John N. Ries, age 63 of Jordan, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2019. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 11AM with a visitation beginning at 9:30AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. John will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Father Neil Bakker will preside.
On September 14, 1955, John was born in New Prague to parents Leander and Marie (Mayerhofer) Ries. He was the first boy in the family and the third of eleven children. John loved growing up in Jordan. He was adventurous and spent most of his time outside—playing baseball, running in track, fishing, squirrel hunting, and looking for agates. In high school, he was the front man for the band Purgatory Creek. John continued many of these pastimes into adulthood.
Following his high school graduation from Jordan in 1973, John enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Germany and proudly served as a military policeman until his honorable discharge in 1978. Following this, he briefly lived in South Dakota where he worked as a carpenter.
A hardworking man, John was a truck driver for most of his career. Working locally in the south metro allowed him to spend time with his family. Most recently he worked for Wausau Supply Company, INC in Lakeville.
While living in South Dakota, John was introduced to a young woman, Cindi. They were married and settled in Jordan to raise their family. John shared his love of the outdoors with his children. They spent countless hours camping, fishing, and horseback riding.
In his free time, John played on the Brewers Baseball team and was a member of his work’s softball league. Never liking the confinement of the indoors, John enjoyed motorcycling and occasionally ventured to Sturgis. As an avid hunter, John would often listen to CDs of turkey calls while driving—it was his version of music on the radio! While turkey hunting was his favorite, he often went deer hunting too.
A man of strong faith, John instilled many Christian values in his children. He believed in kindness and helping others. John was incredibly social and could talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything.
John is loved and missed by his children, Nick (Kelly Raddatz) Ries, Jenny (Mike) Luark; siblings, Mary Brown, Gloria (Paul) Radtke, Cathy Thompson, Daniel (Daisy) Ries, Leon (Michelle Rodewald) Ries, Cheryl (Brian) Hessing, Karen (Howard) Orgon, Ben (Leasha) Ries, Michele (Bud) Delbow; many other loving relatives and friends.
John is greeted in Heaven by his parents, Leander and Marie Ries, and his infant brother, Joseph Ries.
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Roxanne Prokes
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Ries family. John was a great guy. I can still hear his laugh. Prayers are with you.
Char Koepp
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. John was in my class at Jordan High School. He was always kind and friendly to everyone–a real gem of a fellow. My sympathy to all of you!
Linda Schmitt
Dear cousins, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. May your memories of John bring you comfort at this time.
Sincerely Linda Boegemann Schmitt
Jamie S.
Sending prayers of peace and comfort in this difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with John for the last 10+ years. He will missed. My deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Jamie Sawczynec
Mary Dean
Im so sorry for your loss. Growing up just a couple blocks away from your family created great memories. I haven’t seen John in several years, but when I last ran into him I was with a couple of my brothers, and I fondly remember us laughing a lot about our funny childhood antics.
Prayers to all of you in this sad time.
Mary Dean
Shelly Lucas
So sorry for your loss
Dan Thompson
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. John was always great to be around and recall hosting many fun holidays. He was a thoughtful and kind man. Too soon.
Kyle Thill
Kathy and I are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Gayle Burmeister
Del and I were sorry to hear of John’s passing. We have fond memories of him. Our condolences to your family.
Mike Westberg
I used to hang sheetrock with John in Rapid City and he was always a pleasure to work with. We talked about hunting and motorcycles and I can hear his distinctive voice today. My sympathies to his family
Linda Mayerhofer
Dave and are deeply sorry for your loss. We will not be able to attend the service but will be with you in thought
Diana Boegemann
We are sending our heartfelt sympathy to the Ries Family at your loss of John. Love , Uncle Ed Boegemann and your Boegemann cousins.
Dianne Rezac
Paul and I want to offer our prayers and condolences to all of John’s family and friends, we are unable to make the services today. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. We have many fond memories of the times we spent with him from hunting, softball, and motorcycle riding in benifits for others, and working together. He was a great friend!
Barb Ries
Cousins, I had every intent to be at the funeral today but I misread the obit and went to St. John the Baptist in Savage. by the time I got there it was too late to try to make it to Jordan.
I’m so sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in my prayers.
Barb