Reverend Paul Edward Martin passed away in Buffalo, Minnesota on Thursday, May 8, 2020.  He was born in Zanesville, Ohio, but grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. He attended Wheaton College and went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. On June 29, 1973, Paul was united in marriage to Cheryl Langford in Downer’s Grove, Illinois, and the couple was blessed with two sons.  Paul was called to the First Presbyterian Church of Ellsworth, Wisconsin where he pastored for 30 years. Paul also served Ellsworth as an EMT for many years.  

After retiring from First Presbyterian, Paul worked with Teens for Christ in Hudson, Wisconsin until 2019.  A gifted teacher and educator at heart, Paul enjoyed sharing his love for scripture through Bible quizzing and teaching Bible classes as the Dean of Students for Ambassador College.  In everything, Paul’s primary concern was that each person he met would know that Jesus loved them and died for their sins and that by accepting that wonderful news, they would live with God in Heaven. 

Paul is survived by his sons, Joshua (Belonn) Martin, Justyn (Amanda) Martin; five grandchildren, Eva, Jude, Madeline, Seth and Owen; his sister, Beth (Vernon) Neece and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl; his parents, Alva and Eva, and his sister, Anne Martin.

Private interment was held at Chapel Hill Gardens in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Memorials for Paul’s family can be mailed to: O’Connell Family Funeral Home, Care of Paul Martin Family, 520 S. 11th St. Hudson, WI 54016, to be forwarded on your behalf or to Teens for Christ. The family deeply appreciates all thoughts & prayers extended to them during this time.