Ewald John Kies' Obituary
With hearts filled with deep sorrow and love, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Opa, uncle, and friend, Ewald John Kies, who departed this life on May 18, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born on February 8, 1938, in Batavia, New York, Ewald lived a full and meaningful life devoted to faith, family, service, and love. He was known by many titles throughout his life—husband, father, minister, mentor, builder, and friend—but to nearly everyone who knew him, he was affectionately known as "Opa."
On April 13, 1958, Ewald married the love of his life, DonnaLee "Linde" Klein. Together they built a beautiful life centered on their faith in God and their love for family. Their marriage spanned nearly 68 years and they were blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Opa was a devoted husband, loving father, and faithful servant of God.
A lifelong member of the New Apostolic Church, Ewald faithfully served in ministry for more than 50 years. He was a Confirmation teacher, District Youth Leader in Buffalo, NY and Erie, PA, a missionary, disciple, mentor, and servant of God. His ministry took him throughout California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and on more than twenty missionary trips to India, Nepal, and Pakistan. He was a God-fearing man who put the Lord first and never hesitated to share his testimony with anyone he met. His faith was not simply something he believed—it was something he lived every day.
By trade, Ewald was a construction professional whose talents took him throughout the United States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, where he helped build churches and serve congregations. He had a remarkable gift for understanding how things worked. If something was broken, he would study it, take it apart, and somehow find a way to fix it. He loved tools, construction projects, and solving problems that others could not. His craftsmanship, ingenuity, and strong work ethic became part of his legacy, and several of his grandchildren proudly inherited both his talents and his love of building and creating.
While his formal ministry concluded in 2003, Ewald never truly retired from serving others. After relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina, he continued doing what he had always done—helping anyone who needed a hand. At Shad’s Landing, where he lived in his later years, many affectionately referred to him as "The Mayor" because he was always helping neighbors, fixing household items, offering rides to appointments, and checking in on others. Opa never met a stranger.
Opa was a master prankster. His grandchildren fondly remember his endless jokes, pranks, and ability to make ordinary moments unforgettable. His sense of humor was one of his greatest gifts, and he delighted in bringing joy and laughter to everyone around him.
Above all, Opa loved his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. He celebrated their accomplishments, supported them through life's challenges, reminded them of God’s love for them, and made each one feel deeply loved. His legacy lives on in the values he taught, the faith he shared, and the countless memories he created.
He is survived by his son, John Kies; his daughter, Kristy Neal (Daniel); and his daughter-in-law, Monika Kies Miller (Howard). He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Michael Kies (Laura), Renate Neal (Alex), Philip Kies (Shelby), Joshua Neal (Sanela), Brian Kies (Claire), and Benjamin Kies (Shelby); and his treasured great-grandchildren: Logan, Lucas, Charlotte, Karolina, James Bodhi, Penelope, Carter, Connor, Eliza, and Leo; and many extended nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, DonnaLee "Linde" Kies; his son, Robert P. Kies; his parents, Paul Kies and Emma Neth Kies; his brother, Paul Kies; his sisters, Olga Robertson, Emma Kolb, and Elizabeth Lang; and his grandson, Daniel E. Neal.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the New Apostolic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, at 10:30 a.m. Friends and loved ones are invited to attend and celebrate the life of our dear Opa.
Opa will be remembered always for his unwavering faith, generosity, humor, and willingness to help anyone in need. He leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, craftsmanship, and love that will continue to live on through the many lives he touched. While our hearts mourn his passing, we find comfort knowing that after a lifetime of walking together in faith, Opa and Oma are reunited once again in the presence of the Lord.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National MS Society in honor of Opa's memory.
Online condolences may be made at https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com
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