Ralph Seitz

1926 - 2017

Ralph William Seitz
February 14, 1926 - July 10, 2017
Ralph William Seitz died peacefully, surrounded by his family, in Madera, CA on Monday, July 10, at the age of 91.
Ralph was born in Evergreen Park, IL. He was a proud Navy veteran, serving during WWII as a medic.
Following the war, he moved to California. He was the equipment superintendent for Hooker Construction, which was responsible for building many roads and freeways up and down California, notably around Dodger Stadium.
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.
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, which regularly yielded hundreds of tomatoes and bell peppers. He also enjoyed spending time with and cooking for his family.
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.
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. He is preceded in death by his wife Johnnie Seitz and step-son David Barrera Sr.
A funeral is scheduled for Sunday, July 23, at 12:30 PM at the United Methodist Church (500 Sunset Ave, Madera, CA), 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.
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