Karl Reichenbach

Karl Graham Reichenbach, 52, of Bedford, NH, left this life unexpectedly Tuesday morning, May 26, 2020. Born on September 26, 1967 in Westerly, RI he was the son of Graham and Jeanne Reichenbach of Bonita Springs, FL.

Karl had a larger than life personality and, coupled with his 6' 5" stature and good looks, made him someone you couldn't help but notice. With his kind eyes, dazzling smile, and a gift for gab, Karl instantly made you feel special and comfortable in any situation. As a child, Karl would always find money on the ground and as an adult, he would spend hours locating the owner of wallets he would find off the side of the road. In high school, Karl would buy motorcycles and cars, using the money he made working at Burger King to completely disassemble then customize them in the family garage. As an adult, he would change the oil, replace the brakes, repair the muffler, anything to keep his many vehicles and his brother-in-law's 17 year old Sequoia running! Karl would find as much joy helping a stranger broken down on the side of the road as he would building a treehouse for a special friend. Karl even spent 2 days in the woods of upstate New York with his dear friend Zoe searching for his son's Go-pro that was attached to a weather balloon, made for a class project that went off course, and found it! Karl was a special person with many talents and the heart of a gentle giant! He touched so many lives and he will be dearly missed!

Karl grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY and Old Saybrook, CT. In 1985, he graduated from Old Saybrook High School and immediately joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After basic training, Karl was stationed in El Toro, CA and served the next 19 years as Loadmaster and Airborne Radio Operator on the C-130 aircraft. After his discharge from the Marines to pursue other interests, Karl got the loadmaster itch again and in 2014 joined the U.S. Air Force reserves in Westover, MA, where he proudly served these last 6 years.

During Karl's 25 years of service, he was awarded numerous meritorious medals for his outstanding leadership, courage and dedicated service. His finest military moment was when he received the Navy Marine Corps Medal, the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism, for saving a fellow Marine's life during a parachute training exercise over the Gulf of Mexico during the 1st Gulf War.

In addition to his military service, Karl led a very diverse and interesting life. He was a finishing carpenter and remodeler, a personal bodyguard to Michael Flatley during his 1997 Lord of the Dance U.S. tour, but first and foremost, Karl was a dedicated and devoted father to his son, Brayden.

Karl is survived by his son, Air Force 2nd Lt. Brayden, 23; his parents, Graham and Jeanne of Bonita Springs, FL; his sister, Karen McDonald and husband Jim of Bedford, NH; his brother, Eric and life partner, Jody Lynn Cunningham of Cottage Grove, OR; his mother-in-law, Leslie Horner of Lake Forest, CA; niece and nephew Devlyn and Alex McDonald; and devoted friend, Zoe Anderson of Shaftsbury, VT. Karl was predeceased by Brayden's mother, Jennifer Horner, and maternal grandfather, Barry Horner of Lake Forest, CA. He will be fondly remembered by his many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, co-workers, and fellow military comrades.

ARRANGEMENTS: Due to concerns for the health of family and friends, a Celebration of Life to honor Karl will be held at a later date. The family appreciates your understanding as we safely navigate the pandemic together as a community.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages family and friends to donate to Folds of Honor, 8551 N 125th E Ave., Suite 100, Owasso, OK 74055, or at https://www.foldsofhonor.org/donate/.

To view Karl's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.