Paul Thomas Witkowski was born June 19, 1971 to Thomas and Linda Witkowski (Pasca). Paul grew up alongside his older brother, Joe Witkowski, in Des Plaines, Illinois. His friends and their parents became a second family to him. After graduating from Maine West HS, Paul began his career in Kirby. It was here that he made some of his closest friends. Paul married his first wife, Michele Brooks, in 1994 and the pair had three children Nicole Witkowski, Jordan Notolli (Witkowski), and Thomas Witkowski. Paul changed careers and began working for the Village of Bartlett in 2008. This was a job he loved, and he thought of everyone there as family. He married Jennifer Branstetter in 2016 and gained his second son, Eric Branstetter. Paul’s greatest joy was his family. His grandsons Abraham and Theodore were his world. His second love was hunting.
Paul passed away January 22, 2025, at his home in Crystal Lake, IL surrounded by his wife, children, and family. Paul leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love. He would go out of his way to anyone. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His wish to his family and friends would be to honor his legacy by living life to the fullest.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Branstetter, his children, Nicole Witkowski, Jordan (Zach) Nottoli, Thomas Witkowski and Eric Branstetter, his father, Thomas Witkowski and brother, Joe Witkowski. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Witkowski (Pasca).
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 4-7pm with a time of sharing at 7pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. As Paul’s final request, please dress casual.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Paul was such a nice person. I knew him growing up and just heard of his passing through Eric Nanstiel. I will keep a prayer for him as well as the whole Witkowski family and Nanstiel family.
Paul was a great friend & the kind of guy who would be there for you whenever you needed him and help with whatever you had going on. Paul will be greatly missed and our thought and prayers go out to all the family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and may God guide you through this terrible time.
The best dad and grandfather to my sons anyone could ever ask for. Showing up unannounced when you didn't know you needed him the most. Eating never ending tuna melts and bologna sandwiches as kids. Hitting the gym together just to be able to keep up with his Big Mac intake. No tasks were completed without some new swear words learned and a pack of cowboy killers. He taught us what hard work was and lead by example everyday to us kids. I can go on and on about how great my dad is but I'll let you all do the rest, as I inherited the great trait of delegation from my dad. Everyone has a crazy Paul story that has ever known my father, and I would love to hear them all.. it truly was never a party until my dad walked in. I will love and miss him everyday, and will forever hold our promise to keep his spark, brutal honesty, and charm on the agenda.
I've known Paul since he was a baby and he felt like another son to me in a great neighborhood filled with kids. Gone too soon and he will be surely missed!
Paul was my friend for over 20+ years, our kids grew up together. He was definitely one of a kind. His sense of humor and the ability to make you laugh at any situation was undeniable, and of course, anyone who knew him, knew he was always animated while joking around. He was always someone we could count on and we have such fun memories i will forever hold close to my heart. We are going to miss him so very much. Love and prayers to all his family and friends.
Paul was a great friend & the kind of guy who would be there for you whenever you needed him and help with whatever you had going on. Paul will be greatly missed and our thought and prayers go out to all the family.
Paul was loved by many including me. he was a good mechanic too. some years back when I flew back to Chicago to help Erik fix his car in his garage in January during a snow storm in 20 below weather, Paul showed up to help with all the right tools including a special sized socket needed for the repair on Erik’s brakes. That was huge for us and I enjoyed the bonding time with Paul working as a mechanic team together (comradery) in repairing Erik’s car.
Paul was always one of the best people to be around. His laughter is something I will never forget, he truly was one of a kind. Sending my deepest sympathies to his family, may peace and comfort find you all during this difficult time.
My heart goes out to Paul’s family and to his father, Thomas, who is my first cousin. Condolences and love from Priscilla Nemeth and Frank Hodal.
Our Sincere Condolences to the family and heart felt sympathy. God Blees All of you !
Paul was definitely one of a kind! A kind beautiful soul who always knew how to put a smile on my face no matter what! He was always there for me from early teenage years on. I will forever be grateful for having the honor of knowing him and calling him my family. Sending love and support to his children and family .. I will miss you my friend
My Condolences go out to all of Paul's family, Paul will be missed by everyone. Soon after Paul and Jenny moved in across the street from Jan & I was when our friendship started. The four of us had many Wednesday evening dinners together sharing a good meal and conversations. When either of us needed help on projects we would either walk across the street or send a quick text and help would be on the way. Paul would come over and we'd sit down and talk about many subjects over a few beers. I always looked forward to these talks. One thing is for sure I will miss them. I am already missing my friend Paul.
Gone way to soon he will truly be missed a man that would give you the shirt off his back if he could help in anyway he always did all our love and prayers
Paul was family to us. Paul and Jenny would come over Wednesday have dinner with us. We enjoyed the company and we all would laughing together. Paul come over hangout with Alan after work and to see if Alan needed everything else. We are going miss Paul. Love you all our heart.
Paul was one of my favorite people. I have so many great memories of him from the past 25 years. We could have fun doing anything that needed to be done. Even working around the house turned into a good time with him. Such an amazing person and he will be greatly missed.
Paul was one of my favorite people. I have so many great memories of him from the past 25 years. We could have fun doing anything that needed to be done. Even working around the house turned into a good time with him. Such an amazing person and he will be greatly missed.
I've known Paul for as long as I have memory. His passing hits hard. I felt so blessed to be able to call him my friend. And also blessed that I got to say goodbye a few days before he passed. And to tell him I loved him. My friend. His last words to me echo in my mind. "See ya." - in time my friend, yes. See ya.