Ralph J. Untz

Ralph J. Untz went home to be with our Holy Father on October 6, 2008 after a good life of service to his Family, Church and the community. He was 92 years old. Ralph was born November 14, 1915 in West Brooklyn, Illinois to John & Matilda (Weber) Untz. He served his Country proudly in the United States Army receiving 1 Service Stripe, 2 Overseas Service Bars, American Defense Service Ribbon, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, W/3 Bronze Battle Stars, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon W/2 Bronze Stars. Ralph was also an expert rifle man and received 2 separate badges for marksmanship. He married his sweetheart Luella Obenauf on January 22, 1949 they shared 59 years love, laughter & memories. Ralph lived in Arizona since 1981, and previously in Illinois. He was very active in the community. Starting the tradition of placing the flags on Highway 69, getting local businesses to sponsor and donate funds. Ralph and Luella personally placed each flag along Highway 69 which showed their devotion to the growing community. Along with all his devotion to Yavapai County, he volunteered at Saint Germaine's Catholic Church as an Usher where he was also a member, V.A. Hospital spending hours playing bingo with American Veterans, Prescott Valley Senior Center giving companionship to those who were without family or friend., and Prescott Center for the Blind. Ralph liked to stay involved. He was a member in many organizations including the American Legion, The Lions Club, VFW Post 10227, Knights of Columbus, and the Veterans of Arizona Hall of Fame from which he was given the highest award and recognition from the Govenor of Arizona for his service and dedication to all Civic, Fraternal and Government Organizational Memberships. Ralph went above and beyond in his commitment to family, friends, co-workers, those in need and those to whom he did not even know, it just goes to show how big his heart really was. Ralph is now carrying on that same spirit up in heaven. Ralph is survived by his  loving and caring wife Luella V. Untz; daughters- Pamela & husband Ronald Behm; Susan & husband William Laufenberg; Deborah & husband Timothy O'Harrow; sisters- Margaret Scott, Delphine & husband Alfred Diedrich; Leova Schaffer; Mercedes & husband Bernard Lenzen; Rose & husband Walter Panek; grandchildren- Shannon, Brian, Jason, Mariah, Erin, greatgrandchildren- Lily, Brandon, Makyla, Samuel, Rowan, Kolbie, & Liam.