STUTTGART, Germany — A Schweinfurt-based soldier serving in Iraq died last week from noncombat injuries at a base south of Baghdad, the Defense Department announced Wednesday.

Sgt. Jose R. Escobedo Jr., who was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, died March 20.

The circumstances surrounding Escobedo’s death at Forward Operating Base Kalsu are under investigation, the military said.

The 32-year-old Albuquerque, N.M., native leaves behind a wife and three young children.

"I can’t believe he is gone," sister-in-law Ruth Patricia Flores said to KOAT TV, an ABC news affiliate in Albuquerque. "It is just really sad."

A memorial will be held at U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt, though a date has not been set.

Escobedo was born in Albuquerque. He served in the Marine Corps for 11 years after he graduated high school in 1996, and joined the Army after a year out of the military.

The decorated sergeant is survived by his wife, Angelica, and their three children, Elvida, 9; Jose, 4; and Mikey, 2.

The family is making its own plans for a memorial service, which will be held in El Paso, Texas.

Flores said her brother-in-law will be remembered as a family man.

"He loved his kids, his wife," Flores told the network.

In a written note to the news station, Escobedo’s wife, Angelica, echoed that sentiment. "I thank you for all you did ... and being the best that you were. ... I love you and always will. You will forever be in our hearts."

==Another news story==

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Albuquerque soldier, Sgt. Jose Escobedo Jr. dies in Iraq.

Escobedo leaves behind a wife and three young children.

His family said he was an Army sergeant honored with many medals in his career. They said he loved being in the military, but March 20 it all came to an end.

"I really don't talk about it too much," said sister-in-law Ruth Patricia Flores.

Still it is close to her heart.

"I can't believe he is gone," Flores said. "It is just really sad."

Flores said she misses her brother-in-law.

The Department of Defense confirmed the Army sergeant died March 20 in Baghdad of injuries not combat related.

"He loved his kids his wife," Flores said.

Escobedo's wife, Angelica sent KOAT family photos of happier times with all three kids hanging on close to their dad often in uniform.

She also sent a statement that read like a note of gratitude to her late husband.

"I thank you for all you did... and being the best that you were... I love you and always will. You will forever be in our hearts," Angelica Escobedo said.

While her sister is making funeral arrangements, Flores is caring for the couple's eldest children in Albuquerque.

"We just brought them here so they could be distracted for a little while," Flores said. "They're just kids. We just try to keep them happy not to think about it."

It is a loss weighing heavily on this family, but what they said they know for sure is that Escobedo loved his family, he loved his work and he leaves behind so many that loved him.

His family said it is making plans to pay tribute to him. His wife said his funeral service will take place in El Paso, but they are still working out the details.

Escobedo was born in Albuquerque. After he graduated high school, he served 11 years with the United States Marine Corps.

He took a year break then enlisted in the Army in 2007. He died at age 32.