It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rodney “Rod” Peter Ries, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Rod passed away peacefully with family by his side on the morning of May 10, 2026. Rod was born in St. Louis, MO to Peter and Charolet (Molitar) Ries on May 19, 1948. He grew up with 2 older and 1 younger brother. He served proudly as Marine in Vietnam after high school. When returning from war, Rod pursued a bachelor’s degree in business administration and started a long career with the State of Missouri as a tax auditor. Rodney was a devoted husband to Janis Ries, with whom he shared 54 wonderful years of marriage. Throughout his 77 years of life, Rod enjoyed visiting the beach, swimming in the ocean, coaching and watching his kids and grandkids sports events, gardening, reading, and exercising. What Rodney was most proud of was being “Papa”. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking them for fun adventures, especially to Grant’s Farm and to see Christmas lights.
He was proceeded in death by two brothers, Ronald Ries and Rory Ries as well as his parents.
He is survived by his wife Janis Ries (Cramer), son Jason Ries, daughter Julie Haynes, and brother Roger Ries, as well as grandchildren Isabella Horn, Carly Horn, and Kaden Haynes.
He was devoted to his family, friends, and faith and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services: Funeral Services will be at Kutis Funeral Home 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, St, Louis MO 63129 on May 27th at 12:30 pm followed by a burial at Jefferson Barracks cemetery. Visitation on May 26th from 3pm – 7pm.
What a great guy he was,, I was in his class and also track I believe. He was quiet but also very friendly 😪🙏
Uncle Rod was the GOAT. I hope the Ries brothers are reunited and drinking a cold one.
Rod was always A kind and gentleman. . He was my nephew through marriage to my niece Jan . He loved his children and Grand children and was always there for them.. He was an excellent dancer. . He served as A Marine in the Vietnam war He definitely will be missed. May he rest in peace! Sending heart felt prayers to his family.🇺🇸💙
Janet and Family,
My condolences on the loss of Rod. He and I worked together at The Missouri Department of Revenue from the time that I began in May 1976 until Rod retired in November 2005. For many of those years Rod was a mentor to me, sharing his vast knowledge. He was a very fine worker, and a very fine person.
Wayne Rosenthal (Saint Louis Mo)
Dear Ries Family, I had the privilege to work with Rod for many years at the Department of Revenue. He was a great man. Smart and hard working with a good sense of humor. I know how much he loved his family. He will truly be missed. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Gerry Andert
Rest in peace my best friend! You are missed ♥️
George
I got to know 3 of the Ries brothers in church. Great guys, fun to talk with.
My golf buddy Rory was the first to go, then Ron, and now Rod. They are missed. Looking forward to seeing them all in the soon coming Kingdom of God.
For more than 50 years, from our college and military days to our yearly get togethers in Old Town St. Charles Debbie and I remember Rodney as a feisty, fun loving, down to earth, larger than life, true friend. We cannot help but smile and laugh as we remember our strolls up and down Old Towns brick pathways and having a cold frosty one (or two) while we ate to our hearts content at Trailhead restaurant and brewery. Our condolences to Jan, kids, and grandkids. Old friend you will be sorely missed.