Jacob Edward (Jake) Reidt went to be with his Savior on June 18, 2024, just one week shy of
his 71st birthday. Jake was born June 25, 1953, in Spokane, WA, the third of eight children and
the only son of Jacob and Thelma (Summers) Reidt. His childhood was marked by his parents'
love for Jesus, early piano lessons and musical talent, and a bright mind. As a young man, his
adventurous spirit led him across the U.S., as he hitchhiked and rode boxcars. Jake met his
future wife, Gina Gray, in the youth group at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in the
Spokane Valley. They were married February 8, 1975, and raised four children together. Jake
was a fun-loving father and a devoted husband.
Working in construction, Jake followed jobs to support his family, moving to Nampa, ID, and to
Anchorage, AK, before returning to Spokane. Eventually, and for most of his career, Jake
worked for himself as a cabinet installation subcontractor. He was a talented craftsman, and
built four homes and remodeled countless others that the family lived in through the years.
Those homes were always filled with hundreds of books, his piano playing, his good cooking
and strong coffee, and lots of music and laughter.
In 2003, he and Gina purchased his grandfather's farm outside Hay, WA. As a boy, he adored
visiting his grandparents there and was delighted to restore the farmhouse, tend the property,
and extend the joy of those memories to his children and grandchildren. Three years later, he
accomplished another long-time dream; building his own cabin at Bead Lake, WA.
Retiring in 2016, Jake and Gina spent a great deal of time traveling all over the United States, in
planes, trains, and camper vans. Traveling was stoked by their interest in the world and history.
They traveled with friends and family, were snowbirds in Hawaii, and even visited Israel in 2023.
His easygoing nature and quick wit won them friends wherever they went. In the course of his
life, diligent study and a soft heart nurtured a deep and abiding faith in God that profoundly
shaped who Jake was and how he endeavored to treat others. When at home at the farm, Jake
was very blessed to play piano in worship at Selbu Lutheran Church.
Jake died at Newport Hospital from complications related to Hairy Cell Leukemia. He was
preceded in death by his mother, Thelma J. Reidt, Hay, WA.
Jake is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gina M. (Gray) Reidt, Hay, WA; his father, Jacob H.
Reidt, Hay, WA; four children (and their spouses): Jacob J. Reidt (Tatsu), Spokane, WA, Jessi
Lish (Leo), Enumclaw, WA, Josh Reidt (Traci), Ritzville, WA, Jina Fifield (Leonard), Richland,
WA; twelve grandchildren, one great-grandson, seven sisters, and numerous nieces and
nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Selbu Lutheran Church, 6004 Mudflat Rd., LaCrosse, WA, on
August 10, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Luncheon to follow.