Obituary of Paul A. Ries

Paul Alan Ries, 62, of Iowa City, Iowa, died on Sunday, December 31, 2017, at the University of Alabama Birmingham.  Paul was born June 21, 1955 to Rolland and Ilene Ries in Sylvania, Ohio. Early in life, he chased Granddad Reed’s banty hens . In the late 60’s, the family moved to Bettendorf, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he met his wife, Pamela (Roe) Ries, in Spanish class.  The two were married for more than 41 years. He and Pam had three children: Aaron, Amber and Adam Ries.  Paul became a manufacturing engineer. He enjoyed spending time with friends, traveling the globe, live Blues music, a good Bloody Mary and laughing until it hurts.  He supported Hawkeye sports, particularly Iowa football and Iowa women’s basketball. 

Paul was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City.  His favorite path to serve God was cooking and serving food for the Iowa City free lunch program. Paul believed the strong must protect the weak, the rich have a duty to the poor and that love supersedes all. His last days were spent basking in the warm embrace of friends and family.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Rolland and Ilene Ries, his brother, Robert.  He is survived by his wife, Pam, children: Aaron, Amber and Eric Wojnicki, Adam and Haley Ries and his siblings: David and Kelly Ries, Ila Lundgren, Richard Ries and Jim Ervin and many nieces and nephews.

A “Celebration of Life” ceremony will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City, Iowa on February 17, 2018 at 2:30 pm.  A party will be held at the Radison Kinnick Ballroom from 4:30 – 10:30 pm.  Attendees are encouraged to wear something comfortable and not too drab.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, the First United Methodist Church’s Free Lunch program or FUMC Free lunch program.  To share a thought, memory or condolence with Paul’s family please go to the funeral home website@ www.gayandciha.com.