Family Plans Funeral for Western Iowa Soldier

--- The Defense Department says 25-year-old Sgt. James Skalberg Jr., who grew up in Emerson, died on Wednesday when his vehicle was hit by an IED, or improvised explosive device, in the Wardak province.

Tools

By Belinda Yeung

Story Created: Jul 9, 2012 at 4:17 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 9, 2012 at 9:25 AM CDT

EMERSON, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa soldier who was killed in Afghanistan last month will be remembered at a funeral next weekend.

The funeral for 25-year-old Army Sgt. James Skalberg will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Red Oak.

Skalberg was one of two soldiers killed on June 27 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. The soldier killed was 24-year-old 1st Lt. Stephen Prasnicki, of Lexington, Va.

Skalberg graduated from Nishna Valley High School in 2005 and attended Peru State College in Peru, Neb. He joined the Army in 2007.

Skalberg's wife and son live in Red Oak, Iowa.

Next Article Lawmakers Look to End Legislative Session

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.