Dan's Cancer Journey

06/26/2025

It’s been just a little under 1 month since my official last day of service and just about 9 months since my dad went on what I’m calling a heavenly hunting trip and I was drinking my coffee this morning, playing with the kid, looking out the window at our beautiful view of the black hills and I was reminded of something my dad used to say - “Just because you are good, or even great at something, does not mean you’re meant to do it forever.” Sometimes we just get in our own way of succeeding, because we keep trying to have God bless what we are doing rather than being blessed in what God wants to do WITH us. Hear me out.

I did a lot in 8 years of service, like A LOT. About 6 years ago I really started to hit road blocks. Some caused by myself and some by others but nonetheless it left me frustrated and defeated. I was pursuing my faith but God just kept saying “No.” over and over and over again. Finally, we got a yes. A pregnancy we had prayed for years for and suddenly it seemed so obvious. God was saying “You are done, and if I don’t stop you for the sake of your family you won’t.” *cringe* ouch. Talk about rough feedback, but He was right. So I made the decision to separate, with hardly any plan other than “I am just gonna be mom and wife.”

One act of obedience turned into another and before I knew it our entire life changed.

We now live in my childhood adventure land, where we get to raise our son, we have found a forever church, God has called us to start a ministry, I’m finishing writing my first book (I know, crazy), we have an actual house not a camper, I dyed my hair blue (accidentally) but wasn’t stressed about fixing it and could just laugh at the moment, we led our first 12 week bible study, and so much more that I won’t even get into.

All of that to say, sometimes just because you’re good at something, doesn’t mean you should do it forever, because you might miss out on an even more amazing opportunity God has for you. To use you in a way that was bigger than anything else you have ever done.

So be encouraged, what may look like a small act of obedience may be the greatest thing you ever do. That’s all. Enjoy your day, and love your peeps.

05/22/2025

Exciting news!!

Hey everyone!! This is Dan’s daughter - Shelby - and I will be taking over my father’s page, because this story is not over. Read below!!

👇 👇 👇

FROM GRIEF TO GLORY: Building on the Altar Our Father Laid

When our father passed, our hearts broke—but God was not finished with his story - or ours.

Our dad lived a life of quiet (sometimes loud) obedience, unwavering faith, and deep love for people. He laid down his life in service to others, and in doing so, he built a spiritual altar—one rooted in prayer, purpose, and legacy.

In the months since his passing, my husband and my sister and her husband have returned to that altar.
We’ve wept there.
We’ve prayed there.
And we’ve listened for what God wanted to do next.

Out of that sacred space, Back to the Well Co. was born.

A business and ministry built on biblical principles—designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and fund Kingdom outreach. What began in our father’s life as a legacy of faith is now growing into something that will touch lives, empower dreams, and expand ministry.

We’re not just launching a brand.
We’re stewarding a legacy.

Dad, your altar is now our foundation—and we will keep building.



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While I will link many a thing back to this page you can tune into our Instagram account “backtothewell_co” and follow even closer.

We are small but when I tell you God has divinely accelerated our journey, I’m not exaggerating, and trust us, you don’t want to miss this.

Much love to everyone. 🫡✝️🇺🇸

12/24/2024

My friend Cheryl Embree shared this photo today. She took it just before we left for a camping trip at Shadehill back in May. I’d never seen it before. It so perfectly captures the relationship Dan had with our cat Bandit, and I laughed and laughed! He would grumble about this particular cat a lot, that Bandit was always underfoot or getting in to things, being generally obtuse as cats are prone to doing. But then I’d hear him before bed, cooing gently to Bandit and carrying him around, telling him what a stupid, good boy he was.

Please remember this Christmas to be grateful for the intangible but precious gifts in your life, like that swelling bubble of laughter in your chest just before it comes out. Or the soft calm that comes over you when you’re greeted by a beloved pet. The ability to travel and adventure, or be in your safe happy home at night. Or the gift of time with those you love. And if you don’t have these gifts in your life, I’m praying for healing in your situation.

Hope you all have a blessed Christmas, in whatever way the blessings come to you. Love your peeps.

11/04/2024

Hello all- Rock Point Church graciously recorded Dan’s service for us all. You can watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/YPgc_iCmi94 (https://www.youtube.com/live/YPgc_iCmi94)

10/30/2024

Good morning all! For those that can’t attend Dan’s memorial service, the church will be recording it and I will post online and/or share via text with a link as soon as I have it 💙

10/22/2024

For those out-of-town friends and family driving here for Dan’s memorial on November 1, please be aware of this upcoming construction that may add a few extra minutes to your travel time!

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, work will begin to repair a bridge that was hit by an over height load on Interstate 90 over Junction Avenue at exit 32 (Sturgis). Two lanes of traffic will be maintained on Junction Avenue throughout the entirety of the repair project.

On Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, an additional bridge repair project will be conducted on Interstate 190 over eastbound I-90 at exit 57 (Rapid City). This repair project is also due to an over height load hit. Traffic will be reduced to one lane on eastbound I-90 with a speed reduction in place. Delays of up to five minutes can be expected while traveling through the work area during daytime hours. Motorists should be aware of alternating lane closures on eastbound I-90. This work will also require a short closure of southbound I-190 for a portion of the operations.

Both projects are anticipated to complete repair work in four weeks.

The project completion date is Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.

10/08/2024

❤ Memorial Service will be held at Rock Point Church on Friday, November 1st, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

Daniel Nathan Ries, age 60 of Black Hawk, SD passed away peacefully at his home on September 30, 2024. Dan was born September 7, 1964 at Glasgow Air Force Base, MT to David Ries and Betty (Jones) Ries. Dan grew up with four brothers and two sisters in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. He graduated high school a...

10/04/2024

Hi all, we have a tentative date and time for Dan’s memorial. We are awaiting confirmation. Love you all

10/02/2024

Hey everyone, we don’t have a date set for Dan’s memorial yet but I’ll post here once we have that set. I can’t wait to sit and read the comments and outpouring of love from you all ♥️

10/01/2024

Good evening everyone. The outpouring of sincere prayers was so strong in this house today. Dan left his earth suit behind today and is laughing and whole in Heaven with Jesus. It was a perfect Dan day. Fall temps, sun shining, perfect pheasant hunting weather, one daughter bought a RED TRUCK today and the other daughter busted jokes with family, over awesome food brought by family. We are so beyond blessed in this family. My husband changes lives, the way Jesus wants him to. Jesus loves you and wants you to change lives too. Love your peeps. Dan, we can't wait to see you in Heaven some day

09/30/2024

Asking all of our Facebook friends for prayers right now for a peaceful transition to Heaven soon for Dan. Love you all ♥️

09/20/2024

Good Friday everybody. This is my grandson, Granger Elias-Ries Stogsdill! He hasn't been super cooperative and he finally decided to come out, but one of his big ass hands got stuck by his head...so they had to do a C section. He's a cute kid. And we welcome him into our family. Very happy for Shelby and Christian so that they can start their own family! Next small problem is, he's stuck in Texas while I'm in South Dakota. Hopefully God will work that out before too long. Please welcome Granger into this big, wide world! Love your peeps. Thank you all for the prayers.