PAUL BERNARD DIEDRICH

Bonaire – Paul Bernard Diedrich, 23-year USAF Veteran and true patriot, entered into eternal rest during the early morning hours of Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the age of 52. He was born in Alpena, Michigan on July 26, 1969, the youngest of the late Bernard and Lois Diedrich’s 14 children, and was of the Catholic faith.

In 1990, Paul proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country in Security Forces for 23 years. He completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan and earned a number of medals and ribbons for his exemplary service to his country. Paul also took pride in being a mentor for younger troops as they came into the military. In 2009, he retired having attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Not content to sit around in his retirement, Paul was privileged to fulfill his passion for law enforcement while working in Criminal Indexing and Investigation in Civil Service at Robins Air Force Base; a career he loved. He was silly, loved to joke with everyone, and was unfailingly loyal to his friends, family, and the University of Michigan Wolverines! Paul also enjoyed grilling in his free time. He will be remembered with a smile by everyone who knew him as they were blessed to have had him in their lives.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his siblings, Charles, Thomas, and Ann.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Julie Ann Diedrich of Georgia; children, Kevin Diedrich (Baylee) of Florida, and Connor LaBarge and Elizabeth Diedrich, both of Georgia, grandchildren, Hazel and Bentley Diedrich, siblings, Michael Diedrich (Kathy), Rosanne Keller (Marc), Donna Kershner (Ron), Linda Kreis (Michael), Mary Ferguson (Craig), John Diedrich (Gail), Kenneth Diedrich (Debbie), Joseph Diedrich (Barb), Christine Hoffman (Eugene), Janet Edick (Joe); and 118 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 23, 2022, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A Rosary will be said following the visitation. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Thomas J. Fey and Deacon Jim Hunt officiating. Paul will be laid to rest in Georgia National Cemetery in Canton at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

Learn about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.