Russell Jerome Ries Sr.

Russell Jerome Ries Sr., age 86, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022 in Columbia City, Indiana. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on August 8, 1935, he was the son of the late Oscar and Evelyn (Osborne) Ries. Russell graduated from Central High School in Fort Wayne, and later earned a degree in engineering from Purdue University. Before earning his degree, Russell honorably served in the United States Army, spending most of his two-year tour of duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky. It was there that he served as a range NCOIC, a position that required strong leadership capabilities and an extreme attention to detail. Russell worked for International Harvester for several years, and for Dana Corporation, from which he retired as a tool and die maker. When not working, he enjoyed working on cars and was known as someone who “could fix anything” and loved to tinker. Russell loved to laugh and tell stories. He will not only be remembered fondly as the “instigator” of trouble within the family, but also as someone who had a big heart, loved his children equally, and grandchildren dearly. Russell is survived by his children, Steve (Vickie) Ries, Russell Ries Jr., Thomas (Christine) Ries, Debbie (Homer) Jacobs, and Raymond Ries; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Eugene (Faye) Ries, Sharon Ries, and Karen DeMille. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, Sharon (Johnson) Ries in 2012; his grandson, Austin Thomas; his brother, Bob Ries; and his parents. A funeral service for Russell will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804 with calling from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Entombment at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, will immediately follow the conclusion of the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, www.dementiasociety.org, in Russell’s name. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.greenlawnmpfh.com for the Ries family.