Murray Ries

Murray Ries, 71, of rural Parker passed away Sunday at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. A visitation for Murray and his brother Karl, who passed away 2 weeks prior to Murray will be Friday, September 19th, from 5PM to 7PM at the Walter Funeral Home in Freeman.

Murray Wayne Ries was born on July 7, 1954, to Marvin and Jane (Kaufman) Ries. He was their first child and was later joined by his siblings Lynelle, Karl, and Susan. Murray began his education at McDonald District #17 country school and graduated from Freeman Academy in 1972. He went on to attend Freeman Junior College before completing his studies at Bethel College in 1976, earning a degree in music. On June 6, 1971, Murray publicly declared his faith through baptism at Salem Mennonite Church, where he remained a faithful and lifelong member.

Murray shared his love of music both as a teacher and through the life of the church. He taught music for eight years in Kansas before returning home in 1982 to farm with his family. Even while farming, he continued to bless others with his musical gifts, playing organ at the south church, accompanying the men’s choir on piano, and faithfully supporting congregational worship.

His deep love of God’s creation was also evident in the way he meticulously nurtured plants and tended his yard with joy and pride. Working side by side with his father and brother Karl, Murray found great fulfillment in farming. After their father’s retirement, Murray and Karl continued farming together for many years, building a partnership that was as much about friendship as it was about work. Together, they carried forward their father’s legacy of faithfulness to the land.

In 1982, Murray married Cindy Wedel, and God blessed their twenty-four years of marriage with five children. Being a father was one of Murray’s greatest joys. He was deeply involved in his children’s lives, whether coaching their teams, cheering from the sidelines, or never missing a band or choir concert. Sunday mornings often began with classical music filling the home before the family went together to worship at Salem Mennonite Church.

In September 2014, Murray married his college sweetheart, Emily (Friesen) Parsons. Their eleven years together were marked by love, laughter, and companionship. Although they disagreed 99% of the time, they never disagreed about their love for each other. They divided their time between South Dakota and Texas and found joy in visits with Emily’s son Kyle, his wife Mary, and their two children.

On September 14, 2025, Murray was called home to his Lord and Savior, surrounded by family. He was laid to rest in the Salem Mennonite Church cemetery in a private family service. A visitation for both Murray and his brother Karl, who had passed two weeks earlier, was held on September 19. Murray is survived by his wife Emily, his sisters Lynelle Andal and her husband Steve, and Susan Bot; his children and their partners Micah and Emily, Amanda and Garrett, and Alexandra and Andrew; and his beloved grandson, Macklin Ries, born on July 15, 2025. He is also survived by Emily’s son Kyle and his wife Mary Parsons and their children Emma and Gunnar, his aunt JoAnn Ries and uncle Alan Ries, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Murray is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Jane Ries; twin sons Aaron and Adam; brother Karl Ries; brother in law Jon Bot; aunts and uncles, Bervin and Doris Sherard, Delbert and Delores Kaufman, Clyde and Fern Kaufman, Allen and Ardelle Schrag, LeMoyne Ries, and Sara Ries; cousins Judith Kaufman, Karen Cressman, and Lori Candee.

Murray will be remembered for his ability to converse with anyone, his dry sense of humor, and his independent spirit. Beneath it all was a heart that loved God, cherished family, and delighted in simple joys. Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing Murray now rests in the eternal presence of Christ, where his faith has become sight and his song continues forever.