Paul E. Martin, 69, De Pere, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at Unity Hospice-Jack and Engrid Meng Residence, from complications of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He was born in Green Bay on July 11, 1947, the oldest of the thirteen children of Frank and Dorothy (Erickson) Martin. Paul was known for his sense of humor and the ease in which he made and kept in contact with his large group of friends. Lifelong friendships began while growing up on the family homestead in the town of Rockland. He attended Lincoln School and then De Pere High School where he played Redbird football, was a member of FFA, and graduated with the class of 1965. More friends came as a member of the Rockland Boys 4-H club and then as a leader of the County Tractor Project. Paul became a part of the Wisconsin Bell Telephone Co. family the day after he turned 18. His work ethic was valued by his co-workers, retiring as Outside Plan Engineer after 34 years. Paul proudly served his country as sergeant in the US Army 1967-69 at a missile base in Germany. As a member of the De Pere Rotary club, Paul served as secretary, president and became a Paul Harris Fellow. He especially enjoyed being a part of the "booyah crew." He also maintained friendships with his bowling team buddies throughout the years. In retirement, Paul continued to take pleasure in doing his yardwork, vegetable garden, and clearing the family properties of dead trees and "making firewood" for the winter. He was a long-time Red Cross blood donor, AT&T Pioneers volunteer and faithful part of his usher crew buddies at Zion Lutheran Church Wayside. He particularly enjoyed operating farm machinery, working land and traveling with brother-in-law, John Kiekhaefer, to farm shows, sales and auctions. Paul will be sadly missed by his dog buddies who enjoyed going on walks: Stella, Riley, Mary, Butkus and Jaeger. Paul is survived by his wife, Joy (Kiekhaefer). They married December 29th, 1972, and spent nearly 44 years in Rockland and De Pere raising their three children and supporting their activities. Their children: Ryan Martin and much-loved grandchildren, Hawkins, Skylar and Christian, Tampa; Peter Martin, Milwaukee; Dinah Martin Kmetz, Minneapolis; and the very special people they brought into the family through their marriages: Shira, Jen and Jason. Also survived by his brothers: Mike (Barb) Martin; Denis (Nancy) Martin; Ron Martin; John (Julie) Martin, De Pere; Pat (Sue) Martin, Wrightstown; Frank (Barb) Martin, Greenleaf. Sisters: Darlene (Joe) Simoens, Rockland; Dorothy (Bruce) Wolf, Green Bay; Donna (John) Herber; Debbie (Tim) Danen; Diane (Joe) Lawler, De Pere; Doris (Curt) Dieleman, Phoenix; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins. He is further survived by Joy's family: Bill (Ellie) Kiekhaefer, Mary (Randy) VanVonderen, John (Pat) Kiekhaefer and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law, Gerhardt and Irene Kiekhaefer. A special thank you for the wonderful care and support Paul and family received from Bellin Memorial Hospital, Froedert Memorial Hospital in Milwaukee, and Unity Hospice. Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N Tenth St., De Pere on Monday, November 7th, 4 8 PM. Visitation will continue Tuesday, November 8th, at Zion Lutheran Church Wayside, 8378 Cty Hwy W, Greenleaf, from 9-11 AM with funeral service at 11 AM. Burial in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund in Paul's name has been established.