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Charles Ries Obituary
Baptized into the hope of Christ's Resurrection November 7, 2024 at the age of 93 due to natural causes.
Beloved husband of the late Marilyn Ann (nee Alfert) of 57 years.
Loving father of Paul (Karen), John (Elvira Roncalli), Dan, Steve, Sue (Tim) Bingaman, Kate (Scott Drochelman), Michael (Stacy).
Grandfather of Margaret (Eddie) Flynn, Paul Jr (Courtney), Amelia, Mary (Sean) Wilson Ries; Rebecca, Jacob, Benjamin, Anna Ries-Roncalli; the late Shannon (nee Ries) (Brad) Jacobson; Joe, Claire, Liz Bingaman; Emily Drochelman.
Great Grandfather of Reese, Riley Jacobson; Skylar Ries; and Liliana Flynn.
Preceded in death by: parents William and Mildred (nee Wurst) Ries; brothers Billl (Eby), Robert (Pat), and Andy (Mary); in-laws Betty (Wil) Buchholz, and Joan (Joe) Zieger.
Uncle, great uncle, coach, mentor, volunteer, friend, and never a stranger to many.
Charlie was born and raised in south city St. Louis, in Our Lady of
Sorrows parish, attended St. Louis University High, served for the Army in Korea, obtained a finance degree from St. Louis University, and met and married his beautiful, kind, patient wife, Marilyn. He worked for GMAC for over 30 years, raised seven children in Glendale, drove countless carpools, and coached numerous basketball and soccer teams. He refereed basketball for Missouri Athletic Club, boy's high schools, Mary Queen of Peace CYC, and taught refereeing.
He and Marilyn were parishioners of MQP for over 60 years, where he was very active. Charlie loved playing, watching, coaching, and refereeing sports; was an avid cyclist, card and duplicate bridge player, yo-yoer, and talker. He ran an Olympic Torch through part of St. Louis for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
He tried to live "act now, help someone" and passed it onto many others.
Volunteering for (just to name a few) St. Louis Society for the Crippled Children, Barnes Hospice Program, Multiple Sclerosis Society (23yrs on MS150 Tour), and The Shepherd's Center of Webster Groves.
Charlie and Marilyn both donated their bodies to St. Louis University Medical School.
In lieu of flowers, share a meal with loved ones or strangers at Steak 'N Shake, act now and help someone, and/or donate to The Shepherd's Center of Webster Groves.
Visitation 10:00 and Memorial Mass 11:00
Monday, December 30, 2024
Mary Queen of Peace Church
676 W. Lockwood Ave
Webster Groves, MO 63119
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Bill Russell
December 28, 2024
Charles was my cousin by marriage. He was always the kindest, most accommodating person. Going to the Ries house on Easter was always a highlight of the year.
Jim Zieger
December 28, 2024
Sorry that we cannot make it in town for the service. I have a business trip that I have to leave for tomorrow (Sunday). So many fond memories of Uncle Charlie, Aunt Marilyn the whole family. He will have no problem finding a bridge partner now.
Laura Albers
December 27, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Sending love to the family.
Pat Knoerle-Jordan
December 26, 2024
Riding in the MS 150 Bike Tour, Charlie's style. Nothing else needs to be said.
RIP, Pat Knoerle-Jordan
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JZ
December 21, 2024
Family Traditions!
JZ
December 21, 2024
Family Traditions !
John Zieger
December 21, 2024
My Godfather was a lifelong inspiration, especially when it came to being positive, friendly and giving to others. Most recently, his abiding sense of athleticism and volunteerism motivated me to raise donations for the Jimmy V Foundation and participate in a Coast to Coast bike ride for cancer care. God Bless you Uncle Charlie. The world is a better place because of you. May your legacies live on ! Love John Z
Anne
December 17, 2024
Charlie was the reason I kept riding the MS 150! At every rest stop he would tell people how important our work was! He would yell "HIP HIP HOORAY" and we would call back the same. Good memories Charlie- HIP HIP HOORAY for you! Anne Thomasson
Jim Zieger
November 13, 2024
Taught me how to throw a horseshoe on vacation at Black River Lodge when I was e teenager
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