Paul Andrew Loechelt

In loving memory of Paul Andrew Loechelt, age 48, of Land O' Lakes, Florida died suddenly Monday evening, February 4, 2019. Born on June 26, 1970 in Waupun, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late James and Joyce (Freckmann) Loechelt. Paul grew up in New Port Richey, Florida and graduated from Gulf High School in 1988. After high school, he attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1993. Eager to serve his country, Paul started his military career in the Army in 1997 and specialized as a Russian linguist. He deployed to Bosnia in 2000 for 6 months and was honorably discharged as a Specialist after serving 3 years and receiving a commission into the US Air Force. During this time, he was the recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and NATO Medal. In September of 2001, Paul was commissioned as an Officer in the Air Force Intelligence Department and served for 4 years on active duty and joined the active reserves until his death. While in the reserves, he was deployed in 2010 for 3 months and served in support of Enduring Freedom. As an Intelligence Officer, he achieved the rank of Major. He also received the honors of the Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air and Space Campaign Medal and Armed Forced Expeditionary Service Medal. He continued in the intelligence field and worked at Wright–Patterson Air force Base in Ohio and the FBI in Washington, DC. In 2012, he moved to US Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida and worked as an Intelligence Analyst until his death. He received the honor of the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Medal. Paul married Kristina Ashley on Oct 29,1994, in Ft Myers, Florida. He was a devoted husband and father to his wife and three children. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, James and Joyce Loechelt. Paul is survived by his spouse, Kristina of Land O Lakes, Florida; his children, Samantha, Nathaniel and Gabriel; his brothers, Mark, Scott and Brett. A Funeral Service will take place at 10:00am on Friday, February 8, 2018 at Loyless Funeral Home, 5310 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Family will receive friends one hour prior. A Committal Service with Military Honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Loechelt Children’s USAA Federal Saving Bank Savings Fund Account number 02032-5608-5 at 1-800-531-8722. Or directly to the family with PayPal account: [email protected]. Condolences may be left on Paul James Loechelt online guest book at www.LoylessFuneralHomes.com. Words of comfort may be expressed for Paul’s family by clicking “Add Condolence”.