Ralph Gauwitz Jr., 86, of Peoria, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Farmington Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Farmington.

He was born July 4, 1940 in Peoria to the late Ralph Joseph and Virginia Ruth (Wright) Gauwitz.

Surviving are two brothers, Charlie (Linda) Gauwitz, Mike Gauwitz; seven nieces and nephews, Tim, Bret, Heather, Matt, Antoinette, Michelle, Scott; several grand nieces and nephews including a great-grand nephew, Jaxson; and two very close friends, Dean Hoffman and Cindy Elmore.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Paluska; infant sister, Gladys Marie; sister-in-law, Vicki Lynn; great-nephew, Thomas Sawchuk; and good friends, Fred Elmore and Phillip Errion.

Ralph's true passion was horses.  Ralph attended countless harness races across the Midwest and acquired encyclopedic knowledge of standardbred pedigrees dating back to the Civil War.  In 2009, Ralph was recognized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture "For being a steadfast supporter of Illinois Harness Racing for over 50 years." Ralph had two horses named for him, including R Gauwitz Hanover and Gauwitz Hanover.

He was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Church in Peoria.

He enjoyed spending time and having good conversations with family and friends.  He will be dearly missed.

His funeral service will be held at Noon on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Visitation will be 2 hour prior to the service at the funeral home from 10am to Noon on Friday.  Interment will be at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital.