CRYSTAL LAKE -- Fallen Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Antonik has returned home to Crystal Lake.
A procession carrying Antonik's body arrived at Davenport Funeral Home in Crystal Lake about 4:15 p.m. after a procession from Dupage Airport in West Chicago.
The procession included Antonik's family and friends, members of the U.S. Marines, and was escorted by Crystal Lake police and firefighters, as well as personnel from other public safety departments.
A 2000 graduate of Prairie Ridge High School, Antonik, 29, was killed Sunday while supporting combat operations in Helmand province in Afghanistan on Sunday.
The processional traveled past Crystal Lake Central and Prairie Ridge high schools. Antonik attended Central before transferring to Prairie Ridge.
About 50 people were at the funeral home to honor Antonik upon his arrival. Many waved flags or held signs in support.
Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Davenport Family Funeral Home.
A funeral led by the Rev. Kerry Bauman will begin at noon Monday at Evangelical Free Church, 575 E. Crystal Lake Ave. Interment will be private. In a formal processional, police will escort the family to the church and cemetery, Crystal Lake Deputy Police Chief Gene Lowery said.
Antonik was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command at Camp Pendleton in California.
He and his wife, Erin, whom he married in December, shared an apartment in California.
Antonik joined the Marine Corps on May 23, 2001, and was trained as a reconnaissance man.
He was promoted to staff sergeant Feb. 1, 2009, joining the special ops Sept. 24, 2009.
It was Antonik's third tour overseas after two tours in Iraq.
A memorial fund is being established to honor Antonik through the Force Recon Association.
Donations can be made online at [ http://www.forcerecon.com ]www.forcerecon.com or by mail to FRA, P.O. Box 425, Rowe, MA, 01367. The Force Recon Association is a nonprofit organization for Marines, according to its website.
Antonik is survived by his wife; his parents, John and Cindy Antonik; his sister, Jen Bond; his grandmother, Florence Antonik; and several nieces and nephews.
Comments
ajaguirre wrote on July 16, 2010 7:59 a.m.
"I just hope that the streets are lined with people to honor a Fallen Hero and thank God that we always have Americans with courage to serve. We have always come up them throughout our history. Nothing can ease the pain . As the father of a Marine I know the anxiety and the worry. I have met and wrote many Marine Families who have lost their Marines. All your Son buddies are your Sons now. Thank you for raising a great American."
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gibson85 wrote on July 16, 2010 11:16 a.m.
"Rest In Peace. "
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seektruth wrote on July 16, 2010 2:01 p.m.
"test"
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Alpha Wolf wrote on July 16, 2010 4:36 p.m.
"May God Bless this true American hero! Rest in peace, Sgt! You will never be forgotten!"
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NoOneleftBehindisalie wrote on July 16, 2010 4:37 p.m.
"Rest in Peace, brother. Our memory as Marines will never be forgotten. Semper Fidelis Teufel Hunden. " salute ""
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NoOneleftBehindisalie wrote on July 16, 2010 4:37 p.m. ...
Rest in Peace, brother. Our memory as Marines will never be forgotten. Semper Fidelis Teufel Hunden. " salute "
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A Soldier's Final Flightby vickyinstlouis31,158 views
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