Edward "Ted" Ries

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Edward “Ted” Ries, passed away peacefully November 13, 2025. He was born in Hollywood, California on May 30, 1937 to Jean Poelman and Ernest Ries.

Ted had a beautiful childhood growing up in Los Angeles during the golden age of Hollywood - what he later described as “the best place, the best time”. As an only child, he was cherished by his parents and some of his fondest memories were going on walks with his dad, swimming, riding the carousel at Griffith Park and visiting the LA Zoo. Ted attended Marshall High School and played baseball until he graduated in 1955.

After attending a year of community college Ted served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from June 1957 to December 1959 in the Northern Mexico mission. He served faithfully for 2 1/2 years, which was the norm back then; and although he had some of the hardest times of his life and experienced severe sickness; he has shared hundreds of hours of stories with his children and grandchildren about all he learned and the blessings and miracles he witnessed. He loved the people deeply and gained a strong testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ. His example and influence has led 9 of his grandchildren to serve missions, including one grandson currently serving in Mexico.

In April of 1960 he joined the US Air Force Reserves and was on active duty until September of that year. In 1961 he went to BYU where he eventually met his sweetheart and eternal companion, JoAnne Bertoch Ries, in a golf class. And then, promptly never golfed again! They were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 21, 1963 and spent 62 years happily married and committed to each other. She was his everything and he showed her his love in words and in action everyday.

They spent the first several years of their marriage living in Glendale, California, where their four children were born and Ted taught at Garfield High School. After (11) years in LA they moved to JoAnne’s hometown of Pocatello, Idaho, where they have lived and raised their family for the last 50 years. Ted was a life long learner, earning a master’s and PhD in education. He was a beloved teacher and taught at both Highland and Pocatello High Schools. He inspired and mentored hundreds of students and it was not uncommon to often hear them thank him years later when he would see them throughout town.

Ted’s life story would not be complete without mentioning his love for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His love ran deep and his loyalty fierce from a young age and it was a dream come true when they moved from Brooklyn to LA. Watching baseball and listening to the voice of Vin Scully calling the games on long car rides is a core memory for his children. His love and passion for them bled into his grandchildren and each of them have fond memories with him being at Dodger Stadium or simply sitting on the couch next to him watching the game he loved. We feel certain this year’s win was just for him.

As much as he loved the Dodgers, it truly paled in comparison to how much he loved his wife, four children, seventeen grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. They brought him his greatest joy and fulfillment. He would do anything for them, and knew and loved each one individually. He gave them his time and undivided attention. You never left his house or hung up the phone without knowing how cherished you were.

Ted had a strong testimony of his savior, Jesus Christ, and was a dedicated disciple. After teaching for almost 35 years, he served two more missions, this time with JoAnne as his missionary companion. They served in Brisbane, Australia and Madrid, Spain; working with the YSA in those areas. They loved the people they met and the youth they had the privilege to serve.

We will miss him dearly but believe he is enjoying a beautiful reunion with his parents and will wait (probably impatiently) to be reunited with his eternal sweetheart.

Ted is survived by his wife, JoAnne (Bertoch), and his children: Kristen Jensen (Randy) children: Whitney, Jaxon, Cassidy, Colin; Derek Ries children Kendall, Carson, Landon, Presley, Macey; Gina Hansen (Greg) children Josh, Brianna, Tanner, Sarah; Rachel Luke (Preston) children Annie, Sophie, Jacob, Ellie; as well as grandchildren spouses and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11am. A viewing will be that same day at 10am. Both will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building on the corner of Butte and Hiskey (Pocatello, Idaho). Burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery following the services.

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