Obituaries
Joliet Soldier Jose Duenez Dies In Lithuania Tragedy: GoFundMe
"His passing leaves a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew him," said Beatriz Duenez of Joliet, who established the GoFundMe.
JOLIET — More than $12,000 has been raised so far toward the $20,000 GoFundMe called, "Jose's Life of Service: Help support Kai and Baby Jr." Jose Duenez, a Joliet native, was one of the four United States Army soldiers who died or went missing last week during a military operation in Lithuania.
City officials confirmed Duenez's death at Monday night's Joliet City Council meeting.
"And I just learned from Councilman (Cesar) Cardenas that one of the four service men that was killed tragically in Lithuania is also a Joliet resident, and he knows the family," Joliet Mayor Terry D'Arcy announced during the meeting.
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Jose Duenez Jr., so our prayers with the Duenez family," Cardenas said.
On Tuesday, Georgia Patch reported that the soldiers — from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Stewart — disappeared the morning of March 25, according to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa. On Monday, military officials said they were in Lithuania supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve. All four of the missing soldiers have been found dead after their M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle was located submerged in water near the training area in Pabradė, Lithuania, military officials said.
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The armored vehicle was removed Monday from a peat bog, or a wetland containing decomposed vegetation, military officials said.
Back in Joliet, a family member of Duenez has established the GoFundMe that "will make a difference and will provide much-needed comfort and stability to his family as they navigate this heartbreaking time."
"On March 31, 2025, our beloved Jose Jr., a dedicated soldier, was found after being missing in Lithuania," GoFundMe organizer Beatriz Duenez shared on social media. "His passing leaves a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend who brought joy and light into the lives of everyone around him.
"Junior was known for his giving nature, a huge heart, and a pure soul. He would do anything for those he loved, always willing to give the shirt off his back to help others in need. He truly lived a life of service, whether in his military career or as a friend and family member."
To donate, visit the GoFundMe called, "Jose's Life of Service: Help support Kai and Baby Jr."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
