Army Spc. Joseph T. Prentler

Died October 4, 2010 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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20, of Fenwick, Mich.; assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany; died Oct. 4 in Mama Kariz, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his military vehicle using an improvised explosive device.

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Michigan soldier, 20, dies serving in Afghanistan

The Associated Press

FENWICK, Mich. — A soldier from Michigan who died after being wounded in an attack in Afghanistan decided when he was 8 years old that he wanted to serve in the Army, just like his grandfather, family members said Tuesday.

Spc. Joseph T. Prentler, 20, died Monday in Mama Kariz after insurgents attacked his military vehicle using an improvised explosive device, the Defense Department announced. He is from Fenwick, about 32 miles northeast of Grand Rapids.

“Going from when you’re 8 and making that decision and sticking with it, that’s really honorable,” Prentler’s cousin, Sonya Jakeway, told The Daily News of Greenville. “It was always an interest for him.”

Prentler, who was known as “Joey,” attended Carson City-Crystal High School and graduated in 2008. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Tammy Prentler, and a 13-year-old brother, Dakota.

On Tuesday, Tammy Prentler told The Grand Rapids Press that many in the small community offered condolences.

“He’s just an all-around sweet person, just concerned about everybody and anybody,” Tammy Prentler said. “He’s just a good kid, friendly. He tried to make everybody laugh. Everybody loved him.”

Prentler was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment based in Vilseck, Germany.

Funeral arrangements were pending.