Obituary of Louise Anastasia Ries

Louise A. Ries, 95, of New Vienna, Iowa died peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at Oak Crest Manor, Dyersville, Iowa. Friends may call from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2014, at the new Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a scripture service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friends may continue to call after 9:00 a.m. Saturday, February 15, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna where a Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rev. Carl Ries will preside with Rev. John O'Connor and other priests of the Archdiocese concelebrating. Louise was born January 22, 1919, the daughter of Ernest and Catherine (Steffen) Goebel on a farm near Luxemburg, Iowa. She married Arthur A. Ries on October 14, 1940, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg. Together they farmed near New Vienna for 50 years and then retired in New Vienna in 1990. Louise loved spending time with her family. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, music and dancing. Louise was a lifelong faithful member of her church. Survivors include her 11 children: Fr. Carl Ries of Charles City, Judith Ries of New Braunfels, TX, Nancy Ries of Downers Grove, IL, Larry Ries of Dubuque, Susan (Steve) Shirk of Wilton, Doris (Al) Wessels of Dyersville, Dale (Karen) Ries of New Vienna, Barbara Ries (Stan Radio) of Omaha, NE, Donna (Dan) Drexler of Bettendorf, Sandra (Mike) Ries-Wandrey of Ankeny, and Connie (Dennis) Deutmeyer of Rye, NY; 27 grandchildren: Kristine, Matthew, Eric, Timothy, Lillian, Grace, Ben, Katie, Brian, Zachary, Jacob, Shalyn, Peter, Michele, Hannah, John, Luke, Abigail, Olivia, Eleanor, Anastasia, Joshua, Jordan, Jessica, James, William and Joseph, and 17 great grandchildren; 4 sisters-in-law: Bertha Goebel of Dubuque, Loretta Brunsmann of Dyersville, Bernice Gassmann and Alma Brunsmann, both of Manchester. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Catherine Goebel, her husband, Arthur in 2011, 9 siblings: Martha Lechtenberg, Irene Block, Othilda Sherman, Helen Hatch, Raymond Goebel, Eugene Goebel, Leander Goebel, Larry Goebel, Virginette (Thier) Hosch, several in-laws, nieces and nephews. A Louise A. Ries Memorial Fund has been established and memorials are preferred. Memorials may be directed to St. Boniface Church, Hospice of Dubuque, Oak Crest Manor or the charity of the donor's choice.