obituaries

Robert Eugene Potter

Robert Eugene Potter

May 6, 1926 - October 16, 2026

Robert Eugene Potter, a cherished soul who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100. Born in Clinton, Illinois, on May 6, 1926, Robert was a man of great character and an enduring spirit, whose life was defined by love, dedication, and service.

Robert's journey was marked by incredible devotion to his family and country. At the tender age of 18, he married his beloved Dorothy Burton on October 29, 1944. Together, they built a loving family and shared an extraordinary 75-year marriage. Dorothy and Robert were blessed with five children, and though they suffered the loss of their son Dennis and Dorothy herself, Robert's legacy continues through his surviving children, Sharon Gregory, Melvin Potter, Kenneth Potter, and Jeanette Potter. His family tree flourished, boasting nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

A proud veteran, Robert served with honor in the United States Marine Corps for nearly 15 years, bravely fighting in both World War II and the Korean War. His commitment to service extended beyond the battlefield, as he became a successful entrepreneur, running his own trucking business for over three decades. Robert's sharp business acumen was matched only by his generous spirit and his ability to turn strangers into friends with his infectious humor and playful nature.

For 64 years, Robert was a devoted member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, where he found community and spiritual fulfillment. His faith was a guiding light in his life, and he lived his beliefs with sincerity and grace.

Robert's passions were many, but perhaps none brought him more joy than his love for golf. He could often be found on the golf course, sharing laughs and stories with friends. His grandchildren fondly remember him as a jokester, always ready with a trick or a tale to brighten their days.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held on November 9, 2026 at 10am. Services will commence at Cherokee Memorial, followed by a memorial service at the English Oaks Seventh Day Adventist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of their choice in Robert's memory.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 11:00am-4:00pm in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

GRAVESIDE

A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026 at 10:00am at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240. followed by a memorial service at the English Oaks Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1260 W Century Blvd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Potter family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Claudia Adeline Schweizer

In Loving Memory of Claudia Adeline Schweizer

October 5, 1942 - November 4, 2026

An extraordinary mother, a free spirit, a protector of animals, and a woman who was never afraid to take the road less traveled.

Claudia Adeline Schweizer passed away on November 4, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on October 5, 1942, in Oakland, California, to Carl F. Schweizer and Dorothy E. Weales, Claudia lived a life defined by strength, independence, compassion, and a spirit that was uniquely her own.

Claudia was a remarkable woman who approached life with determination, a sense of adventure, and the courage to take the road less traveled. Never one to simply follow the crowd, she embraced life on her own terms, creating a journey that was entirely her own. She was fiercely independent, hardworking, and unapologetically herself. Her strength, individuality, and spirited approach to life made her truly unforgettable.

To her family, Claudia was so much more than a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was our rock. A steady and dependable presence, she was someone we could lean on through life's joys and challenges. She believed in hard work, perseverance, and doing whatever needed to be done for those she loved. Her strength was often expressed not through grand gestures, but through the countless ways she showed up, cared for her family, and helped hold everything together. Her love, sacrifices, and unwavering determination shaped the lives of those closest to her.

An animal lover at heart and a fierce protector of creatures great and small, Claudia had a deep compassion for those who could not speak for themselves. Her love for animals went far beyond companionship; she believed in their care, dignity, and protection. Her tender heart and protective spirit reflected the woman she was-strong, compassionate, and always willing to stand up for those in need.

For 24 years, Claudia shared her life with her devoted partner, Alvin Misasi. Together, they experienced life's adventures, everyday moments, and the many seasons that make up a lifetime of cherished memories.

Claudia is survived by her loving partner, Alvin Misasi; her brother, Glenn Schweizer; her two daughters, Charlene P. Patterson and Kimberly Byrd Parkins; her three grandchildren, Hana McPherson, Monika Blair, and Jori Mehring; and her four great-grandchildren, Mason and Madeline Blair, and Charlotte and Emma McPherson.

How do you sum up a life like Claudia's in just a few paragraphs? The truth is, you can't. A person's life is so much more than dates, names, and milestones. It's found in the little things-the stories that make us smile, the memories that bring both laughter and tears, the lessons we didn't realize we were learning, and the moments we wish we could experience just one more time.

Claudia wasn't a woman who needed to fit anyone else's expectations. She lived life on her own terms, worked hard, loved her family, protected those who needed protecting, and faced life's challenges with a strength that those around her came to depend upon. Her journey wasn't always the easiest or most conventional, but it was hers, and she traveled it with a spirit that will never be forgotten.

For so many years, she was the one we leaned on. Now, as we learn to navigate life without her, we will carry forward the strength she gave us, the lessons she taught us, and the love that will always connect us.

Rest peacefully, Mom. You were our rock, our strength, and truly one of a kind. You will always be loved.

In honor of Claudia's love and protection of animals, the family invites those wishing to celebrate her memory to extend an act of kindness to an animal in need. Whether through adoption, supporting a local animal rescue, or simply showing compassion to a creature in need, such gestures would be a beautiful tribute to Claudia's caring heart and enduring spirit.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Schweizer family.

Please leave your condolences below.


Arthur Garcia Gabriel

Arthur Garcia Gabriel

February 3, 1975 - October 31, 2026

VISITATION

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026 from 10:00am-1:00pm in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

FUNERAL SERVICE

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 1:00pm in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gabriel family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Dee Fitch

Dee Fitch

May 14, 1939 - October 30, 2026

In Loving Memory

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dee Fitch on October 30, 2026. He was laid to rest on November 7, 2026, surrounded by family and friends who cherished him deeply. Born Elvis Dee Fitch, on May 14, 1939, passed on October 30, 2026. Son of Rosie Bell Richardson and Eltridge Shirley Fitch. Dee was the youngest of eleven children, with 3 brothers and seven sisters. He is survived by his sister Anna Fay Jones, his daughters, Jeanette Rowley, Joy Maestretti, Judy Hardy, Jackie Garrido, and Ruth Hirschmuth. He was preceded in death by two of his brothers and sisters and his beloved wife Sharon Fitch of 41 years.

Dee lived most of his life in the Galt area, a graduate of Galt High, and was well known in the community. Dee was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was known for his kindness, laughter, and generosity. He touched many lives and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. As we celebrate his life, we remember the moments of joy, the lessons learned, and the love he shared with everyone he knew. He will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Dee.

Your legacy of love will live on.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Fitch family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Joseph Michael Derby

Joseph Michael Derby

December 2, 1946 - October 30, 2026

VISITATION

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 12:30pm -1:00pm in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

GRAVESIDE

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 21 at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Derby family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Elvis Dee Fitch

Elvis Dee Fitch

May 14, 1939 - October 30, 2026

In Loving Memory

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dee Fitch on October 30, 2026. He was laid to rest on November 7, 2026, surrounded by family and friends who cherished him deeply. Born Elvis Dee Fitch, on May 14, 1939, passed on October 30, 2026. Son of Rosie Bell Richardson and Eltridge Shirley Fitch. Dee was the youngest of eleven children, with 3 brothers and seven sisters. He is survived by his sister Anna Fay Jones, his daughters, Jeanette Rowley, Joy Maestretti, Judy Hardy, Jackie Garrido, and Ruth Hirschmuth. He was preceded in death by two of his brothers and sisters and his beloved wife Sharon Fitch of 41 years.

Dee lived most of his life in the Galt area, a graduate of Galt High, and was well known in the community. Dee was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was known for his kindness, laughter, and generosity. He touched many lives and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. As we celebrate his life, we remember the moments of joy, the lessons learned, and the love he shared with everyone he knew. He will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Dee.

Your legacy of love will live on.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Fitch family.

Please leave your condolences below.


Christine Adele Meinardus

Christine Adele Meinardus

February 12, 1948 - October 29, 2026

FUNERAL SERVICE

Mass will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at St Christopher's Catholic Church 950 S Lincoln Way, Galt, CA 95632. Will conclude with a graveside service at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Meinardus family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Tony Lewis Gomes

Tony Lewis Gomes

September 10, 1977 - October 28, 2026

Obituary

Tony Gomes, 49, passed away on October 28, 2026, in Galt, CA.Tony Gomes was born on September 10, 1977 to Randy Gomes and Renea Gomes. Tony married Linsey Gomes on July 23, 2005. The couple have 2 children, Hailey Gomes and Mason Gomes.

Tony was best known for his love for his family, playing and coaching baseball as well as being an avid duck hunter.

Tony is survived by Linsey Gomes - wife, Hailey Gomes - daughter, Mason Gomes - son, Randy Gomes - father, Renea Gomes - mother, Traci Ward (Marcus) - sister and Trisha Gann (Jason) - sister.

SERVICE

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gomes family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Sonny Lenard Otto Goehring

Sonny Lenard Otto Goehring

October 7, 1977 - October 28, 2026

Obituary

Sonny Lenard Otto Goehring, an incredible husband, father, and friend, passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 49. Born in Lodi, California, on October 7, 1977, Sonny spent his entire life in the Lodi area. He attended Lodi High School and went on to build a career as a welder. He took great pride in his craft, had an incredible work ethic, and loved working for American Piledriving Equipment.

Of all that Sonny accomplished, he was proudest of his family. He and his wife, JessaLee, shared 20 years of marriage and spent the past eleven years on their family farm in Acampo, where they raised Gauge and Aubrey. Sonny loved working in his yard, raising livestock and growing a garden with his family every year. By working alongside his children, he taught them the value of hard work. By making time for what mattered to them, he showed them what it meant to be there for the people you love. He proudly supported Gauge and Aubrey at pig shows all over California, or at many of their FFA events. Some of the family's favorite memories were made traveling in their Minnie Winnie, whether they were headed to a pig show or to one of Sonny's favorite camping spots at Silver Lake or Bodega Bay.

You could often find Sonny listening to the best music while working on one of his Dodge trucks, fixing something around the farm or taking his Land Cruiser for a spin, usually to Ace Hardware in Lockeford or down to the river to fish with his buddies. He had an impressive collection of Snap-On tools and seemed to have just about everything Milwaukee made. Among the joys of Sonny's everyday life was the company of his beloved dog, Yeti, his best companion. Sonny was quiet, strong, loyal, and grounded, which made it all the funnier when he caught you off guard with a quick remark. He took pride in his PhD in common sense. A conversation with him was enough to understand why so many people thought so highly of him.

Sonny is survived by his wife of 20 years, JessaLee Goehring, and their children, Gauge Goehring and Aubrey Goehring. His surviving family also includes his brother Chester Goehring, his mother Kathryn Goehring, his in-laws Mark and Lori Blackwell, sister-in-law, Tonya Goehring-Tassell, his niece, Chloe Goehring, and nephew, Quentin Goehring, his beloved aunt, Norene Bertsch, his cousins Jeremy Bertsch (Kristen) and Jackson Bertsch, brother in-law, Eric Blackwell (Nikki), and their children.

He was preceded in death by his father, Brian Goehring, and his grandparents, Otto and Marilyn Goehring and Lenard and Esther Daetweiler.

Sonny will be deeply missed in the everyday places he made special. His family will think of him when they plant the garden, hear a song he loved, or take the Land Cruiser out for a drive. They will carry with them the memories they made on the farm and the love he put into the life they built together.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of life honoring Sonny will be held on November 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Champaign Ranch in Herald, California. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and remember the ways Sonny touched their lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the California FFA Foundation in memory of "Sonny G".

May Sonny rest in peace, free from pain. He will forever be in our hearts.


Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Goehring family.

Please leave your condolences below.


Marlene Garibaldi

Marlene Garibaldi

December 16, 1933 - October 28, 2026

OBITUARY

Marlene Dee Garibaldi, lovingly known as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away on October 28, 2026, at her home surrounded by her children. Born on December 16, 1933, in Altadena California, Marlene lived a life rich with love, creativity, and compassion.

The daughter of Russell and Ethol Simpson, and stepdaughter to Paul Yenney, Marlene was a beacon of kindness and generosity. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Dick Garibaldi and her brother Edwin Simpson. Their spirits are now reunited, echoing the love and companionship they shared in life.

Marlene leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, Jennifer Kearney (Dan) and Ernie Garibaldi, who carry on her compassionate spirit. Her grandchildren, Rick Kearney (Lydia) and Danny Kearney (Veronica), along with her great-grandchildren Annemarie, Andrew, John, and Philip, were blessed to have known her nurturing presence and unconditional love.

A graduate of Stockton College, Marlene was not only a wonderful cook and mother but also a talented artist and seamstress. Her love for the outdoors was evident in the countless hours she spent at the beach and the thrilling adventures she embarked upon while white water rafting with friends.

Marlene had a remarkable ability to make everyone she met feel special and loved. Her kind and generous nature fostered lifelong friendships and left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

A service to honor Marlene's life will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 10:00am at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice, a gesture that reflects Marlene's giving spirit.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Garibaldi family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Chamroeun Sarisuk

Chamroeun Sarisuk

March 8, 1947 - October 26, 2026

VISITATION

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 10:00am -8:00pm in Merlot room in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

FUNERAL SERVICE

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 1:00pm in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Sarisuk family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Junella May Welch

Junella May Welch

February 13, 1936 - October 25, 2026

OBITUARY

My mom, Junella Welch was born on February 13th 1936. When Junella was 12 her mother abandoned her and her little brother Larry and her little sister who we all called Siss. Junella's father was drafted into the war so she was completely abandoned and forced to live in an old train box car with her little brother and sister who were both babies. Those three children were passed around for years from home to home. My mother told me horror stories about it when we sat on the back deck together.

Junella Welch turned out to be an artist taking after her father who was a major building contractor from Stockton California. Junella made every square inch of her house and yard a work of art. But she also spent her entire life supporting her husband Kimo Welch that she met in an orphanage during the second world war. Her husband became a world authority in Vacuum Technology working at Stanford Linear accelerator and Brookhaven National Laboratory. She was in the habit of getting up at 4:00 every morning to support her husband in the book he wrote on this industry that became a very famous book.

Junella also had three children with her husband, 2 boys and one girl. When Junella and her husband retired in Pollock Pines California 26 years ago, they designed a home and had it built just for the two of them deep in the woods. The two of them spent the rest of their lives together with several little dogs as their pets. Junella's husband died in 2015 and she spent the last 11 years single in her home built among the forest with hundreds of pine and cedar trees that were 20 stories tall. But she also had many dogwood trees that she would shape and transplant.

Junella, with the help of her daughter Teri, joined Facebook where Junella met a man named Carl and he fell in love with her and bought a house a few miles from her, and they spent 5 years together as companions. Eventually Carl had to move up north to Washington with his 3 boys because he is now 97 years old. But there is romance at all ages.

During Junella's final years and months she asked her older son to come and stay with her in the house she was living in for 26 years to instruct him of all the details in how she would take care of her home and the artwork all around the property that she made. This was her wonder land with concrete dolls and animal statues all over the yard, because as a child while in the orphanage, all the other little girls received dolls but she did not. She has grave stones for all of her puppies in her past, but her final puppy was named Baby, and a week before she passed she gave her puppy to her brother Larry Bowers who took the puppy home to live with him and his little dog. She was so happy to have this work out, she mentioned how happy she was to provide a home for her puppy.

My mom Junella May Welch died on October 25th on a Sunday at 1:59 in the afternoon 2026. I was by her side day and night for her final months. She said she was ready to go, and she thanked me for being there and being so patient. In her final days we never argued but we would discuss everything and yielded to each other out of respect for life itself, because we only live once.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Welch family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial Park is a 501(c)13 non-profit company, owned and operated exclusively for the benefit of the community, serving Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Manteca and the San Joaquin Valley since 1940.

Contact Us

CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Mausoleums Daily
8:00 am - 4:30 pm


FUNERAL HOME OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Weekends by Appointment
*Staff available 24/7
for immediate need