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SIGOURNEY, IOWA -- A Keokuk Deputy shot and killed in the line of duty last week was laid to rest Saturday.

39 year old Sgt. Eric Stein was killed by 53 year old Jeff Krier of Sigourney who was then shot and killed by officers. But residents who knew and loved Stein wanted to give him one last heartwarming goodbye.

Residents of Sigourney didn't come to mourn his death; instead they came to celebrate his life.

"I'm saddened that I never got to meet him. He sounds like an amazing individual." said one out of town resident. "The community thought the world of him and he thought the world of the community."

Almost all of Sigourney's estimated 2,000 residents were on hand Saturday to remember the life of Deputy Eric Stein. The funeral was held at Sigourney High School. Afterward a procession escorted Sergeant Stein through the city to his final resting place at Garret Cemetery.

Law Enforcement from all over the state as well as Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Minnesota came to say goodbye to one of their own.

Sigourney Mayor Patricia Miletich says Saturday was a great example of the community coming together.

"This is quite impressive. What a loving tribute to our fallen officer and fallen brother that all of these people have turned out today. This wasn't organized as far as watching the procession. But you can see how beloved Eric was by members of the community and county."

Sigourney Superintendent Todd Abrahamson says Stein was a caring, generous person who always thought of helping others rather than himself. He was also actively involved in the community.

"He spent a lot of time with the school systems, with the departments making sure our schools were safe. And making sure we did proper procedures. So I had a great professional relationship with him."

The community is continuing to help in any way they can to help Stein's family. Keokuk County State Bank is accepting contributions. And the city is selling car stickers in the shape of a sheriff's star. All of the proceeds goes to Stein's family.