Twenty-eight year-old Chris Rudzinski died after he was hit from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

The graduate of Rantoul Township High School left behind a wife and one year-old son.

But his family was no stranger to sacrifice.

"No father or mother should ever have to bury a child....but we are," said Michael Rudzinski.

Chris Rudzinski always knew the risks of fighting in Afghanistan. But he served four tours of duty anyway. His father says he just loved his country.

"Thats why all our American men and woman serving are heros. They know the dangers, but they reenlist. He reenlisted twice, both times while he was in Iraq," said his father Michael.

Now his family is taking comfort in the community, and hearing how everyone else remembers Chris.

Jeff Peters was his history teacher. Chris wrote to him often about losing one of his friends in combat, and about life back home. He says Chris' memory is teaching everyone a lesson. 

"I learned that life is temporary. It really is. I tell it to my kids all the time. There's no gaurantees. Especially with Chris and his family. They've been through more than one death, two deaths. Just how resiliant you can really be," said Peters.

Chris' sister died suddenly four years ago. His mom and dad say they learned a lot about grieving. But nothing could prepare them for this moment.

"I'm sad he died. I'm proud about the choices that he made, for the young man that he is, the people he influenced. The people who tell me what a great son we had," said Rudzinski.