Paul Joseph Duttlinger

Paul ‘Candyman’ Duttlinger of South Bend passed away April 14, 2026. Paul was born to Clarence and Catherine “Vivian” Duttlinger of Wheatfield, Indiana on December 21, 1956. He graduated From Kankakee Valley High School in 1975 and worked as an electrician for many years. This career had him working with his father on smaller projects, all the way up to advance industry and nuclear power plants all over the United States. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends all over the world.

Perhaps nowhere was Paul’s spirit more evident than in the stands of a Notre Dame Women’s Basketball game. As a super-fan, he followed the team across the country and overseas, becoming a fixture of the program’s community. His presence was a guaranteed boost of morale, usually accompanied by his trademark greeting—"Happy [insert day of the week]!"—a warm smile, and a bag of Albanese candies.

He never knew a stranger and developed so many lasting friendships with people from all over the world. Whether he was at a Chicago Cubs' game, a trivia night, or frequenting one of the hundreds of Notre Dame Women's basketball games he attended, joy seemed to follow him. He loved seeing new cities and countries while fully embracing the people and their customs.

Paul is survived by his son, Michael, siblings Clancey (Jan) and Don (Erna), Ellen (Tom) O'Brien, Shirley (Frank) Olis, Marg (Greg) Bogner, Mary (Larry) Cornett, and Lois Cantwell. 

All who knew him will miss his generosity, storytelling, humor, and kindness. 

A visitation for Paul will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN. A rosary will be prayed at 6:45 pm in the funeral home. A Requiem Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Catholic Church, 415 N. Brookfield St, South Bend, IN. Following the Requiem Mass a luncheon will be held at 1:00 pm at The Landing Banquet and Event Center, 2801 S. Michigan St, South Bend, IN. Private family burial will take place on Tuesday Evening following the luncheon in Wheatfield, Indiana. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Catholic Church or to Paul's son Michael to help defray end of life expenses.