Erika Reese's Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of Erika Reese announce her peaceful passing on March 20, 2021, at the age of 85. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Friedel Lakutis and husband Tom; grandchildren Jennifer Fisher and husband Brian, Rick Reese and wife Bliss, and Daniel Lakutis; great-grandchildren Ashley Fisher and fiancé Tyler Roberts, Chance Reese, Lisette Bugert and husband Tyler, Krystal Paronteau and husband Brett. Erika was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Friedrich “Fritz”, her parents Wilhelm and Maria Siepmann and brother Wilhelm “Willi” Siepmann.
Erika was born and raised in Essen-Kray, Germany. After completing her education, she met the love of her life, Friedrich while working as a secretary at a local bakery wholesaler. Together they started a lifetime adventure after the birth of their daughter, Friedel, “the only one”. During her husband’s military career with the U.S. Army, Erika was often left to be the hands-on parent to their daughter and the two of them had many grand adventures traveling the country together. Her only child, Friedel was the light of her life. Even after raising her daughter, Erika’s motherly instincts held strong as she always fretted about her daughter’s health, safety, and happiness above her own.
Erika had many hobbies throughout her life that include bowling, sewing, knitting and crochet but especially loved to tend to her gardens. Most spring and summer days were spent with her beloved “Fritz”, turning soil and bringing beauty to the abundant flower beds surrounding their home. In her later years, she looked forward to weekly kaffeeklatsch with her many friends at the local German delicatessen. Erika loved to be the life of any party. She was always one to dance whenever there was a good tune on, and never held back her hearty laugh. Erika lived by her own rules, had a fiery spirit and loved those closest to her fiercely.
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