Paul S. Simonsen

Paul S. Simonsen, 48, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories of Paul from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the funeral home, with full military honors. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Paul was born on October 31, 1977, the son of Dennis Lee and Jean Deborah (Robeson) Simonsen. He graduated from Benton Community High School in Van Horne, Iowa, and later earned a degree in Anthropology from the University of Iowa. Paul proudly served his country in the United States Army for 10 years. On October 16, 2010, he was united in marriage to Michelle Lynn Struchen in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Paul dedicated 15 years to Quaker Oats. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. A talented cook and gifted artist, Paul loved painting, playing the piano, and spending time tinkering in his garage. Above all, he treasured every moment spent with his family. Paul will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Paul is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Michelle Simonsen; son, Zane Simonsen; daughter, Ruby Simonsen; parents, Dennis and Jean Simonsen; and brother, Joel Lee (Molly) Simonsen of Kirkwood, Missouri; three nieces, Gracie, Lily, and Emma Simonsen; sister-in-law, DebbiSue (Jarrod) Fryhling of Mesa, Arizona; brother-in-law, Brian (LeAnn) Struchen and kids of Marion; sister-in-law, Tammy (Shaun) Elias and kids of Ely, Iowa; and mother-in-law, Cathy Struchen of Toddville, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; and father-in-law, Calvin Struchen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Paul’s memory may be directed to his family, to be distributed to the Freedom Foundation in Cedar Rapids, and Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk Center, Minnesota.