Robert Ries

Robert Bobby Ries, 57, of Bellevue, passed away Saturday morning, February 23, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning, February 28, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellevue. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation for Bobby will be held from 3:00 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service and again on Thursday morning from 9:00-10:00 a.m. also at the funeral home Robert was born on February 22, 1956 in Bellevue, Iowa, son of Melvin Doc and Kathleen (Rubel) Ries. He married Barb Steines on December 20, 1975 in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellevue. Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1975 and retired in 1995. During his time in the Air Force he lived in many places throughout the world including South Dakota, Spain, Colorado, Greece, Louisiana, Korea, Illinois and Washington. After retiring from the military he moved back to Bellevue and was employed by City of Bellevue Public Works for 15 years. Robert was the definition of easygoing and laidback. He loved to tell stories, it wasnt what he said but how he said it that made them so great. Everybody knew Bobby, and he gave everyone that special wave driving through town. Robert was a great guy, with a big heart and excellent sense of humor. He will be missed by all. Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 37 years, Barb, of Bellevue; three daughters, Brittany (Jake) Gothard and Briana (Jake Sieverding) Ries, both of Bellevue, and Greta Barth, of Redwing, Minnesota; grandson, Tristan; mother, Katie Ries, of Bellevue; mother in-law, Eldora Steines; grand-mother in-law, Clarabelle Wilming; two brothers, Ronald (Pat) Ries, Randy (Linda), both of Bellevue; five sisters, Ruth Weimerskirk, Rosalie (Art) Ploessl, Rita (Steve) Putman, all of Bellevue, Rebecca (Kevin)Hurlburt, of Richmond, Indiana, and Roxanne (Doug) Kueter, of Charlotte, Iowa; two brothers in-law, Dick (Marcia) Steines and Jim (Laurie) Steines; four sisters in-law Joyce (Bob) Davids, Ruth (Larry) Putman, Brnda (Terry) Bronson and Linda (Joey) Michels; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; son, Douglas Robert, and brother in-law, Larry Weimerskirk. The family would like to give a special thank-you to Hospice of Dubuque, Medical Associates, Wendt Center, and Mercy Medical Center for the special care shown to Robert. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com