Ralph Golz

Ralph Golz, a.k.a. Rafael Holzseker, was born in the small town of Mlynov, Poland in April 1919. He grew up in a large Jewish family with three brothers and two sisters. His extended family comprised most of the town.

When he was eighteen, he was drafted into a Russian labor camp. He remained there through World War II working in a logging camp. After the war he returned home to find his town destroyed and his family killed by the Nazis.

After spending a few years in a refugee camp he was able to contact a distant relative in Philadelphia. This “uncle” was able to assist him with his immigration and employment upon arrival to the United States.

Starting life anew, he married, had a daughter Judy, and finally settled in Chicago. He worked as a sheet metal fabricator for several large companies and also created his own business for private contracts.

In 1967, he married Elaine Eissman and shortly after bought a home in Skokie, Illinois.

He was also able to reconnect with other family who had established one of the first Kibbutz in Israel. He visited there several times. He was very supportive and remained in contact over the years, hosting their visits to Chicago in turn.

He enjoyed home projects, creative metal arts, playing cards, and visiting with friends and family. He also excelled at potato latkes. His sense of humor and catch phrases are also well renowned. He had nicknames for everyone and all occasions. His spirit of giving and laughter stand out as hallmarks of his soul.

In 2009 he and his wife, Elaine, moved to Portland, Oregon to be closer to their daughter, Judy. We were fortunate to be able to spend more time together and celebrate his 90th birthday. We will miss him and he will always be in our hearts.

And as Dad would say—“Keep going”.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.