Olivia Frances Gonzalez
Olivia Frances Gonzalez, 98, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, with family by her side. She was born on September 17, 1926, in Santo Thomas, New Mexico to her parents, Ralph and Elvira Ruiz, who were both originally born in Mexico.
Her parents moved to Fond du Lac in 1927 and began working at the Fred Rueping Leather Company. They worked there for many years. In 1955, her parents opened “Ralph & Mama’s” bar on Brooke St. Olivia worked alongside her parents from a young age until it had to close due to the Johnson Street Bridge construction beginning in 2000 and Olivia needing to take care of her parents. Her parents passed in 2000 and 2002. Their bar was open for 45 years and famously known for Mama’s chili in which Olivia continued making with the help of her dear friend Linda, through the years and up until her passing.
She was united in marriage to Ragulo “Roger” on September 14, 1968, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fond du Lac. They would have celebrated almost 57 years of marriage this coming September but have now been united forever in heaven.
Her husband Roger was the owner of Gonzalez Electrical Sales and Service in Fond du Lac. She helped manage his bookkeeping and possibly drinking a can of Miller Lite while doing so. They had their business for 26 years before Roger retired. She also worked at St. Vicent de Paul in Fond du Lac from June 2005 until the beginning of this June 2025. Even at her older age, she really enjoyed keeping busy, going to work and talking to customers. Outside of work, she enjoyed going to dinner with friends, spending time with her godchildren, getting her hair done and taking part in helping her husband lead the Club Hispano/Americano in Fond du Lac; their main goal was to provide scholarships for high school students. She was also a member of Holy Family Catholic Community, a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus #664 and a member of the Eagles Club.
During retirement, Olivia and her husband traveled to various places but enjoyed going to Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico to visit his family. Even though she never had children of her own, she cared for her godchildren and their children as her own.
Olivia is survived by her godchildren, Elba (Pedro) Carbajal, Joel Jimenez, Roberto Jimenez and Jaime Jimenez; great godchildren, Reyna, Berenice (Abel), Odalys, Jimena, Airiana, Miraya and Mikaela; compadre, Liberato Jimenez. In addition, survived by the Torres, Godina, and Vera families, along with numerous other beloved godchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband Roger; her parents, Ralph and Mama Ruiz; stepmother in-law, Kirina Loza and godchild, Jerry Medina.
Visitation: Olivia’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division Street in Fond du Lac. Following the visitation time, a liturgy of the word will be given by Deacon Ricardo Muñoz.
Burial: On Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at Chapel of the Risen Christ, Calvary Mausoleum, 686 Fond du Lac Ave in Fond du Lac.
The family extends a heartfelt thanks to SSM Health (Agnesian) Hospital and St. Francis Terrace for their compassion and care to Olivia and much gratitude to St. Vincent DePaul – Fond du Lac for their generosity and care for Olivia during her time with them.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to help cover funeral expenses. Any contribution, big or small, is deeply appreciated during this difficult time. Online condolences and other information may be found at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com