Memorial services are set for the two New Lenox men who died in a pipeline explosion March 3.

Bart Lenz, 21, and Zach Orel, 25, were both killed by the explosion after their car ran through a fence in an industrial area in New Lenox Township and hit the pipeline.

Three of their friends in a second car escaped and were taken to the hospital. Two are still being treated for severe burns.

Bart Lenz

The memorial service is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 8, at the VFW Post 9545, 323 Old Hickory Road in New Lenox. Lenz's father, Scott, said there will be a video and photo montage played closer to 8:30 p.m.

"We can't have traditional funeral services yet," Scott Lenz said. "This is going to be tough. He was just such a great kid."

Check back to New Lenox Patch for a life story of Bart Lenz.

Zach Orel

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8 at the Parkview Christian Church, 11100 Orland Parkway in Orland Park. Posen firefighters, who worked with Orel, will hold a private memorial service at 6 p.m. to pay their respects.

Orel joined the Posen Fire Department in June 2011 after some earlier work with the New Lenox Fire Protection District.

"Zach was an outstanding young man who enjoyed his work and was very excited to begin his career in the fire service," Posen Fire Chief Kevin Szewczyk said in a news release. "He loved helping others and always started his shift with a smile on his face. He will be truly missed."

Did you know Mr. Lenz or Mr. Orel? Share your memories in the comments section below.