GRAND FORKS - A North Dakota National Guard soldier who died in Afghanistan was remembered as a peacemaker who wanted people to be happy.

Cpl. Christopher Kleinwachter, 29, of Wahpeton, was killed in a vehicle rollover on Nov. 30 while taking part in military convoy operations.

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, commander of the North Dakota National Guard, said it's fitting that Kleinwachter was known as a peacemaker.

"You see, that's what soldiers are," Sprynczynatyk said Saturday during Kleinwachter's funeral service. "They're peacemakers."

The Rev. Terry Tuinder, of Valley Christian Center, said Kleinwachter was someone who would "take the brunt of someone's anger" to make peace.

"Christopher went to Afghanistan to protect you, to protect me," Tuinder said.

Gov. John Hoeven talked to one of Kleinwachter's sergeants, who said that Kleinwachter cleaned military barracks for four straight days even though he wasn't required. Kleinwachter continued to clean even when the sergeant told him to relax, Hoeven said.

"He was a volunteer in every sense of the word," Hoeven said. "He said he wanted to serve so others wouldn't have to."

Kleinwachter enlisted in the Guard in 1994. He graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1995. He was attending North Dakota State College of Science while working for Primewood Inc. of Wahpeton.

Kleinwachter was called to active duty in October 2005.

"He was a man who loved and cared for his family," Sprynczynatyk said. "He will leave a mark on all of our lives forever."

Kleinwachter is the fourth member of the 118th Air Defense Artillery First Battalion to be killed in Afghanistan.

Guard Cpl. Nathan Goodiron, Goodiron, 25, of Mandaree, died on Thanksgiving when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his vehicle while he was on patrol. Cpl. Curtis Mehrer and Sgt. Travis Van Zoest, both 21, of Bismarck, were killed June 6 while on a reconnaissance mission when a roadside bomb went off near their vehicle.

"All of us have been reeling from these deaths," Sprynczynatyk said. "This news has shaken us to the core, and we really don't have adequate words at times like these."

Hoeven presented Kleinwachter's parents, Clare and Carmen, with American flags that were flown over the state Capitol in his honor. Kleinwachter also was awarded the North Dakota Legion of Merit Award, the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Tuinder remembered Kleinwachter as someone who enjoyed family, running, riding bicycles, playing basketball and other outdoor activities.

"Christopher's life obviously has touched many people," Tuinder said.

Tuinder also paid tribute to members of the Patriot Guard Riders, who lined up outside the church and waved American flags.

"It's one of the things that touched me powerfully today," said Tuinder, who counted 37 American flags.