Paul Edward Altepeter, 57, of DeKalb, and formerly of Roanoke, VA, died Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Kishwaukee Hospital, peacefully with his daughter and stepson at his side.

He was born October 16, 1963 at St. Mary's Hospital in DeKalb to William M. and Janice G. (Sellers) Altepeter.

Paul was raised in Maple Park, IL and attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Virgil, before going to public school in Sycamore and Rochelle.

Shortly after graduating high school, Paul joined the United States Air Force, where he was a carpentry specialist from 1982 to 1986.  He enjoyed the travel, specifically his time stationed in North Carolina and Korea.  During these travels, he made friends that would become lifelong, and even influenced his later decision to move to Virginia.  In 1986 he discharged honorably from the Air Force, but the carpentry skills he learned during his service continued to benefit him the rest of his life, until his body was no longer able.

Paul never sat still.  His mind was always focused on finding ways to improve the quality of life for himself and others.  He was the kind of person to give someone the shirt off his back, despite it being his last shirt.  It would be hard to find a kinder, more giving soul.

One of his most challenging, and therefore most rewarding charitable projects was his part in the coordination of funds, materials, and labor for the "Adventures in Barbland" playground built in 1993 at Chesebro Elementary School.  He was proud to be a part of the enjoyment and memories of children that used this playground until its demolition in 2014.

Paul's greatest passion was "wheeling and dealing".  His many friends can attest to the fact that he could start with something as small as a lawnmower and, within days, have turned that into an asset, like a rental property through a series of fixing up, bartering, and trades.  There wasn't a car or house that he couldn't fix or add value to.

The only thing Paul loved more than his "wheeling and dealing" was his family, especially his daughter Brittany and stepson Josh.  His love was also obvious to his girlfriend Stormy, and his lifelong close friends Beth, Steve, Rick, Robin, and a long list of others that meant so much to him.

He is survived by his children Brittany (Nick) Chatfield and Josh Kerwin (Connie Kalsch) (both of DeKalb); mother Janice Goodwick (Sycamore); sisters Carol (Terry) Dyer (Roscoe), Lynna Cavallo (St. Charles), Jeanette Harper (West Burlington, IA), Mary (Larry) Lake (Burlington); brothers Henry (Cheri) Altepeter (Creston), David (Pam) Altepeter (Maple Park); one granddaughter on the way; three generations of nieces and nephews; his girlfriend Stormy Gray (Roanoke, VA); and his ex-wife Freyja Rasmussen-Johns (Rick Johns) (DeKalb).

He was preceded in death by his father William Altepeter and brothers-in-law Pat Cavallo and Paul Harper.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 25 from 4:00-6:00pm, with a memorial service immediately following at Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore, IL.  Services will be limited to 50 people at a time and masks should be worn.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in care of Butala Funeral Home, for the family to decide at a later time.

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com