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Just days after Memorial Day, an Eagle River soldier has been killed in Iraq.

Tyler Kritz, 21, had been serving his second tour of duty as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom when he lost his life on Sunday, June 3. Kritz, who enlisted in the Army following his 2003 graduation from Northland Pines High School, was deployed to Iraq for the second time last June.

He had been stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.

The military has not released any other information about Kritz's death, but his family has confirmed it.

According to a quote on his MySpace page, Kritz hoped his service in Iraq would lead to a more peaceful Middle East.

"Iraq will be a free and democratic society, which, in turn, should stabilize the whole Middle East for a free, more stable earth as we know it - and after that happens, maybe we can buy everybody in the world a puppy,” he wrote.

Kritz also wrote about a love for music and adventure on MySpace.

“I'm always listening to music; I play bass guitar, or at least try to. I like to try new stuff because consistency is boring. I love to travel and explore even if it's just walking around town,” he wrote.

Pat Sullivan, principal of Northland Pines High School, remembered Kritz as a quiet and polite student.

“Tyler was a smart individual. He was quiet but he always had a smile on his face when you'd see him in the hallways,” Sullivan said. “He was just a quiet, friendly kid.”

According to Sullivan, the faculty at Northland Pines knew Kritz was planning on joining the military after school.

“I talked to one teacher who said Tyler always talked about joining the military,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the Northland Pines community would like to extend its thoughts and prayers to Kritz's family.

“We're all very sad,” Sullivan said. “This is a tragic loss.”

A representative for Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River said this morning arrangements for Kritz's funeral service are not complete at this time.

Kritz would have turned 22 on June 29.

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Eleanor Prom, Belgium WI wrote on Jun 9, 2007 1:02 PM:

" Tyler made the ultimate sacrifice so we can stay free. And free is not free at all when young men as Tyler give up their life for freedom. Although I never met Tyler, as a friend of his Grandma, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences of his untimely sacrifice. I can only hope that the years of fond memories will enable his family to live with the loss. "

charlie cahalan, 3/7 MARINE dad wrote on Jun 8, 2007 11:10 AM:

" sgt kritz was doing what he knew was the right thing for his country,, as are all the troops and their families.. may he never be forgotten by his country,, no greater love does a soul have than to sacrifice it for his fellow soul..a true hero, for selfless ideals.. "

Bobbi Jo wrote on Jun 7, 2007 6:22 AM:

" to tyler's family, i'm soo sorry...he meant the world to me and i love him with all of my heart!!! tyler, i still can't believe you're gone...i'll always love you and never forget you and i'll always wear the spinning ring we got...i wish you had your's with you :( and i'm always keeping your wrestling hoodie!!! i love you more than anything!!! all my love babe, bobbi jo "

Jo Ellen Hein wrote on Jun 6, 2007 6:53 PM:

" Thank you for the story on Tyler Kritz. It was heart warming to see a story on his personal side. Tyler made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. For those relatives, like me, who live far away from the family, the story made me feel closer to loved ones at this very difficult time. Jo Ellen Hein Tyler's aunt Evansville, IN "

The comments above are from readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Rhinelander Daily News.