Robert "Bob" L. Ries, 84, of Rock Island, died Monday, October 1, 2018 at his home.  Services are 10 am Thursday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island.  Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Wednesday at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island.  Memorials may be made in care of the Education or Conservation Fund at Niabi Zoo, Coal Valley, or to the Corn Belt Running Club Youth Programs, Davenport.

Bob was born on October 22, 1933 in Sterling, Ill., a son of Louis A. and Esther M. Kiesel Ries.  He graduated from Rock Island High School and received a bachelor degree in engineering from Bradley University.

Bob married Mary Lou Stribley on March 6, 1955 in Paris, Ill.  He was a US Army veteran.

Bob worked over 30 years as a service manager for AT&T.  After retirement, he worked 10 plus years at KONE.

Bob was very active with the Corn Belt Running Club in Davenport.  He served 20 years as a committee chair for the Junior-Bix and Quad Cities Marathon.  Bob had a passion for volunteering at Niabi Zoo where he served as an animal handler, educator and interpreter.  He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and spending time with his family, especially his grand and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary Lou Ries, Rock Island; children (and spouses), Jim (Deb) Ries, Woodbury, Minn., Johnna (Tom) Anderson, Cordova, Ill. and Sue (Chris) Propst, Murphysboro, Ill.; grandchildren, Amanda (Pat) Mitton, Kirsten (Austin Flyger) Propst, Jake (Sarah) Anderson, Michael (Jessica) Ries and Christopher (Violet) Propst; and great-grandchildren, Ries and Mason Mitton, Jamison and Colton Ries, Savannah Anderson and Norah Flyger.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James A. Ries.