Dr. Ralf Helmut Nies, 73, of Westminster, died at home on Friday, March 14, 2025. He was born November 16, 1951, in Dormagen, Germany, the son of the late Helmut Nies and Elfriede Milkoweit Nies. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jan E. Nies.

He joyfully and faithfully served as the pastor of Grace Fellowship Chapel in Westminster for 31 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Elizabeth Nies-Kraske (Kevin) of Wake Forest, NC, Sarah Jane Nies of Alexandria, VA, Michael John Nies (Julie) of Wyoming, DE, and Andrew James Nies of Westminster; two siblings, Bruce Nies and Marion Nies of Syracuse, NY; seven grandchildren: Coleman, Ethan, and Harrison Kraske, Jane, Margaret, Bridget, and Teddy Nies; father-in-law Gerald Faubion of Oklahoma City; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Steve and Susie Faubion of Denver, CO, and Grant and Debbie Faubion of Edmond, OK.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Fellowship Chapel Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 3 p.m.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Fellowship Chapel, 20 Bell Rd, Westminster, MD 21158, or the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware, 1240 Capitol Tr, Newark, DE 19711.