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Alan Dean Kies of Tacoma, Wash., died July 15, 2026, at age 70 in Montana, riding his motorcycle to see family in Fonda.
He grew up on his family’s farm in Fonda. A graduate of Newell-Fonda High School in 1974, Alan earned a scholarship to Ryder Tech in Des Moines, leading to credentials as a Certified Master Medium/Heavy Truck and Automobile Technician with careers in Des Moines, as Shop Supervisor for Salinas County, Calif., and Fleet Manager for Pierce County, Wash., retiring in 2019.
Always a safe rider, Alan rode motorcycles for 46 years, greeting every rider he passed with a wave.
He was a Master-level competitive pistol shooter/Range Officer with USPSA, IDPA and GPA prioritizing safety.
Alan married Dana File of Cherokee in 2001, living happily in Tacoma, Wash., until her death in 2015.
In 2020, Alan married Allison Ramsey. They enjoyed retirement together with cross country motorcycle trips to see loved ones. They were planning international travel and continued road trips.
After retirement, Al enjoyed volunteering for Peace Lutheran in Tacoma. Alan led with faith through action, serving others with his amazing fix-it skills, mentorship, leadership and love!
Al is survived by his wife Allison Kies; stepson Maclain Ramsey of Tacoma, Wash.; sisters: Violet Thraen of McKinney, Texas; and Gladys Mandernach of Spirit Lake; brothers: Francis (Carolyn) Kies of Storm Lake; Ken (Carol) Kies of Newell; and Russ (Donna) Kies of Fonda; and sister-in-law Sandy Kies. He was blessed with many wonderful nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Arlene Kies of Fonda; brother Harlan Kies; and brothers-in-law, Jack Thraen and Gene Mandernach.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Sunken Grove Lake in Pocahontas County, where he played as a child. A service in Tacoma, Wash., will be Sept. 26 at 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be sent to the Affordable Housing Ministry at Peace Lutheran, 2106 S Cushman, Tacoma, WA 98422.
