Daniel Nathan Ries, age 60 of Black Hawk, SD passed away peacefully at his home on September 30, 2024.

Dan was born September 7, 1964 at Glasgow Air Force Base, MT to David Ries and Betty (Jones) Ries. Dan grew up with four brothers and two sisters in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. He graduated high school at the age of 17, then struck out on his own adventure with $50 and a suitcase. He hitchhiked around the middle of the country, spending time with siblings and picking up odd jobs where he met a variety of interesting characters. At the age of 22, he joined the United States Air Force and embarked on an exemplary and dedicated 13-year career serving our country. During that time Dan married Windy Ries and began his favorite occupation, which was being a father to his two beautiful daughters, Megan and Shelby. Throughout his time serving our nation, he received numerous awards for service, becoming one of the Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year 1989. Of all the accomplishments during his career, his most prized medal was his Humanitarian Service Medal, earned during the 1992 mass deployment of C-130’s to bring supplies, food and water to those in Hawaii devastated by Hurricane Iniki.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Dan continued his adventure, eventually settling in Miles City, MT for some time. Days were spent coaching softball, tearing up the walleye population on the Yellowstone River, and helping whoever God placed in his path to serve as he was able. Following a move to Dickinson, ND to rejoin his daughters on their own adventures, Dan met his person and ultimate adventure buddy, Marianne Stuver. During their decade-long marriage they camped, fished and adventured their way around the country, stopping along the way to spend time with family and friends. Dan was honest, selfless and loyal, using his availability and never-ending energy to unwaveringly serve others and share the Gospel of Jesus at every opportunity. His ability to remember details about the people and adventures he encountered brought them to life in his stories. His last advice was to love your peeps, live the adventure and remember that Jesus loves you.

Dan is survived by his wife Marianne Ries; two daughters and their families, Megan (Wyatt) Willson, Shelby (Christian) Stogsdill and grandson Granger; siblings Susan Binford, William (Betty) Ries, Tom (Lisa) Ries and Laura (Quentin) Miles; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his father David Ries, mother Betty (Jones) Ries, brothers David Ries and Joseph Ries, and infant siblings Barbara and Jonathan.

Dan’s Memorial Service will be held at Rock Point Church, 1213 Harmony Heights Lane, Rapid City, South Dakota on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Coffee and cookies will be provided.

If you wish to send a memorial, please donate to Rock Point Church or your charity of choice.