Raymond "Ray" J. Griess

Raymond “Ray” J Griess, 87, of Aberdeen, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2014, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen.

His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, with Pastor John Hisel officiating. A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center.

Burial, with Military Rites being conducted by Sidney L. Smith American Legion Post #24 of Aberdeen, will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen.

Visitation at the mortuary will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, and one hour before the service on Saturday.

Raymond J. Griess was born on August 27, 1926, to John and Bertha (Frank) Griess in Oakes, ND. This is the area where he was raised and attended school. Following graduation from Oakes High School, Ray furthered his education at several colleges and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree.

In June of 1951, Ray entered the United States Air Force and served his country, while stationed in Germany, during the Korean Conflict. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge in June of 1953, Ray returned home and started his teaching career. He taught at several towns before beginning a 17-year long teaching career at the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, where he remained until the time of his retirement.

Ray was a past member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. He loved the outdoors and, in his retirement years, enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ray will always be remembered for his wonderful story-telling ability.

Surviving Ray is his wife, Maybelle “May” Griess of Aberdeen; his children: Gary Griess, Doug Griess, Loretta McLaughlin, Mike Griess, Scott Griess, and Mark Griess and their families; his eight step-children and their families; and two sisters: Shirlee and Dorothy.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lucille; his daughter, Sherri Griess; and several brothers and sisters.