at Grace Independent Living 1960 N Lakes Place Meridian, ID 83646

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Parkinson's Dementia Foundation.