Dana "Jake" Reynolds

Dana “Jake” K. Reynolds, 48, of Timber Lake, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center, Bismarck, ND.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. MST, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at CRST Bingo Hall, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Red Scaffold. Wake services will be 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2026, at the hall with a procession from the 4-Mile at 4:00 p.m.

Dana Kent Reynolds, known to most as Jake, was born on August 3, 1977. He was brought into this world at the Indian Health Services Hospital in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, to Bernice White Eagle and Barney Reynolds. An enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, Jake spent his life surrounded by family, love, and community. At the time of his passing, he resided in Timber Lake, SD, with his daughter, son, and beloved dogs. Jake grew up on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Reservation, surrounded by his mother, Bernice, cousins, aunties, uncles, grandparents, and his protector and brother, Bernie. He cherished his childhood in Eagle Butte, reflecting often on the adventures, friendships, and small details of life that shaped him. Whether recalling high school, college, or his years in Bismarck and Eagle Butte, he spoke with gratitude and joy about each stage of his time on Earth. He treasured laughter, storytelling, and keeping in touch with old friends, especially his cousins with whom he shared his infectious laughter within recent years.

Jake was intelligent, athletic, and deeply passionate. In college, he excelled at writing, crafting essays so moving they often brought teachers to tears, and he was consistently praised for his articulate and powerful writing voice. He attended Haskell Indian Nations University and later United Tribes Technical College, where he graduated with a degree in Environmental Health.

On the basketball court, Jake was someone you could rely on. He was a fast thinker with a strong defensive presence and a steady teammate who understood the game well. He valued the friendships formed through basketball, many of which became lifelong connections he held close throughout his life. A lifelong basketball fan, Jake collected every pair of Jordan sneakers, often matching his shoes to his shirts. His love of sports extended to his devotion to the Denver Broncos, a passion he proudly shared with his son, Alex. Together, they celebrated every win, loss, and tie, and Jake was overjoyed to learn the Broncos were AFC West Champions this year.

Jake worked at Bobcat in Bismarck, North Dakota, and later served as a Community Health Representative with Indian Health Service. He found great meaning in this role, as it allowed him to connect with and help people every day. Through his work, he formed lasting friendships and became known as a reliable helper—someone the community could count on. Jake forged deep connections wherever he went and often volunteered his time to support community events and those in need.

Above all, Jake was known for his humor and kindness. His jokes—sometimes mischievous, always memorable—brought joy to everyone around him. He loved family gatherings, especially holidays, remarking that “no one could keep a joke going like a Chasing Hawk table.” He was humble, selfless, and gentle, never seeking attention but always giving love.

Jake shared a deep and sincere bond with his mother, Bernice. They loved one another fiercely and spent a lifetime lifting each other through both joy and hardship. They stood by one another’s choices, always offering support, guidance, and a steady hand during life’s most difficult moments. Bernice doted on Jake even in his adult years, and though he sometimes pretended otherwise, her care and devotion brought him comfort and happiness. During his illness, she remained faithfully by his side with his children, watching over him, protecting him, and loving him without end.

Jake met Dawn Lynn Bad Warrior in 1996. He was in love with Dawn until her passing in 2019, often referring to her as his ‘soul mate’. They shared a love for life and family. He began his journey into adulthood by becoming a partner to Dawn and a stepfather to her twin daughters, Christina and Cassandra. He described this role as “learning and growing up together,” sharing fun, understanding, and support. Jake took immense pride in his role as grandfather to Kian Joseph Rousseau, Christina’s son, cherishing the joys of being the fun grandpa. In 2001, after losing his brother Bernie, Jake and Dawn welcomed their son Alexander “Alex” Charles Reynolds. Alex and Jake shared a special bond built on humor, shared interests, a natural likeness, and mutual respect. Whether it be a new series, YouTube videos, or a game on the TV, they relished in time spent together. Jake often saw himself in Alex, and in him, his own ambitions continued forward. He took great pride in the person Alex became and in all he accomplished, trusting him implicitly and valuing his presence not just as his son, but as a capable, steady best friend in life. In 2002, his daughter Danielle Nikole Reynolds was born, and she and Jake were inseparable companions, exploring music, movies, and deep conversations together. She was named after his given name, Dana.  Danielle and Jake found joy in both adventure and the quiet comfort of home. They built a life rich with laughter, meaning, and connection, and their love for one another was a constant and grounding presence in their lives. Jake spent his last month of life being cared for by Danielle. In 2018, Jake and Teri Pretty Weasel welcomed Tanner Rhyali Reynolds, and he delighted in Tanner’s milestones, cheering on his achievements and nurturing his interests. He enjoyed dressing Tanner like him and usually referred to him as the smaller version of himself.
Even in his final weeks, Jake dreamed of watching his children grow, succeed, and find happiness. He hoped to see Danielle start a family, Alex build a strong career, Tanner thrived as an athlete and gamer, and Christina find her happily ever after with Kian.

Jake faced his final days with courage, strength, and gratitude. He expressed deep appreciation for those who supported his family and him, and he lived fully, laughed heartily, and loved unconditionally until his last breath. He was brave, humble, generous, and deeply loved by all who knew him. We will miss him and love him until we see him again.

Jake is survived by his mother, Bernice White Eagle; his children, Alexander, Danielle, Tanner, and Christina; his grandson, Kian; his sister, Erin; his brother, Quintez; his aunts, Arlene, Brenda, Cindy, and Connie; his uncles, Frank and Lyle; his cousins, Angel, Bonnie, Charlie, Chyna, Diamond, Evette, Evonne, Fabian, Honey, JeriLynn, John, Kale, Kella, Koda, Kody, Kris, Logan, Michael, Paulette, Paul, Rhiannon, Robin, Shayna, Sid, Stevi, Suzie, Tiffany, Tondee, Tyrell; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bernie and Ony; his father, Barney; his grandparents, Evan, Alice, and Wilbur; his aunt, Jolene; his uncles, Evan Jr., Eugene, and Jerry; and his cousins, Stacy and Arita.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Jake’s arrangements.