Belvidere, IllinoisDavid H. Ries, 73, of Belvidere, Illinois died peacefully, Saturday morning October 25, 2008 in his home encircled by his family and surrounded by their love. David was born January 22, 1935 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Delbert H. and Gail (Woodside) Ries. He married Lois Jean Harris on January 29, 1956 in Tunica, Mississippi. David served our country in the US Navy for 20 years. He went on to be a sales representative for Commonwealth Life Insurance Company for another 20 years prior to his retirement.David was proud of his military service and was a member of the John Hugo Kaiser Post 1461 VFW, the Masonic Lodge in Memphis, Tennessee and the Fleet Reserve Association. David was also passionate about the outdoors. He loved to putter in the yard and was an avid fisherman.Survivors include his wife, Jean of Belvidere; daughter, Gail (Chris) Rhodes of Brunswick, GA; grandsons, Blain and Jordan; sisters and brothers, Joanne Schmidt of Charles City, IL, Janice Schrage of Green, IA, Gordon (Tanny) Ries of Burlington, VT; brother in-law, Bernard Schmalen of Belvidere; numerous nieces and nephews; his four legged companions, Freddie, Frankie and Hilda.David is predeceased by his parents, daughter, Deborah; brothers, John, Roger, Darrell, Jim; sisters, Frances Schmidt and Della Maxine Schmalen; and a four legged companion, Frieda.

A memorial will be established in David's name and can be given in care of his family.