Frankie J. Reese

Frankie James Reese, 42 of Devils Lake ND passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake, ND.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with burial and Military Honors at the Devils Lake Cemetery. 

Frankie James Reese was born on June 29, 1982, in Devils Lake, ND to Craig and Lisa (Holtz) Reese. He was the oldest child, being raised 3 miles south of Devils Lake. 

Frankie grew up with his cousins, like they were brothers and sisters to him. They used to love building forts, riding bikes, fishing and Frankie would always come home with rocks in his pocket. 

He attended school in the Devils Lake area. Before graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army in 2001. He graduated from Devils Lake High School with the class of 2003. Frankie was an Altar Server at St. Joseph Catholic Church for many years. 

In August of 2005 he was called to serve his country and was involved in the Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in Kuwait. He served as an IED Specialist for roadside bombs. He was also the gunman on top of the Humvee. He returned home in December of 2006. He was honorably discharged on February 21, 2009, with the rank of SPC. At a ceremony in Minot, North Dakota, Frankie was recognized as a hero who found the most roadside bombs in his time of overseas service. 

When Frankie came back to Devils Lake, he spent his time hanging out with his Mom and sisters, along with his nieces and nephews. He loved be3ing called “uncy”. He would also pass the time being with his friends and go fishing, play bingo and gamble. He always could put a smile on someone’s face by coming up with some smart “comments.”

His loving family include his mother Lisa Ann Kjorsvik of Devils Lake; father Craig Reese; sisters Linda Reese and Kortney Fry; step children Mason and Madison Kostecki; nieces and nephews LillyAnn McDonald, Kendra Reese, Andrew Reese, Drayvin Reese, Jonathon Schmidt Jr., Salena Schmidt, Taliana Reese, Onnah Schmidt, Tucker Fry, Everly Keith; aunts and uncles Ted Shaffer Jr., Joseph Shaffer, Terry (Lori) Holtz, Greg Christie, Carol Reese (Steve Eckes); great uncle John (Yoyo) Shaffer; cousins Sabrina Lara, James Lara, Emily Shaffer, Ted Shaffer III, Rebecca Shaffer, Christopher (Andriea) Christie Sr., Katie (Katyn) Newcomb, Jacob Christie, Jayden Andrade, Johnathon Christie, Jasper Carlson, Caleb Carlson, Brantley Strand, Jerick Christie, Christopher Christie Jr., Victoria Christie, Jessica Weese, Jennifer (Greg) Wireman, Chloe Wireman, George Wireman, Justina (Matt) Peters, Shawn Toso, Curtis (Maria) Bakken, Bodin Bakken, Joseph (Jeanine) Martin, Jessie Robinson, Mary DeCoteau, Diane Reese, Dustin Reese, DC Reese, Daniel Reese, Darrick Reese and many other cousins. 

Frankie was preceded in death by his grandparents Francine and Ted Shaffer, Holtz grandparents, Aunt Linda Holtz and many great aunts and great uncles.