Joliet soldier Sgt. Jose Dueñez Jr., who died in Lithuania, remembered for kindness at funeral

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) -- Family and friends gathered Friday for the funeral of Staff Sgt. Jose Dueñez Jr.

Dueñez, who was from Joliet, was one of four soldiers killed in a training accident in Lithuania last month. Hundreds of American flags are flying in Joliet in his memory.

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According to the U.S. Army, Dueñez and the other soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Stewart disappeared the morning of March 25. They were in Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

They were eventually found dead days later in their armored vehicle, which was found submerged in a watery and muddy bog near a training area.

"This should have never happened; now there's three grieving wives with little children," the late soldier's wife Kaii Dueñez said.

Dueñez grew up in Joliet, and enlisted after high school.

"We are devastated; a piece of our family is gone. Probably one of the best pieces of our family is gone," sister Eva Dueñez said.

He had three overseas deployments during his military career.

Friday's funeral took place at Word of Life Church in Crest Hill.

"No matter what it was, I knew that I could call my brother, and he would have my back, helping out in any way he could," sister Beatriz Dueñez said.

It included remembrances from friends and family.

"Jose was among the kindest people in the world. He had a smile that could light up a room, and a demeanor that filled everyone's hearts with joy, love and confidence," friend Joe Grieshaber said.

"My tio will forever be in our hearts; I know God has a special place for soldiers who fought like him in heaven," nephew Giovanni Ramirez said.

His family focused on his life rather than his death.

"He had the strength to carry us all when we felt down, or we felt we had no more hope. He would always come back and have strength for us," Kaii Dueñez said.

Residents were asked to line the procession route to show their support.

Dueñez, 25, is survived by five sisters, his parents, his wife and his namesake son, Jose III, who turns 2 in July.

The patriot guard escorted the funeral procession to a private burial.