Paul Lottino, 62, of Monticello passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024. Paul was born just outside of Chicago to Alfonse and Theresa (Cosentino) Lottino.  Paul married his perfect match, Leslie Wawrzyniak. Together, for 40 years, they traveled and lived all over the world while raising four amazing children. Paul attended St. Francis de Sales High School, where he excelled at football and baseball. He later graduated from Western Illinois University where he studied Criminology. Paul earned a master's degree in international relations from Troy University.

After college and ROTC, Paul was commissioned in the United States Army, where he proudly served his country for over 30 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. In his retirement, Paul, a lifelong learner, taught classes in Criminal Justice, Government, and Homeland Security as an adjunct professor for several universities around the country.

Paul had memberships in every gym in Monticello. His speed bag performance was incredible. He was a well-known smoothie enthusiast and worked diligently to reverse engineer Starbucks Frappuccino recipes.  He always greeted visitors with their choice of smoothie. He loved Aurelio's Pizza, the White Sox, Chick-fil-a, WooHoo deals from Kroger, and candy.

Paul loved to be outside working around his home on Lake Shafer. Always a project in mind, idle hands were never an option. His family was the highlight of his days, not a day went by without a FaceTime or visit from his grandchildren.

Paul loved to tease and play pranks. His sense of humor will surely be missed. Paul loved games, especially bags, pinball, and darts. He loved to juggle and always accredited his competitive nature to his brothers-in-laws.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Patricia Kartch, father-in-law, George Wawrzyniak, and brother-in-law, Alan Wawrzyniak.

Paul is survived by his loving wife and best friend Leslie, children; Adam Lottino, Taeler (Mark) Sakowski, Valerie Lottino, Lauren Lottino, grandchildren; Jordan Algarra-Lottino, Isaac Sakowski, sisters; Barbie Detmer, Tina Toedt, brothers-in-law; Ken Detmer, Chris Toedt, Frank Kartch, Bill Frank, sisters-in-law, Annie Wawrzyniak, Laura Frank, mother-in-law, Vivian Wawrzyniak, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 1 p.m. with Fr. Buckles officiating, located at Our Lady of the Lakes, in Monticello. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the time of Mass. A family gathering will be held immediately following at the Fosselman Hall, and all are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Franciscan Cancer Center of Lafayette, Indiana. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church.

Deibels funeral home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolences may be made online at www.deibelsfh.com.

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