Ralph Mattes

1924 - 2025

Ralph Mattes

Ralph Mattes, 100, of Perrysburg, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Otterbein Portage Valley surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was born September 27, 1924, in Toledo, Ohio, to Henry and Bertha (Bowman) Mattes. He married Margaret Gilligan on May 7, 1949, and they shared 53 years together until she passed on August 19, 2002.

Ralph worked for Libbey Owens Ford. He was a member since 1955 of The First Presbyterian Church in Maumee where he was a deacon, an elder, and would often take communion to the homebound. Ralph was a past Master of Northern Light Lodge #40 F.A.M. and past Patron of Triune Chapter O.E.S #344. Ralph had a zest for life, was never short on words, and attributed his long life to potato chips, wine, and an aspirin a day. He was affectionally known as "Papa," "Old Folkie," "Papi," and "Bompy" to his grandchildren. Ralph enjoyed riding his bike, but at the age of 90 decided to retire his bike.

He is survived by his daughters, Linda Shaw and Susan Fejes; grandchildren, Julie (Mark) Nye, Melissa Fejes, Christina (Dave) Guinsler, Stephen (DeAnn Loster) Fejes, and Matthew (Samantha) Fejes; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Nikolas, Caden, Elizabeth, Dane, Kendall, Michael, and Cooper; and nieces and nephews. Along with his wife, Margaret, he was preceded in death by his parents; sons-in-law, Thomas Shaw and Mike Fejes; and siblings, Kenneth, Lucille, and Harold.

Friends and family will be received from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, Ohio, where funeral services will be begin at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of NW Ohio. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.