BOISE - The family of Sgt. Michael Lilly, a fallen Boise soldier killed in Iraq last week, says he was living out the dream of serving his country.

On April 8th, a rocket propelled grenade in Sadr City killed Lilly.

The 23-year-old graduated from Borah High School in 2002.

Lilly’s family says he died doing something that was very important to him. They say he loved serving the country.

"From the time Michael was very small he told me he wanted to be a soldier," Lilly’s mom Vicky Egbert said.

Lilly always knew he wanted to wear a uniform and his family supported his decision to enlist in the army even though they recognized the dangers of war.

Family supported Lilly’s decision to enlist

"Everyday I would wake up and pray for his safety,” Egbert said. “Everytime I heard of a fallen soldier I would pray it was not him.”

Lilly's wife, Miseda traded text messages with him the day he died.  His last written words: “I love you."

"It was one of his dreams to defend this country and I was proud of him for that and I supported him 100 percent," Miseda Lilly said.

The family says losing Lilly has left a hole in their hearts, but they say the community's support has really helped them cope.

The family was especially moved by a tribute and moment of silence at Sgt. Lilly's alma mater, Borah High.

"We felt very honored and appreciated it tremendously,” Egbert said. “You could feel the thoughtfulness and the caring in that room.”

Sgt. Lilly's family says he died doing something he took great honor in - fighting for the country and our freedoms.

"Michael was a hero and I hope the people of the state of Idaho remember Michael as a hero and he cared about their freedom,” Michael’s father John Lilly said.

The public is invited to Sgt. Lilly's funeral today at 1 p.m.

It will be held at St. Mark's Catholic Church followed by a burial with honors at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.