SAUK CITY, Wis. -- A fallen Sauk City-area soldier has returned home for the final time.

Family, friends and even strangers were among the hundreds of people who lined the city's streets to honor Private Adam Novak for his service and sacrifice on Tuesday.

"It's nice to see the community come together, stand together and support the family and to support Adam," Sauk City resident Patty Seeley said.

The 20-year-old Novak was killed last month by an improvised explosive in Afghanistan.

"He put himself in harms way, which all of us have done as veterans, and he paid the ultimate price," said Bartley Mauch, commander of VFW Post 7634. "And that's all we can do is pay our respects."

Novak spent most of his life in Minnesota, and even though he lived in the Sauk City area for just a few years, he received a lifetime of support and thanks.

"I think we're all here for the same reason," said Sauk City resident Debbie Staples. "It's hard. They're young, they're fighting for our country, and I feel that we owe them a lot."

Army escort detail will stay with Novak's body until his funeral.

Visitation is set for Friday, Sept. 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the River Arts Center at Sauk Prairie High School. Visitation continues Saturday morning until the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the same location.

Novak will be buried in Fergus Falls, Minn., where he spent most of his life.