Eugene William "Gene" Ries

Eugene William Ries, 83, of White Lake, SD passed away Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society – Corsica, SD. Funeral Mass is 10:30 A.M. Thursday, December 10, 2020 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Platte, SD. A Committal Service will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. on Thursday. The service will be live-streamed under "Photos and Videos" on our website and through Mount Funeral Homes Facebook page.

Eugene William Ries was born on July 15, 1937 to William and Hildegard Anna (Kirsch) Ries in Platte, SD. He attended Dockendorf Country School and then began a lifelong career in farming with his father and brother, Kenneth. On November 26, 1965 Gene was united in marriage to Mary Ann Dunn at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Platte.

Gene was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, served in the SD Army National Guard from March 1957 – March 1963 and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Eugene could always be found tinkering with things in his shop, taking whatever he could find and turning it into works of art. He was also a skilled woodworker. He enjoyed trips to the Hills for deer hunting. John Deere tractors were a passion of his and he especially loved restoring antique John Deeres. But what Eugene loved them most of all was spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and family.

Grateful for having shared in Gene’s life, his three daughters, five grandsons and two great grandchildren: Ann (Mike) Wojciechowski of Geddes, SD and their sons: Michael (Kimber) Wojciechowski, Jr. - Logan, Kyle Wojciechowski - Emberley, and Joshua Wojciechowski; Marilyn Ries of Mitchell, SD; Linda (Mark) Bruning of Onida, SD and their sons: Austin Bruning and Braeden Bruning; a sister, Carol Backes of Platte, SD; two brothers: Kenneth Ries of Corsica, SD and Gerald Ries of Hudson, WI; along with many nieces and nephews.

Eugene was preceded in death by: his wife of over 48 years, Mary Ann Ries (May 15, 2014); his parents, William and Hildegard Ries; a sister, Darlene Peta and her husband, Bill; a brother-in-law, Dale Backes; and two sisters-in-law: Elaine Ries and Mary Jane Ries.

Memorials in Gene’s honor may be directed to: South Dakota Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, 4304 S. Technology Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57106 or http://www.alz.org/sd.