Funeral held for KS soldier who died last month in Iraq

Monday, family and friends held a funeral for 26-year-old Sergeant Christina Schoenecke. She died in Iraq last month.

Family and friends remember her as kind, strong and funny.

"She had like that military toughness and courage, and she just seemed so strong all the time, and she was, but she also had a very soft and sensitive heart," said one friend.

The Kansas native died February 19 in Baghdad where she was serving.

Friends recall her always wanting to pray and help those who needed it.

The Honor Guard was at her funeral to support her family.

"She valued the well being of others so much. I know she was scared,but she didn't hesitate to serve her country or leave her little familiar hometown life."

Friends of the family said her cause of death has not been released to them and is still being investigated.

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The U.S. Department of Defense Tuesday identified a Kansas solider who died Monday in Iraq.

The Department of Defense says Sgt. Christina Marie Schoenecker, 26, of Arlington, Kan, died Monday in Baghdad, from a non-combat related incident. Schoenecker was assigned to the 89th Sustainment Brigade in Wichita.

The Department of Defense says Schenecker's death is under investigation.