obituaries

David Simas

November 8, 1941 - November 27, 2025

David John Simas, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on November 27,2025 at the age of 84.

Born on November 8,1941 he lived a life defined by resilience, humility, and service to others. He was a man of quiet strength, steady character, and deep compassion, known for showing up when it mattered most.

After finding sobriety, he dedicated more than 56 years of his life to recovery and to helping others do the same. Through Alcoholics Anonymous, he became a source of hope, guidance, and stability to countless individuals. His wisdom, honesty, and unwavering commitment to sobriety changed lives and created a legacy that will endure far beyond his years.

Above all else, he loved his family. He was a devoted father and a proud grandfather, and his presence was a constant source of support, humor, and love. His lessons were often simple but lasting — go to work, live with integrity, help others when you can, and life is good.

He is survived by two sons, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, his AA community, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

SERVICE
A chapel service will be held for family and friends on Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 10:00am at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240 followed by a private family placement of ashes and then a Celebration of Life for his last meeting.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness, service, or support to someone in recovery — a reflection of the life he lived and the values he carried forward.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Simas family.

J Jesus Vega

October 16, 1963 - December 16, 2025

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
Mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, January 9th, 2026 at St. Anne's Catholic Church  located at 215 W. Walnut St Lodi, CA 95240.  

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Vega family.

Janice Strobel

April 13, 1942 - December 15, 2025

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Strobel family.

Roy Elmer Makelim

May 18, 1947 - December 14, 2025

Roy passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on December 14th, 2025. Roy was born on May 18th, 1947, in Michigan to Mr. & Mrs. Elmer & Doris Makelim.  Roy moved to California and later met his beautiful wife, Stephanie and they were married for 52 years when he passed away. In his lifetime he worked at California spray dry for over 30 years as a machine operator. He later retired around 2017.

He is survived by his wife Stephanie Makelim; four children, Scott, Roy Jr., April, & Jennifer. His thirteen grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Roy and Stephanie also welcomed everyone their kids brought into the family and loved them as their own and all the kids called him Papa as well. 

Roy was an amazing Husband, Father and Papa. He taught all of us about Jesus and about being good human beings. May his legacy live on through all that he reached out to and taught. 

We love you dad and you will be forever missed, but we will see you again one day in Heaven.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at Harvest Bible Church, located at 10088 CA-99, Stockton, CA 95212.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Makelim  family.

Steven Salvador Casado

Steven Salvador Casado
August 31, 1941 - December 14, 2025

Steven Salvador Casado, age 84, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, at Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, California.

Steven was born on August 31, 1941, in Oakland, California, to Salvador Casado and Elizabeth Fernandez. He was raised in Oakland and Hayward, where he developed a strong work ethic that guided him throughout his life.

Following high school, Steven proudly served in the United States Navy, where he was stationed at the Alameda Naval Air Station and worked as a corpsman. After completing his military service, he built a long and successful career as a welder and steel fabricator. For the final 25 years of his working life, he served as a Welding Inspector for Kleinfelder, an employee-owned company, where his skill and attention to detail were highly respected.

On January 5, 1961, Steven married Joan Marie Hoover. Together they raised two sons, Jerry and Timothy. Steven and Joan shared many loving years of marriage until Joan’s passing in 1999.

Steven was a true “car guy.” In his early twenties, he raced at local tracks before stepping away from racing to support his sons as they competed in quarter midget racing. His passion for automobiles continued throughout his life, eventually leading him to restore classic cars. He became well known throughout the Lodi area’s show car community for his meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to every automotive project he undertook.

Steven will be remembered for his hard work, devotion to family, and lifelong passion for cars. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, precision, and love that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Casado family.

Dillin Ray Richardson

Dillin Ray Richardson
Febuary 29, 1944 - December 11, 2025

Dillin Ray Richardson of Stockton, California, passed away peacefully at home on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family. He was born on February 29, 1944, in Clarksville, Arkansas.

A devoted Christian, Dillin proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years. He worked as a truck driver for 50 years, exemplifying dedication and a strong work ethic, and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Humphreys College.

Dillin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ella Richardson; his son, Jason Ray Richardson; his daughter, Stephanie Dianne Richardson; his grandchildren, Aila Indigo Richardson, Phoebe Sky Richardson, and Graciella Sophia Biagini; and his nine nephews and five nieces, who cherished him as a beloved uncle.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lilburn Richardson; his mother, Beula Alona Richardson; his sister, Shirley Isley; and his brother, Kenneth Richardson.

SERVICE
A memorial service will be held at Cherokee Memorial in Lodi, Evergreen Chapel off Harney Lane, on Tuesday, December 30th, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Richardson family.

Bertha McQueen Anthony

March 17, 1928 - December 7, 2025

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Saturday, December 27th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on 1:00pm on Saturday, December 27th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

GRAVESIDE
A graveside service will be held at 1:15pm on Monday, December 29th, 2025 at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, located at 5810 Midway Road, Dixon CA, 95620.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Anthony family.