obituaries

Maria Teresa Gutierrez

Maria Teresa Gutierrez

October 27, 1934 - September 7, 2026

OBITUARY

Maria Teresa Gutierrez, 91, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in Lodi, California, leaving behind a legacy as bright and joyful as the life she lived. A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Maria Teresa was genuinely the life of every party-always bringing high energy, an unforgettable laugh, and a brand-new dance move ready to showcase.

Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, on September 22, 1934, to Gabriel Alfaro and Soledad Monterrosa, Maria Teresa grew up as the youngest of four sisters alongside Lydia Gardner, Berta Gonzalez, and Leonor Brenner. In October 1950, she immigrated to the United States at just 16 years old. That very same month, fate stepped in at a Halloween party in South San Francisco where she met the love of her life, Rafael Gutierrez. Their connection was instant, enduring, and filled with magic. They married two years later on November 1, 1952, beginning 73 beautiful years together centered around endless laughter, late-night casino runs, dancing, and unwavering devotion. Even in her final days, her love for Rafael burned just as brightly as the day they met.

As a proud homemaker, Maria Teresa poured her heart into raising her three children-Ana Silvia, Ralph, and Orlando. She created a home where everyone felt welcome and loved. She was famous for her animated storytelling, love of dressing up for a night out, and sneaky habit of slipping her favorite bottle of scotch into family gatherings. Nothing brought her more joy than hosting poolside BBQs surrounded by her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Her radiant, contagious zest for life made every ordinary moment feel like a celebration.

Maria Teresa is survived by her daughter Ana (Art); her sons Ralph (Bonnie) and Orlando (Stephanie); six beloved grandchildren-Steven, Linda, Britney, Jessica, Alex, and Anthony; and ten treasured great-grandchildren: Ella, Taylor, Jaxson, Zayden, Jayce, Elliana, Aubriella, Evander, Ace, and Aylani.

Her warmth and laughter will be missed, but her playful and vibrant spirit stays with us always.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gutierrez family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Karen Juelch

Karen Juelch

July 13, 1945 - September 18, 2026

OBITUARY

Karen Juelch, 81, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Bakersfield, CA. Karen is survived by Katherine Fernandez - daughter, David Fernandez - son-in-law, Laurie Juelch - daughter-in-law, Charles Juelch - son, Deborah Juelch - daughter-in-law, Christopher Juelch - son. Karen is preceded in death by Reo Newby - father, Dorothy Newby - mother, George Juelch Sr. - spouse, and George Juelch Jr. - son.. Karen loved gardening, canning, preserves, arts and crafts, painting, drawing, and traveling. Her favorite times were laughing and visiting with family. She will be greatly missed.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Juelch  family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Richard Ross Battaglia

Richard Ross Battaglia

October 23, 1961 - September 17, 2026

OBITUARY

Richard Ross Battaglia, 64, passed away on September 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 23, 1961, Richard lived a life defined by kindness, loyalty, and a genuine appreciation for the people around him.

Richard was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Annette Battaglia, and a proud father to his children, Allison Pastor and Andrew Battaglia. Family was the center of his life, and he found great joy in spending time with those he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Annette; his children, Allison Pastor and Andrew Battaglia; his mother, Norma Battaglia; his sister, Andrea Christenson; his brother-in-law, Chris Christenson; and his son-in-law, Shaun Pastor, his sister in laws and brother in laws Kathy and Tim Walton and Liz and Scott Souza as well as many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many extended family members and friends whose lives were made

brighter by knowing him.

Richard was a warm and caring person who never met a stranger. He had a passion for muscle cars, motorcycles, and all things mechanical. Whether he was working with his hands, talking engines, or helping someone solve a problem, he brought enthusiasm, skill, and generosity to everything he did. His love for machines was matched only by his love for family and friends.

Known for his kindness, sense of humor, and willingness to lend a helping hand, Richard was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He touched countless lives through his compassion and steadfast support, and his memory will live on in thehearts of all who knew him.

Richard will be dearly missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear.”

May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

SERVICE

A Niche side service will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 2:00pm at Waterfall, Northside of Sierra View Mausoleum at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Celebration of Life

Join us Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Champaign Ranch 12174 Borden Road Herald, CA to celebrate Richards life.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Battaglia family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Crescenciano Lopez Villanueva

Crescenciano Lopez Villanueva

May 4, 1941 - September 15, 2026

OBITUARY

Crescenciano L. Villanueva, 86, passed away at his home in Atwater, California, on September 14, 2026, after a long battle with cancer.

Crescenciano loved his family and enjoyed spending time talking with family and friends. A hardworking man throughout his life, he made many friendships along the way.

He worked for Pacific Coast Producers in the cannery division in Lodi, California, retiring after 29 years of service.

Crescenciano was preceded in death by his wife, Alicia Z. Villanueva. He leaves behind his wife, Beatriz P. Villanueva; his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as brothers, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends who will remember him and miss his presence in their lives.

His family now entrusts him to God's loving care and prays that he may rest in eternal peace.

SERVICE

Services will be held at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240. A Rosary will be held Thursday, October 1, at 5:00 p.m. The funeral service and burial will follow on Friday, October 2, at 10:00 a.m.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Villanueva family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Mercita Castillano Valdez

Mercita Castillano Valdez

May 11, 1941 - September 10, 2026

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 5:00pm - 8:00pm with a Rosary starting at 5:30pm on Wednesday, September 23, 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 Thursday, September 24, 2026 at St. Luke Catholic Church located at 3847 North Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95204

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Castillano Valdez family.

Please leave your condolences below.


Carole A. Champion

Carole Ann Champion

March 27, 1944 – September 4, 2026

In Loving Memory of Carole Ann Champion, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, in Stockton, California. She was born on March 27, 1944, in Hemet, California.

Carole will be remembered for the deep love she had for her family. She cherished her husband, John Champion, and her children, Joel, Jonas, and Mary Ann Champion, with all her heart.

Her family was the center of her life, and she took great joy in watching her family grow through the generations.

She is survived by her husband, John Champion; her children, Joel, Jonas, and Mary Ann Champion; her grandchildren, Thomas, Amanda, Zachary, Jessica, Leila, Jack, Mason, and Garrett; and her 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Johnny Champion.

Carole had a special place in her heart for the San Francisco Giants and loved cheering them on. She also loved her roses, taking pride in their beauty and finding happiness in caring for them. Above all, Carole deeply loved her husband and family. Her devotion to those she loved was evident in everything she did. Carole’s love extended across generations. She treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the memories they created together. Although the loss of her grandson Johnny was a deep sorrow, he remained forever a cherished part of her family and her heart.

Carole leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Though she is no longer with us, her love will continue to live on through her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone whose life she touched.

Funeral Service

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM in Chapel of Flowers at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Family and friends are invited to gather together to celebrate Carole’s life, honor her memory, and share in the love she gave so freely.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Champion family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Dr George A Schilling

Dr George Albert Schilling

May 16, 1942 - September 4, 2026

OBITUARY

Dr. George A. Schilling, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and physician, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and dedication to his family and community. Born on May 16, 1942, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, George was the beloved son of Helen Krohn and George Schilling Sr., and stepson to Henry Krohn.

George's journey in life was marked by his unwavering commitment to helping others. After completing his studies at the University of Guadalajara, he pursued a residency in internal medicine at St. Michael’s in Newark, New Jersey. His passion for medicine and patient care led him to open his own practice in 1982, before joining Generations Medical Group in 1996 and later Sutter Gould Medical Group in 1997. Even after his official retirement in 2021, George continued to dedicate his time volunteering at St. Mary’s Medical Clinic, a testament to his enduring compassion.

In his personal life, George found immense joy in the company of his family. On December 31, 1966, he married the love of his life, Elaine, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Together, they shared a bond filled with adventure, laughter, and mutual respect. George was a doting grandfather to Marissa Jordan, Sarah Rose, and Daniel Rose, and a proud great-grandfather to Vanna Reimer and Brenden Kahre. He was predeceased by his beloved children, Danine Schilling Rose and Todd Schilling, and is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine, his sister Connie Quida and her husband Donald, as well as his son-in-law Ricci Rose.

George's interests were as vibrant as his personality. He had a lifelong fascination with trains and bear collectibles, and he relished the opportunity to take his family on vacations, often to his favorite destinations like Las Vegas and on cruises. Known for his great sense of humor, George's love for life was contagious, and his presence brought joy to all who knew him. He was an active member of both the Zion Lutheran Church and the Free Masons, reflecting his deep sense of community and faith.

A celebration of George’s life will be held on September 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 808 Porter Ave, Stockton, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of George.

The Schilling family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of condolences and support during this difficult time. George touched many lives with his kindness and dedication, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Schilling family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Rosalina Ochoa

Rosalina Ochoa

March 15, 1970 - September 2, 2026

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 5:00pm - 8:00pm with a Rosary starting at 5:00pm on Wednesday, September 16, 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 Thursday, September 17, 2026 at St Christopher's Catholic Church located at 950 S Lincoln Way, Galt, CA 95632

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ochoa family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Tristan Speck

July 14, 2003 - August 27, 2026

OBITUARY

Tristan John Speck, 23, passed away on August 27, 2026, while recovering in the hospital following an appendectomy performed on August 24, 2026, at Lodi Memorial Hospital in Lodi, California.

Tristan lived with his loving mother, Stephanie Elise Speck, his brother and best friend, Donivan Keith Speck, and his protective father, Clifford John Speck Jr. Known for his joyful spirit and kind heart, Tristan was often the happiest person in the room. Despite the challenges that came with autism, he had a remarkable ability to brighten the lives of those around him. He always found a way to make others smile, offering comfort and light even on the hardest days.

He had a deep passion for video games and loved playing with friends and family. Tristan enjoyed capturing memories through photography and video recordings at family gatherings, preserving moments that meant so much to him. He was also a creative builder, spending hours assembling Bionicles and Gundam models without ever needing the instructions. In quieter moments, he loved reading anime stories and exploring books on the computer. Tristan had a few simple favorites that brought him happiness, especially his beloved Dr Pepper and chicken nuggets.

Tristan is survived by his mother, father, and brother, who will forever cherish him and his memories, along with the countless people who were fortunate enough to have known him.

A special message from his family:
“Despite his challenges, Tristan always made the world a brighter place. He did not have a single bad bone in him and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

SERVICE

A celebration of Tristan's life will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Bear Creek Community Church, 11171 N. Lower Sacramento Rd., Lodi, CA.

Roberto Rodriguez Cardenas

September 28, 1945 - August 24, 2026

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 5:00pm - 8:00pm with an evening service starting at 6:00pm on Thursday, September 10th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, September 11th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Cardenas family.

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