Paul John Altesleben, age 83, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and with his beloved wife Judy at his side. Paul was born on September 22, 1942 and was a lifelong resident of Dearborn, Michigan. He graduated from St. Alphonsus High School Class of 1960 and worked as a skilled tradesman for the Ford Motor Company for over 40 years.

Paul will be remembered for many things, but above all his devotion to his faith and his family. He married the love of his life, Judy, at St. Alphonsus Church on August 28, 1970 and they shared over 55 years of life, laughter, and love together. They raised seven children and Paul worked years of midnight shifts to provide for the family. He believed very deeply in the Catholic faith and passed on the importance of that faith to his children. Paul was a man who held himself to the highest moral character, but he accepted all he met with a kind heart and without judgment.

Paul had many interests and hobbies, and was an avid skier in his younger days. He was mechanically inclined and could fix just about anything. Paul was not one to call a repairman, and whether it was repairing cars for his children in their teenage years, carpentry projects around the house, or fixing appliances, he could do it all. He also became interested in investing and politics, and was quick to discuss stock tips or current events. He loved to dance and if there was a band and sufficient space, it was a sure bet that before long he would be leading Judy out to do a waltz or a polka. In their later years he and Judy travelled extensively, taking several trips to Europe, cruises and sightseeing here at home.

Above all Paul loved spending time with his family, and he was happiest when surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He treasured times spent at his favorite summer spot, Camp Dearborn, where he would wake them all in the morning to stretch with the “Chicken Fat” song. His children all have fond memories of summer vacations and the fun and misadventures that went along with travelling with seven children. Although things sometimes got chaotic, Paul’s soft spoken, gentle temperament and sense of humor smoothed things out. When grandchildren arrived, family events became filled with a lot of activity and laughter, and Paul would enjoy every minute of it with a little grin on his face, and you could tell there was nowhere else he would rather be.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Victor and Caroline (Spillane) Altesleben, and sisters Joyce Collins, Lorraine McPhee, Marie Berg, and Betty (Vicky) Magnee. He is survived by his wife Judy (Miller) Altesleben; brothers Nick Altesleben (Diane), and Victor Altesleben, Jr.; children Heidi Cieslik (Tom), Amy Mertz (George), David Altesleben (Wendy), Paul Altesleben (Amy), Michael Altesleben, Matthew Altesleben, and Joseph Altesleben; and grandchildren Cameron Cieslik, Caitlyn Cieslik, Caroline Mertz, George Mertz, Joseph Altesleben, August Altesleben, Emma Altesleben, Adalyn Altesleben, Greta Altesleben, Iris Altesleben, and Evelyn Altesleben.

A visitation will be held at John N. Santeiu & Son, Inc., on Sunday from 4pm – 8pm, with a 7pm Rosary. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn, Michigan on Monday with 9:30am in state and a 10am Mass.

In lieu of flowers memorials suggested to St. Vincent dePaul Society.