Ernest “Ernie” Henry Riess, 91, of Baden, MD, passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2026.
Ernie was born on May 21, 1935, the youngest son of the late Albert “Pop” and Gertrude Riess, on a small wedge of land in Baden, known as “Horsehead.” He grew up on the family farm, raising animals and tending crops in a hardworking German immigrant family.
After graduating from Gwynn Park High School in 1953, Ernie tried his hand at farming, raising his first tobacco crops. Hurricanes Hazel in 1954 and Diane in 1955 destroyed those crops, leading him to change course for a fresh start. 1957 found him in the United States Army manning an artillery battery in the DMZ of Korea, earning the Good Conduct Medal along the way.
On April 27, 1963, Ernie married the love of his life, Doris Bachmeier. They were blessed with three children: Steven E. Riess (Sherri) of Huntingtown, MD; Tara R. Bouchard (Mark) of Millersville, MD; and Scott W. Riess (Katie), also of Millersville, MD. Ernie and Doris spent 56 wonderful years together.
For more than 31 years, Ernie served as a Prince George’s County police officer, retiring with the rank of major. He continued to stay involved through the Prince George’s County Police Command Officers Association as well as the Police Retired Association.
Ernie’s great affinity for helping people led him to be a founding member of the Baden Volunteer Fire Department, Company 36, where he, his brother Dick, and others were instrumental in building the department in 1955. He recently celebrated 70 years of service, seeing him fight fires as a young man and hold a wide array of elected positions over the years. All while working, volunteering, and raising a family, Ernie found time to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland in 1982.
Ernie could also be found helping others through the Brandywine Lions Club, building barns, sheds, and garages for friends and neighbors, cutting firewood, fixing anything broken, making sausage, or sitting in Lot 8 at RFK preparing to cheer on the Washington Redskins in their storied heyday.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Albert William; his sister, Anna Ridgely Receveur; his brothers-in-law, Joe Ridgely and Louis Receveur; his sister-in-law, Louise Riess; his granddaughter, Peanut Bouchard; and his beloved wife, Doris. He is survived by his children; his brother, Albert “Dick” Riess; his grandchildren, Leah, Casadi, Samantha, Evan, Spencer, Miles, and Weber; his great-grandchildren, Alanah and Coleson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family will receive friends for the visitation on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with prayers and a Fireman’s Service at 3:00 pm, at Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., located at 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.
A funeral service will follow on Monday, August 31, at 11:00 am, also at Brinsfield Funeral Home. Interment will take place after the service at Immanuel United Methodist Church Cemetery, 17400 Horsehead Road, Brandywine, MD 20613.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ernie’s name to the Baden Volunteer Fire Department.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD.
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