Ralph C. Welz

Ralph C. Welz age 85, of Holgate, died Sunday morning, April 10, 2011 at Vancrest Healthcare Center of Holgate.

His Legacy… He was born December 8, 1925 to Albert and Clara (Zachrich) Welz in Holgate. Ralph unselfishly defended our country in Japan during WWII with the US Army. He married Carolyn Jean Baringer on November 15, 1953 in Holgate. Together they were co- owners of the Holgate Hardware. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and the choir. He was a member of the Barbershop Chorus and Holgate Lions Club. He was on the Holgate EMS, Henry County School Board and Four County School Board. He was a life member of the New Bavaria VFW.

He is survived by his son Mark (Donna) Welz, New Bavaria; granddaughter Mackenzie Welz, Bowling Green; and sisters Renata Harper, FL and Anna Marie Williams, Toledo.. Ralph was preceded in death by his loving wife Carolyn of 56 years and sisters Margarete Reimund, Helen Austermiller and Virginia Alleman.

His farewell Services… Friends will be received in the Zachrich Funeral Home, Holgate on Tuesday from 2-8 pm and 1 hour before the service at church. The celebration of Ralph's life will be on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 11:00 am in the St. Peter's Lutheran Church with Reverend Tamara Wood officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Napoleon with military honors accorded by the Holgate American Legion and New Bavaria VFW. A luncheon will be served back at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church or Henry County South Joint Ambulance District.