Family gathers for funeral for Joliet soldier Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., who died in Lithuania

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

Duenez, 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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Duenez, 25, leaves behind a wife and a 1-year-old son.

According to the U.S. Army, Duenez 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.

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

The funeral procession to the church began at 9 a.m., and residents were asked to line the route to show their support.