Lance Corporal Jacob Alexander Meinert, United States Marine Corps, 20, was killed in action on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, in Bastion, Afghanistan.

He was born June 24, 1989, in Racine.

He attended Red Apple Elementary School and Jerstad Agerholm Middle School in Racine before moving to Fort Atkinson. Jacob graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 2007.

He entered the Marine Corps Recruitment Depot in San Diego, Calif., graduating with platoon 2167. He was stationed in Hawaii with 1st Battalion 3rd Marines Bravo Company.

Jacob completed one tour of duty in Iraq and was currently serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

His hobbies included fishing, sailing and a variety of musical outlets.

He enjoyed the time spent with his friends.

Survivors include his mother, Krista (Michael) Edquist of Fort Atkinson. He leaves at home a sister, Randi Meinert; stepbrother, Mitchell Edquist; brother, Larson Edquist; and the family dog, Bosco.

He also is survived by his father, Brian Warzala; maternal grandparents, Richard "Donna" Meinert; paternal grandfather, Robert Warzala; paternal grandmother, Darlene Warzala; three aunts, Michele (David) Breheim, Sheryl Petersen and Pam (Nathan Schulz) Warzala; and an uncle, Ben Warzala, all of Racine. He also is survived by many other relatives and friends.

More information will be published in this newspaper when service information is confirmed.

A memorial in Jacob's name is being set up to benefit the Fort Atkinson High School Jazz Band program, care of his mother, Krista Edquist.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.