BOZEMAN (AP) -- A 31-year-old soldier from Bozeman who was killed this month in Iraq was remembered Tuesday as a brave man who loved God, his family, sports and the outdoors.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins died June 1, after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive near a mosque in Al Yusufiyah.

He will be remembered as a hero, the Rev. Val Zdilla said.

''Human lives were saved by his heroic action that can never be forgotten or denied,'' Zdilla said. ''We are all safer because of his sacrifice.''

Atkins was the first soldier from Bozeman and the second from Gallatin County to die in Iraq since the war began there in 2003. He was the son of Jack and Elaine Atkins of Bozeman.

Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday for Atkins' funeral at Resurrection Catholic Parish, and for burial at Sunset Hills Cemetery.

Zdilla told attendees that Atkins cared for others and had a calling to serve and protect his country.

''We now remember Travis and how his life made a difference,'' he said. ''He was this nation's son.''

After the service, a military escort led the funeral procession to the cemetery, where Atkins was buried among other veterans who died serving in wars. Along the route to the cemetery, hundreds of people lined the streets waving flags and holding their hands over their hearts.

Motorcyclists from the Patriot Guard Riders helped escort the funeral procession, and police and fire officials blocked streets as the caravan went by.

Gene Allison, who worked with Atkins' father, said he was pleased with the outpouring of support.

''Travis was an impressive person, and you knew that as soon as you met him,'' Allison told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

A member of the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y., Atkins was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. He died trying to detain a suspicious Iraqi citizen who detonated a bomb attached to his vest, military officials said.

Family and friends said his action likely saved the lives of others. Atkins had already survived two roadside bombs before his death, his parents said.

Atkins had an 11-year-old son, Trevor, who lives in Minnesota. He also is survived by a sister, Jennifer, who lives in Washington.