Ries John Behling
Ries found peace on February 1st, 2024, at the age of 91. Beloved husband of Patricia K. Behling who preceded Ries in death by a mere 5 months. They had been married for 62 years and shared a life full of love and adventure.
Born May 13, 1932, and raised in Shorewood, Ries was the son of David John Behling, Sr. and Lillian Rilling Behling and brother to David John Behling, Jr. He attended Shorewood High School and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he earned degrees in Economics, History and Liberal Arts. After graduation, Ries moved to Washington D.C. where he joined the army and served in the Counterintelligence Corp. He was stationed at the Pentagon.
Ries and Patricia met in D.C. where Pat was working for the NRA. On August 28, 1961, they married and created a loving blended family including Ries’ daughters, Sue Ellen and Lisa Ann, and Pat’s son, Donald Ambrose. A year later, they welcomed their daughter, Leslie Denson.
Ries and Pat moved to Milwaukee shortly after they married where he started in the real estate industry, quickly rising to the top. He started as Branch Manager of the Purtell and Wigdale office in Cedarburg, then moved to Realty World as their Sales Director, and on to Regional Sales Manager for Merrill Lynch Realty. In 1985, Ries and Pat decided to purchase Coldwell Banker Premier with several offices in the metro Milwaukee area. In 1995, Coldwell Banker Premier merged with Coldwell Banker Prestige. Ries was named President of the newly merged company where he employed several hundred sales associates and supporting staff. The merger formed the largest Coldwell Banker affiliate in Wisconsin. Throughout his career he was voted “Wisconsin Realtor of the Year” several times, President of the Wisconsin Realtors Association and taught real estate law at MATC-North Campus and UW-Milwaukee.
Ries and Pat also had a strong sense of faith where they, along with eight other families, were founding members of Ozaukee Congregational Church under the direction of Reverend Richard P. Buchman. They spent numerous nights and weekends laying the foundation for the beautiful grounds it has become today.
They were also very active with Habitat for Humanity. Ries rallied his employees and together they built several homes in Milwaukee County. He was also an integral member of the Lac du Flambeau Lions Club where he was in charge of the annual Minocqua Brewfest.
In 1996, they sold their business and retired to Lake Tomahawk where they purchased a home on the Wisconsin River. They spent several years renovating their home where their kids, grandkids, extended family and friends spent many hours boating, fishing, swimming in the pool, and enjoying drinks and laughter on the deck.
Retirement also allowed them more time to travel. Ries’ passion for genealogy led them to cemeteries, churches and courthouses across the world. Ries even tracked his family’s heritage back to the Crusades and Pat’s heritage back to English royalty!
They also loved to travel in their motorhome visiting Mexico, Canada and all 48 continental United States. Their travels always included stops at dog parks and beaches for their adopted black lab, Parker.
Ries’ sense of adventure was contagious. He lit up any room he entered. The love and laughter he shared was a gift to all who knew him, and he will be fiercely missed.
A special thank you to the amazing 2nd floor nursing staff at Aurora Hospital Grafton. The care and tenderness Ries received was amazing. Words cannot express how thankful the family is knowing that Ries was in the very best hands.
Ries is survived by his adopted son, Donald Ambrose, his daughter, Leslie Denson Scozzafave (William) and his grandchildren, Daniel Ries (Samantha Lee Barnum, fiancée) and Lindsey Jane.
The family will hold a private ceremony.