Paul John Reichenbach

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law, Paul John Reichenbach of Papillion, Nebraska passed away on November 26, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on April 5, 1947 in Reading, Pennsylvania, Paul was a Boy Scout, a newspaper delivery boy, a train buff, a good student, and sometimes, a jokester. He was also a talented trumpet player, who started at the young age of six. In 1965, he graduated from Muhlenberg High School in Reading. His family relocated to warm weather where Paul attended the University of Miami, Florida, participating in ROTC all four years. While at the university, he played his trumpet in the “Band of the Hour” marching band. It was there he met his future bride, Bonnie Hubbard, a small but mighty fellow trumpeter in the brass section. They enjoyed touring with the marching band and playing at the football games. Performing in the annual Orange Bowl Parade on more than one occasion was a highlight for both of them. In 1969, Paul graduated with his bachelor’s degree in German.

Paul joined the Air Force on October 14, 1969, and attended Armed Forces Air Intelligence Training at Lowry AFB in Colorado for seven months. Paul and Bonnie were married on May 23, 1970 in Miami, Florida then moved to Austin, Texas for his first assignment. On their first wedding anniversary, Paul was given his orders to Vietnam. They wrote letters to each other on a daily basis while he was gone. Paul returned home safely after a very long 369 days. Germany was the next assignment; four consecutive years at Ramstein AFB and Zweibrucken AFB. They spent time sightseeing and traveling to other countries such as Austria, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland, to name a few. They loved the snowy mountain scenes, picturesque castles, and experiencing the local culture. Paul’s fluent German came in handy (while Bonnie did a lot of smiling and waving). He was always seen with his trusty black camera case hanging over his chest, camera in hand, snapping photos of all of their adventures. Paul’s next assignment was Washington, D.C. where they spent eight years; four of them working at the Pentagon. Both daughters, Heather and Heidi, were born at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland during this assignment. Then, Paul was stationed at RAF Mildenhall in England. There, he was part of a Detachment that oversaw the operations of two of the SR-71 Blackbirds. He often noted this being his favorite assignment in the military. During their time overseas, he and Bonnie visited Wales, and took the girls to Scotland by train and all around England. His next and final assignment was at Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB in Nebraska. Paul proudly served in the Air Force as an Intelligence Officer for just over 20 years, and retired on October 31, 1989. After his military career, he worked for Bank of the West (formerly Commercial Federal) until his final retirement in 2019.

Paul and Bonnie celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year. Throughout their marriage, they have always had a strong faith in God, and were good Christian examples for their girls and grandchildren. No matter where they were stationed, they attended church on base and made it their home by singing in the choir and playing their trumpets. Paul and Bonnie have been active in their current church, St. Paul’s United Methodist in Papillion, for many years now.

Paul was a very caring, thoughtful husband. When he retired, he enjoyed grocery shopping, doing the laundry, cooking, among other household duties. He often tried new recipes and made BBQ chicken on the grill for his son-in-law’s birthday each year. Paul was impressively good at crossword puzzles, math problems, remembering historical facts, and hitting the high notes on his horn. In their downtime, Paul and Bonnie enjoyed watching movies together (even though Paul usually had to wake Bonnie when the movie was over), reminiscing, and spending time with the family. Each anniversary, he sent Bonnie red carnations (her favorite); one for each year they were married. Being together was all they needed. They were inseparable, two peas in a pod, partners in music, buddies.... and always will be.

Paul was a wonderful Dad. He was playful, goofy, and fun. When the girls were little, he gave them “horsey” rides on his back, crawling around the house. He watched them dance to Mickey Mouse and Sesame Street records in the living room, taught them how to ride a bike, was the homework go-to, attended school activities, and gave advice when needed. He was understanding, easy-going, and supportive. He trusted their decisions and gave them room to grow and learn from mistakes. Heather and Heidi loved their sweet Dad wholeheartedly, and will forever miss him.

Paul and Bonnie found true joy when they became grandparents. Paul was known as “Papa” to his grandson, Gavin, and granddaughter, Abigail. He loved all of their ages and stages; from slowly rocking them to sleep when they were babies, to reading books to them using silly voices when they were toddlers, to patiently helping them with math homework and proudly attending their sporting events and school performances as they got older. They always put a smile on his face. His grandchildren brought out his inner-child; he was silly and funny, and his laughter was contagious. He enjoyed shopping for just the right birthday and Christmas gifts, was interested in their lives, listened to their stories, joked around with them, supported their endeavors, marvelled at the amazing humans they were, and loved each and every moment they spent together.

Paul is survived by his best friend and devoted wife, Bonnie; loving daughters, Heidi Reichenbach and Heather (son-in-love, Joe) Turecek; adoring grandchildren, Gavin and Abigail Turecek. He was genuine in his interactions and relationships, kind and respectful to all. A man of integrity who was trustworthy and quite intelligent, though humble. He will be remembered for his peaceful presence, upstanding character, and gentle, loving spirit.

Husband, Dad, Papa, Father-in-Law, and Friend. Paul’s life was a blessing to all who knew him. The hole he left in our hearts is bigger than he will ever know. He will truly be missed.

VISITATION Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary. FUNERAL SERVICE Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Papillion. PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT at Omaha National Cemetery.