Ralph Martin Contreras

Ralph M. Contreras, age 91, of Dixon died Saturday Jan. 14, 2017 in his home, surrounded by family. He was born Aug. 12, 1925, in Dixon, the son of Eustaquio and Florentina (Ruiz) Contreras. He started washing dishes at Ford Hopkins Drug Store in Dixon when he was 14 years, and worked his way up to being the assistant manager there. After the store closed, he was commissary manager at the Dixon State School prior to retirement. Ralph also owned and operated RC Trophies and was a handyman helping people with everything from yard care to house painting. He enjoyed gardening at his home, as well as a section of petunias on Palmyra Ave. He was a member of St Anne Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He was also a member of Golden Kiwanis, VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Lion's Club. He was committed to the work of the Goodfellows and volunteered for them for over 60 years. He was active in coaching and managing baseball teams in the Al Morrison baseball program. He was also hospice volunteer for several years. In addition, he also did fund-raising for the building of the YMCA in Dixon. Ralph had been a member of the Dixon Park Board and served on the Dixon City Council where he was Street Commissioner for many years. He was one of the founders of the slow-pitch softball league in Dixon, and enjoyed playing in the Dixon Men's and the Church Softball Leagues, He was a Veteran of the Marine Corps during WW II and received the Purple Heart Medal. He was a member of the Marine Corps League and worked on the Toys for Tots program for many years. Ralph was a career community and public servant and took his service to the community very seriously. He was a lifelong Cubs fan who finally had a dream fulfilled when his beloved Cubs won the World Series last fall. He is survived by his children Anita (Frank Ward) Contreras of Union, MO and Les Contreras of Galesburg, IL. Ralph is also survived by brothers Larry (Gloria) Contreras of Dixon, Jessie Contreras of Chicago, and Angelo "Chico" (Ruth) Contreras of Dixon, sister Julia Contreras of Dixon, brother-in-law Carl Anderson of Brooksville, FLA, sister in law Anita Contreras of Dixon, many nieces and nephews, and longtime companion Melda Heeg of Dixon. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Nelo and Gilbert Contreras, sisters Helen Contreras, Angela Contreras and Esther Anderson. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday Jan. 20, 2017 at 10:00 AM at St Anne Catholic Church in Dixon with the Rev. Antoni Kretowicz officiating. Military Honors by the Combined Veterans Group will follow Mass at the church. Cremation rites will follow with burial of cremains at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with the Rosary at 7:30 PM in the Jones Funeral Home and on Friday from 9:00 to 9:45 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials have been established to Hospice of the Rock River Valley and St Anne Catholic Church.

Ralph Martin Contreras

August 12, 1925 - January 14, 2017