Remains of WWII Marine return home to Blue Island

BLUE ISLAND, Ill. (WLS) -- Nearly 73 years after he was killed in World War II, the remains of a Marine from Blue Island will finally be returned to his family.

Charles Oetjen died in November of 1943 in the battle of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands southwest of Hawaii.

Oetjen, along with other service members who were killed while serving, were honored this morning during a Memorial Day ceremony in Blue Island.

Oetjen's remains were found and identified just a few weeks ago. The remains will be returned to his cousins later this summer.