Paul was born on June 28, 1920 in Berlin, Germany to Paul and Hedwig (Engel) Hartel. He married Arline Schonerstedt on February 10, 1946. He received his Masters Degree from Iowa State University, and was a school teacher for 36 years, and a guidance counselor at Maquoketa Junior High School for many years, retiring in 1978. He served in WWII in the US Army Amphibians.

Surviving is his son, Carl (Betsy) Scott of Liscomb, Iowa, two grandchildren; Chad (Kristen) Slater – Scott of Iowa City, Iowa and Kesha (Jay) Christie of Collins, Iowa, and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, and two half-brothers Joe and John Felton.