Jose Duenez Jr.

Jose Dueñez, Jr. of Joliet, age 25, lost his life tragically during a tactical training exercise, while in the service of the United States Army, in Lithuania on March 31, 2025. He was born to his parents Jose and Leticia (nee Quintero) Dueñez on April 8, 1999.

Jose Jr. was raised in Joliet along with his five sisters. He spent much of his youth exploring the outdoors. He loved to ride his bike and catch snakes as he built strong bonds with the other children in the neighborhood. Jose was always very careful not to harm any of the snakes he caught, as he always showed great kindness to all living things. His favorite Superhero as a child was Spider-Man. Jose would spend all day running around the neighborhood in his Spider-Man costume, dreaming of protecting the vulnerable from danger without causing any significant harm to his foes. This was likely the foundation of his protective nature, which led to his future roles protecting his family and his country from the threat of harm. Jose developed a strong relationship with God after participating on a missionary trip, and he maintained that faith throughout the rest of his life. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Army in 2017. During his seven-year military career, he was often recognized by his peers and superior officers as a trustworthy and dedicated soldier. He used his God-given talents to excel in his role as an M1 Abrams Tank system maintainer. He was promoted five times over the course of his service, ultimately reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant in November of 2020. He served in three overseas deployments, Poland in 2019, Germany in 2022, and Lithuania in 2025. He was scheduled to attend the Advanced Leaders Course at the time of his passing. Despite being assigned to a position that is typically held by a Sergeant First Class, Staff Sergeant Dueñez excelled by showing exceptional leadership and expertise far beyond that of his peers. He was recognized with two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, one Certificate of Achievement, two Army Good Conduct Medals, and a National Defense Service Medal. While enlisted in the Army, he met and married the love of his life, Karen. Together, they welcomed their son Jose Dueñez III into the world. The three of them, along with Jose’s mother, were recently blessed to cross an item off of Jose’s bucket list by traveling throughout Alaska together. He also started his own fishing YouTube channel, and purchased a home and a boat. He enjoyed Anime, collecting Mangas (a specific style of Japanese graphic novels) as well as Kitanas (Japanese swords). The family has fond memories of Jose playing video games with friends and family, visiting China town with his wife and parents, and watching Jose devour sushi (one of his favorite meals). He shared a special bond with his father, as the two were known to refer to each other as “Partner.” Even in adulthood, the two would often say goodbye to each other with the words, “Partners, forever and ever.” 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 on his name. The circumstances of Jose’ passing are incredibly challenging for his family, as they would be to any family, and currently are for three other American families. However, there is some measure of peace that can be taken in the knowledge that Jose was not alone in his final moments. He was surrounded by his brothers-in-arms, who he had committed to protecting as they had committed to protecting him. But that’s not all. He was also with God in that moment, as he always kept God in his heart and his deeds, and he was surrounded by the love of his family. He carried the love for his parents, sisters, wife, and child with him always, and we know that they were first and foremost on his mind.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, paternal grandparents, and his niece Sophia.

Jose is survived by his devoted wife Karen Dueñez (nee Diaz), his beloved son Jose III, his dear mother Leticia, his “partner forever and ever” and father Jose, five heartbroken sisters Lydia, Jessica, Eva, Rebecca, Beatriz and eighteen nieces and nephews. Many other loved ones, far too numerous to list, also survive.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Thursday April 17, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. Guests are welcome to attend his Funeral Service at Word of Life Church, 1500 Cedarwood Dr., Crest Hill, IL 60403 on the morning of Friday, April 18, 2025. There will be a brief gathering period from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, with the service beginning promptly at 11:00 am. Following services, cremation rites will be accorded and his Earthly remains will reside in the loving protection of his devoted family.