“A Soldiers soul never dies”

Phelps, Sergeant E5 Jonathan E. Lootens age 25 of 647 Nieder Road, was killed while on active duty serving his country in Kirkuk, Iraq on Sunday October 15, 2006.

Friends may call on Tuesday October 24, from 2-4 and 7-9PM at the Cheney Funeral Home 70 Main Street Phelps. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 2PM in St. Francis Church, in Phelps with the Rev. Thomas Mull officiating. Full military honors will be bestowed on SGT Lootens following the funeral mass. Private Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in Phelps.

SGT Lootens attended basic training and the 74D Chemical Operations Specialist course at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. SGT Lootens was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan in April of 2004 until April of 2005. He was then deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Lootens completed the Warrior Leader Course in 2006. SGT Lootens was presented a Leatherman inscribed by the 12^th Sergeant Major of the Army Jack Tilley. While in Afghanistan SGT Lootens was awarded the honorary Combat Infantry Badge. The Combat Infantry Badge is only awarded to Infantrymen, as a Chemical Specialist, SGT Lootens was not eligible to be awarded this high honor, however, his command was so impressed by his skill as a Soldier the honorary award was made by his command and presented by Colonel McBride, Captain Birdie, and 1^st Sergeant Priscilla. SGT Lootens was awarded the Army Commendation Medal w/combat distinguishing device “V” for Valor, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Posthumous) and the Bronze Star and Purple Heart (Posthumous). The Combat Action Badge is awarded posthumously for SGT Lootens final actions in the enemy attack that claimed his life.

SGT Lootens was a member of the Newark VFW Post 2883. He had worked at Chase-Pit kin in Newark and also for Tony’s Tree and Landscaping in Newark.

It is suggested that contributions be made to the Jonathan Lootens memorial fund established to help troubled youth. Donations may be made payable to Bank of America c/o Sue Leonard 89 Main Street Phelps, New York 14532.

SGT Lootens is survived by his Proud parents Robert Lootens of Phelps and Deborah Qualtieri of Norwalk, CT.

Sister Andrea (Matthew) Ralyea of Victor.

Nephew Carson Ralyea of Victor

Maternal Uncles Mark (Geri) Hertel of Washington State and Chris (Connie) Hertel of Idaho.

Paternal Aunts Rosemary (William) Barker of Inverness FL.

Ann (John) Baker of Bridgewater, NY

Judith (Thomas) Ferrell of Lyons.

He was preceded in death by his Step-Father Joseph Qualtieri and His Step-Mother Janice Lootens.