Ralph Gonzales II

Ralph Martinez Gonzales Jr. of Saginaw, Michigan passed away peacefully at Covenant Health Care on July 15, 2020. Ralph was born on April 30, 1944 in Shelby, Michigan to Ralph Gonzales Sr. & Carmen Martinez. He and his siblings were raised in San Antonio, Texas by their grandmother, Maria de la Luz A. Gonzales. Ralph proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in South Korea during the Vietnam War. There he met and married Kyong Suk Hong - soon after they had a son Ralph. After being honorably discharged, ranked as Corporal, he moved his family to Saginaw, Michigan, where they welcomed their second son, Jesse. Ralph began his career of over twenty years with General Motors Central Foundry division. Ralph enjoyed many hobbies include fishing and watching his telenovelas. He enjoyed listening to Mexican folk music, 50's and 60's artists such as Buddy Holly, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Roy Orbison, and Paul Anka. Ralph loved and always supported his family. You could always count on Ralph for a good laugh and funny story. Ralph was very empathetic and caring towards others in need. His door was always open to anyone who needed his help.

Ralph is survived by his children: Ralph Gonzales III, Jesse Gonzales, and his step-daughter, Susan Park; grandchildren: Joanna and Joshua; his sister: Yolanda Gutierrez; step-mother, Beatrice Gonzales; step-sisters and brothers: Rosemary (Julian) Jimenez, Freddy Gonzlaes, Ruby (Frank) Martinez, Lolly (Rick) Martinez, Rick (Oralia) Gonzales, Ralph (Modo) Gonzales, John (Grace) Gonzlaes. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and special friends.

Along, with his parents and grandmother, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Augustin and Rudy Gonzales; a sister, Maria Louisa Gonzales; and brother-in-law, Julio Gutierrez.

A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6th Ave. Rev. Fr. Francis Voris, OFM Cap will officiate. Military Honors and Rite of Committal will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post 439. Friends are welcome to visit at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 5700 Dixie Highway on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Due to restrictions set forth by the State of Michigan and the worldwide health pandemic, all visitors are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.