CREST HILL, Ill. (WGN) – Community members, friends, and strangers lined the streets Friday to salute a fallen hero as a procession made its way to the Word of Life Church in Crest Hill.
Four service members were killed during a training exercise in Lithuania, including Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Jose Dueñez Jr., 25, of Joliet, in late March. The youngest of six siblings, Dueñez Jr. also leaves behind his wife and 1-year-old son.
Earlier this week, the soldier’s body arrived home on American soil, where his family, friends, and community prepared to say their final goodbyes. On Friday, they shared their memories and messages of gratitude during a funeral service.
“We’re devastated. A piece of our family is gone. Probably one of the best pieces of our family is gone,” Eva Jasso said.
Dueñez Jr. served his country proudly for more than seven years. His family said he deployed overseas three times, including to Poland in 2019, Germany in 2022, and most recently, Lithuania in 2025.
Duenez arrived in Lithuania in January with the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, according to the U.S. Army. His family received word that he and three other soldiers had disappeared during a tactical training exercise in late March.
A nearly weeklong recovery mission was conducted by hundreds of soldiers, Navy divers, and U.S. allies to look for the four servicemen. Their armored vehicle was found submerged in about 15 feet of water in a muddy peat bog near the border of Belarus.
“It would seem that the bank of a lake collapsed. You know, the weight is so big. It was at night. It was very cold weather, ice, a lot of ice,” President Donald Trump previously said.
The other three soldiers killed in the training exercise were identified as Sgt. Edvin Franco, 25, of Glendale, California, Pfc. Dante Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam, and Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan.
“There is some measure of peace that can be taken in the knowledge that Jose was not alone in his final moments,” Karen “Kaii” Dueñez said.
Duenez Jr.’s wife said her husband was all about teamwork, comradery, and loyalty to his loved ones, including his brothers in arms. After graduating high school, he joined the Army in 2017 and rose through the ranks, promoted five times during his years of service.
“Jose accomplished so many things in such a short period of time, but his greatest source of pride was undoubtedly his beautiful baby boy, who would carry his name,” Dueñez said.
Loved ones of the fallen soldier said he loved to do many things, including watching anime, collecting Japanese literature, and going fishing. Those around him said the love he had for his family was immeasurable.
“Jose was and still is the greatest fisherman I’ve ever known, but his greatest catch in life, was his wife,” Joe Grieshaber, one of Dueñez Jr.’s best friends, said.
As family and loved ones of Dueñez Jr. navigate what comes next, a GoFundMe has been created to help support his wife and son. Those behind the fundraiser said the 25-year-old always went out of his way to help others in need, so they want to pay it forward.
Joliet Township High School District 204 shared a statement on the passing of Dueñez Jr. on Facebook:
“With heavy hearts, JTHS extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr., who is being laid to rest today. A proud 2017 graduate of Joliet Central High School, SSG Dueñez tragically lost his life on March 25, 2025, during a U.S. Army training accident while deployed in Lithuania. He was one of four brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. SSG Dueñez is survived by his wife, Kai, and their 1-year-old son. His courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for his service and the legacy he leaves behind. Once a Steelmen, always a Steelmen — you will remain in our hearts always.”
