Hutchinson ? The family of a Kansas soldier who died in Iraq remembered him as “the most gracious young man.”

Cpl. Peter Wagler and another soldier, both members of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, were killed Jan. 23 when a bomb exploded near a tank they were riding on patrol in Baghdad.

Peter Wagler was buried Friday on what would have been his 19th birthday.

“When he was a little kid, he butted heads with everyone in the family,” said a sister, Rochelle, 29. “But when he got older, he became the most gracious young man.”

Wagler, one of eight children, was home-schooled and studied nursing at Hutchinson Community College before he enlisted in the Army at age 17.

His father, David Wagler, said his son had dreamed of enlisting from the time he was 5 years old, but he allowed him to enlist only after hearing a Sunday school lesson on the prodigal son.

“We need to hold Peter with an open hand,” he said.

He also read a letter his son had written, to be opened only after his death. He called it a “typical Peter letter.”

Members of the Patriot Guard line Monroe St. to make the Avenue of flags after the funeral service for Pfc. Peter Wagler at First Church of the Nazarene Friday, Feb. 10, 2006 in Hutchinson, Kan. Wagler and another soldier assigned to Fort Hood were killed Jan. 23, 2006, in Iraq when a bomb exploded near the tank they were riding in while conducting patrols, the Department of Defense said. The Patriot Guard is a group of veterans, motorcyclist and others who protect family members from protests at the funerals of members of the U.S. armed forces killed in Iraq.

“Well, you probably opened this because I died or because I’m involved with a girl you disapprove of,” the opening line read.

More than 500 people, including an Army honor guard from Fort Riley, took part in a memorial service that lasted nearly two hours at the First Church of the Nazarene in Hutchinson.

Afterward, a long line of cars passed between two rows of large American flags held by a group of more than 150 motorcycle enthusiasts and others. The caravan proceeded to Partridge Cemetery, a few miles from the family’s rural home, where Peter was buried with military honors.

“We will continue to miss Peter,” said Vanya Wagler, a brother.

“His absence leaves a big hole, but we rejoice because he’s with Jesus.”