Harry's Obituary
Livestream the service at: https://youtu.be/N5mupEZme60
Harry Reese “Dutch” Erkenbrack Jr. was born May 29, 1968, in Santa Ana, California. Dutch would say he was the “oldest of the second batch” of children blessed to Dutch Sr. and Jean Erkenbrack. The family relocated to the iron range of northern Minnesota when Dutch was two and he spent his early childhood in the Duluth, MN area.
A natural salesman all his life, Dutch helped his mother sell flowers as a young child, but he always upped the price his mother quoted by a bit and pocketed the difference. He understood the importance of hard work, even as a young child. Ever resourceful, a five-year-old Dutch snuck away to watch a circus with a friend but was the only young man that had the forethought to bring a toy cap gun along to trade a carnie for food – knowing him, likely cotton candy.
In his early teen years, the family relocated to Fridley, MN where Dutch graduated from Fridley High School in 1986. Eager to serve, Dutch elected to join the Army at 17, attending basic training between his junior and senior years of high school. Dutch proudly served in the 325th Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division for 3 years followed by 4 years in the Minnesota Army Reserves. Dutch spent most of his civilian professional life in sales, forming lasting friendships that helped him return to Christ.
God provided Dutch his perfect match when he met the love of his life, Cindee. She was as strait-laced as they come (compared to Dutch) and loved flying as a C-130 navigator. He had fond memories of jumping out the back of those low-flying Hercs. They married on October 10, 2009, and began their married life in Minnesota. Their commitment to each other through Christ was strong from the start, having survived walking through 49 houses trying to find their first home together. Their family grew with the arrival of Jackson Reese in September of 2013.
With Jackson not even 3 weeks old, Dutch and Cindee traveled to Great Falls, Montana while considering a job for Cindee with the Montana Air National Guard to confirm this was God’s will. Dutch packed his fly rod in the overhead bin for the trip and left a napping Cindee and baby Jack in the rental car while he caught the biggest rainbow trout he had since the ‘90s on a fly he tied himself. That sealed the deal, and they made Great Falls their home by the end of the year. Dutch became a full-time father, an unexpected, but most perfect plan that only God could have made.
God, family, and country were Dutch’s priorities and the outdoors his passion. Dutch deeply understood the blessing that is the Montana wilderness and took every opportunity to revel in God’s creation. He took profound joy sharing jeepin,’ campin,’ fishin,’ and huntin’ adventures with family and friends. Above all else, his summer camping trips with Cindee and Jackson formed the basis of their family memories. Dutch’s love for the outdoors even translated into a dream job working as a fishing guide for Montana River Outfitters. Visiting family and friends were treated to Dutch’s custom river raft tour and the gleam in his eyes as he showed others God’s creation was contagious.
Dutch’s passion for cooking was passed down from his father. He took pride in perfecting his recipes and was able to grow this passion into a successful part-time BBQ business. He loved preparing a fabulous meal for family and friends alike. To know Dutch, was to have enjoyed his enthusiasm for all of his hobbies and to have laughed with him as he shared his unique sense of humor. In fact, his daily goal was to have Cindee laugh so hard that she would snort, and most days he was successful. In recent years, Dutch enjoyed being a part of a golf league at the Anaconda Hills Golf Course and had begun to pass his love of golf to his son who already has a great swing. Dutch led with a servant heart and his faith inspired others. He spent the last several years living the word of God through volunteering at Foothills Community Christian School and as a Deacon at First Alliance in Great Falls.
Dutch and Cindee were blessed last year to open their home to his parents as they transitioned into their retired life before they headed south. During this time, Dutch Jr. and Sr. took turns in the kitchen and enjoyed many spirited cribbage games after a fantastic meal together. This time was precious for all. One highlight of their time together was a special golf outing for the three generations, Harry Reese “Dutch” Sr., Harry Reese “Dutch” Jr. and Jackson Reese. This was a bucket list item for Dutch.
Dutch entered the Heavenly Kingdom Friday, October 28, 2022, according to God’s plan. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at First Alliance Church.
He is survived by his loving wife and son, Cindee and Jackson Erkenbrack; parents, Dutch Sr. and Jean Erkenbrack; siblings, Carol (Linn) Cassedy, Mike (Tina) Smith, Chuck (Peggy) Smith, Cindy (Matt) Collins, Kathleene (Dan) Thompson, and Christine (Kevin) Miller; numerous cherished nieces and nephews, loved ones, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Memorials may be made to Jackson’s school, Foothills Community Christian School (FCCS).
