Stanley J. "Stan" Ries, '58, passed away on July 29, 2023 in Fort Myers, Florida. Lifetime Member.Stan Ries, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected educator, passed away on Saturday, July 29th, at the age of 83 at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida surrounded by family after a brief battle with lung cancer stemming from exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He was born on March 9, 1940, in St. James, Minnesota, to Rosalia Ries and was raised outside of Madelia, Minnesota by his grandparents, Jean Pierre and Agatha Ries and his uncle, Lawrence Ries.
Growing up on the farm, Stan spent a great deal of time with his grandparents, aunts and uncles. When Stan was 4, he developed card counting and higher mathematical skills by going to Madelia with his grandpa and watching him play cards. He was also spoiled by his aunts, who helped develop his love of cookies and baked goods. Growing up on the farm also included spending a great deal of time with his Uncle and Aunt, Jake and Marion Ries, and their daughters, Barb, Jean, Sharon and Maryann, who he considered his sisters.
At the age of 17, Stan enrolled at Boys Town, where his instinct for leadership began. In 1957, he and his fellow housemates ran their house without official adult supervision until he graduated in 1958 with an interest in auto mechanics. After graduation, he joined the US Air Force as a medic, serving with dedication from 1958 to 1966, which included a deployment to Vietnam. Even after his active service, Stan continued his commitment to the Air Force Reserves.
He pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska after his military service, where he excelled academically and obtained a Bachelor's degree in education. In 1962, Stan married Nora Elizabeth Moore, and together they built a strong and loving family.
Stan's career in education spanned several decades, during which he imparted knowledge and wisdom to countless young minds. He taught at Boys Town from 1969 to 1973 and later held positions as principal at St. Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye and at Janesville High School in Minnesota. His leadership and dedication led him to serve as superintendent at the public schools in East Chain, Alden-Conger and Lake Crystal school districts along with Covenant Academy charter school in Faribault, where he made a lasting impact on the schools and communities he served.
Upon retirement, Stan embraced a fulfilling and vibrant life. His passion for travel took him to Europe numerous times. Luxembourg held a special place in his heart, leading him to visit an impressive 34 times. He devoted endless hours to researching his family's genealogy, unearthing and cherishing his Luxembourgish roots. Stan also found joy in weekly lunches with friends, fishing, creating unforgettable memories with his family and eating cookies. He was an extremely proud and adoring grandfather, relishing the time spent spoiling his grandchildren.
Stan’s wife Nora passed away in 1993. In 2018, Stan found love and companionship again with Vicki Sorber. They married in April of 2021 and she became his devoted partner in life's adventures, including volunteer work in Poland and various travel adventures throughout Europe. They had plans for many more adventures together, including seeing the fall colors of New England and at least one more visit to Luxembourg.
Stan is survived by his beloved wife, Vicki (Estero, FL); his daughters Kate Hogan (Groton, MA) and Becky Ries (Apple Valley, MN); his son Bill Ries (Apple Valley, MN) and his cherished grandchildren Nora, Elsie, and William Simondet; sister-in-law, T. Irene Moore and his loyal dogs, Charlie and Max. Stan was preceded in death by his first wife, Nora; grandfather, Jean Pierre Ries; grandmother, Agatha Marie Koehn and mother, Rosalia Ries Becker.
Stan Ries will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and the field of education. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed by those who knew him.
A memorial service to honor Stan's life will be held on October 14, 2023 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont, MN, with visitation at 11:00 am and funeral service at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans, American Lung Association, or Boys Town in Stan's memory.