RALPH WILLIAM SEITZ

Ralph William Seitz passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in Madera, CA, on Monday, July 10, 2017, at the age of 91. Ralph was born in Evergreen Park, IL. He was a proud United States Navy veteran, serving during World War II as a medic. Ralph was an avid hunter and fisherman. On a hunting trip, he met Johnnie Barrera. The two soon became married and he relocated to Dos Palos, CA. Ralph was married to Johnnie for nearly 50 years until her passing. For many years, they owned and operated Johnnie's Cleaners in Dos Palos, and later a second location in Los Banos, CA. Ralph was active in the Elks Lodge in Los Banos, serving as exalted ruler. He was also a member of the Y Service Club in Dos Palos. After they sold the cleaners, Ralph and Johnnie worked together at Kings View Work Experience Center in Los Banos. Ralph managed the facility. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was known as Papa. His support for his grandchildren, and the rest of his family, knew no bounds. He had no greater joy than spending time with his family. In retirement, Ralph enjoyed tending to his backyard garden. In the last year of his life, Ralph met and married Nanci Conley of Madera, CA. Together they enjoyed taking rides in his red sportscar. He was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Seitz; and step-son, David Barrera, Sr. Ralph is survived by his wife Nanci; daughter, Diana Seitz; brother, Edward Seitz of Matteson, IL; step-son, Ronney Barrera; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Funeral Service will be held at the United Methodist Church, 500 Sunset Ave., Madera, CA, on Sunday, July 23, 2017, at 12:30 p.m., with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ralph's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Madera United Methodist Church.