A memorial service for the two Coeur d'Alene soldiers killed in Iraq last week will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d'Alene.

The public is invited to attend.

Idaho National Guard Sgt. Nathan R. Beyers, 24, and Spc. Nicholas W. Newby, 20, were killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) when insurgent forces, which appeared to be Shiite militia, attacked their convoy last Thursday, according to the Department of Defense.

Beyers was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant last Thursday.

There will be an honorable transfer of remains of both soldiers on Friday. The remains of each soldier will be returned to the family in a dignified, planeside ceremony. The remains will be transferred to funeral homes, selected by families, from the airport.

For Beyers, the plane will arrive at Spokane International Airport at 11 a.m.

For Newby, the transfer will be at the Coeur d'Alene Airport in Hayden at 1:10 p.m.

"His family asks that if community members would like to pay their respects as the procession of military and funeral vehicles passes by, a good place to do so would be at Lake City High School, Spc. Newby's alma mater," a press release from the Idaho National Guard states.

A Sunday rosary/vigil service for Beyers will be held on Sunday at Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division St., Spokane, at 4 p.m. A funeral mass will be on Monday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 330 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, at 10 a.m.

Interment and inurnment of cremated remains will be on Tuesday at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Road, Medical Lake, Wash., at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend.

Newby's funeral will be on Monday at Lake City Community Church at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Meanwhile, Staff Sgt. Jason Rzepa (pronounced zeppa), also from the Coeur d'Alene area, who sustained serious leg injuries during the same attack, continues to recover and is back in the United States.

Both of his legs were amputated below the knees. He received a Purple Heart medal on Friday while in the military hospital in Iraq.

As of Wednesday, he was on his way to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for additional medical attention. His family will join him soon to assist him through recovery, prosthesis and extensive physical therapy.

"Despite having had both of his legs amputated below the knees, Jason's spirits are extremely high and we are very optimistic for a speedy recovery," according to a prepared statement from the family. "Jason has asked us to extend a huge message of thanks for the overwhelming amount of support, prayers and positive energy our friends, family and the community have displayed during this trying time.

"This will surely assist Jason through a speedy recovery and we are greatly appreciative."

The three soldiers were in Iraq serving with the 145th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Cavalry Heavy Brigade Combat Team based in Post Falls. The 116th is on a year-long mission in support of Operation New Dawn. It is expected to return in September.