LaRay Alfred Ries

 A visitation for LaRay Ries, 96, of Dickinson will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson. 

LaRay passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck.

LaRay Alfred Ries was born March 31, 1928 in New Ulm, Minnesota to Raymond and Gladys (Reinhart) Ries. He attended Holy Trinity in New Ulm and then transferred to Ag School at the University of Minnesota where he graduated in 1947. After school, LaRay moved to Lisbon, North Dakota where he and his dad bought a farm southwest of town. While working on the farm, he met Elaine Jensen who lived two miles down the road from him. LaRay married Elaine on June 7, 1952 in Lisbon. To this union four children were born, Gordy, John, Marianne and Robert. Together LaRay and Elaine farmed for over 21 years until moving to Lisbon in 1973. LaRay worked for the City of Lisbon in the Street and Water Department for 20 years. In 2006, LaRay and Elaine moved to Dickinson. 

LaRay loved being busy. In the summer of 2008 at the age of 86 and after recovering from multiple surgeries, LaRay began walking the Maah Daah Hey Trail alongside different family members. He finished the final portion of the 144 mile journey on October 4, 2008. LaRay enjoyed hiking, being with family, music, playing his harmonica and whistling. 

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson, St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Lisbon, the German Bohemian club and the Knights of Columbus. 

LaRay is survived by his daughter, Marianne (Blaine) Hoffmann of Gladstone and their son, Tyler (Sarah) Hoffmann; sons, Gordy (Kim) Ries of Aurora, CO and their children, Aja (Brian) Tibbs and Annabelle; Cody (Debbie) Ries and Sloane, Hayden, Charlie; John (Paula) Ries of Bismarck and their children, Adam (Abby) Ries and their children, Scarlet and Linden, Kate (Ryan) Waechter and their children Marley, Murphy and Isla; Wade (Morgan Ryan) Ries, and Rachel Ries; daughter-in-law, Janea Ries and her children, Ryan (Nicole) Ries, Savanah Ries and Jacob (Alexa) Ries; and sister, Janice (Paul) Kretsch of New Ulm, MN.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Ries; parents, Raymond and Gladys; son, Robert (8/2017); sister, Joleen (Carroll) Elijah, Rosie (John) Gilbert, Dianne (Bill) Embacher.