obituaries

Marilyn Lucille Van Tassel

Marilyn Lucille Van Tassel

December 29, 1932 - September 16, 2026

OBITUARY

With heavy hearts and gratitude for her life, we announce that Marilyn Lucille Van Tassel entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 16, 2026. She was 93.

Marilyn was born on December 29, 1932, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Herman and Lorraine Swenson. As a teenager, she moved with her family to California. She graduated from high school there and later earned her degree from San Jose State University.

After college, Marilyn considered joining the family business. Instead, at a roommate’s encouragement, she applied to United Airlines and was hired as a stewardess. Though she had vowed never to date a pilot, a blind date introduced her to William “Bill” Van Tassel, the love of her life. They shared 63 years of marriage until his passing in 2024.

Together, Marilyn and Bill built a thriving, large-scale cow-calf operation, working side by side through the years. Marilyn spent many days on horseback, and her strength, devotion, and tireless work were essential to the ranch they built together.

Family was Marilyn’s greatest joy. She was a devoted and steady presence in the lives of her children, faithfully supporting them at games, 4-H events, and other activities. Her love and encouragement shaped her family and remain an enduring part of her legacy.

A devoted Christian, Marilyn lived her faith through kindness, humility, and service to others. Her trust in God guided her throughout her life and remains a source of comfort to her family.

Marilyn served her ranching community through the San Joaquin Stanislaus CattleWomen. She also enjoyed bowling and especially treasured the friendships she formed through her Friday bowling league.

She is survived by her sons, William (Vicki), Robert, and Jim (Kim); her stepdaughters, Nancy (Rick) Lopez and Carol (George) Alves; and her sister, Sharon Shultz. She is also survived by eight grandchildren—Nathan Lopez, Brett Lopez, Dustin Alves, Lindsay (Alves) Gogna, Jillian (Van Tassel) Carnes, Luke Van Tassel, Ellie Van Tassel, and Ezra Van Tassel—and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, William “Bill” Van Tassel; her loving parents, Herman and Lorraine Swenson; and her dear sister, Beverly Kulberg.

Interment will be private. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on October 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Gypsy Bistro in Lockeford, California.

Though Marilyn will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. They will forever cherish the example she set through her steadfast faith, devotion to family, and strength throughout her life.


Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Van Tassel family.

Please leave your condolences below.


Susan Marie Hatch

Susan Marie Hatch

March 7, 1950 - September 12, 2026

OBTUARY

Susan Marie Hatch (nee Kuhlman), 76, of Lodi, California, passed quietly on September 12, 2026.  Born in St. Helena, California, Susan graduated from Monterey Bay Academy and attended business college. She spent the last twenty years of her working life in banking, tax preparation, and insurance.  Susan was known for her devotion to family and love of animals, gardening, music, movies, and a good book.  She had a special fascination with big cats and  a commitment to protecting their habitats. Susan is survived by  husband, Sam Hatch; daughter, Jessica; son-in-law, Robert; three grandchildren;  twin sister, Sharon; three brothers, Howard, Lawrence, and Wayne; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Susan will be mourned and sorely missed by family and friends. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 10:00am in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hatch family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Janet Hart

Janet Lee Layton Hart

April 16, 1932 – September 29, 2026


OBITUARY

Janet Lee Layton Hart, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 29, 2026, in Lodi, California. Fittingly, she rejoined her beloved husband on what would have been their 75th wedding anniversary.

Janet was born on April 16, 1932, in Layton, Utah, to Bessie Fern Hyde and Ezra James Layton. At the age of four, she moved with her family to Oregon, where she attended grammar school, before returning to Utah to complete her education. As a youth, Janet excelled in math and English, and she developed a lifelong passion for sewing—once crafting a wool coat in high school that she proudly entered into a competition in Salt Lake City.

After graduating from Davis High School, Janet worked at Hill Air Force Base as a mechanic's assistant. Her time at the base gifted her a unique hands-on skill set, making her incredibly handy with tools and a talented fixer who could repair almost anything. She knew her way around a toolbox so well that if you asked her for a crescent wrench, you got exactly that—a crescent wrench, no questions asked.

It was also at the base that she met the love of her life, James Robert Hart. The couple married on September 29, 1951, in Layton, Utah, and shared 57 wonderful years of marriage before his passing.

Janet’s greatest joy was her family. She welcomed her firstborn son, Jeffery, in 1953, followed by her second son, Scott, a year and a half later in 1954. Her boys were the absolute center of her world.

A faithful and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Janet dedicated much of her life to service. She served in the genealogy department in Omaha, Nebraska, the Relief Society office in Salt Lake City, and held numerous other callings within her local wards.

Janet was an exceptionally talented seamstress who loved sewing for others. For years, she collaborated with Weber State University to sew custom uniforms for their cheerleading squad. In her later years, she cherished visits from her sister Pauline, loved spending time with her family and friends, and could often be found cheering on the San Francisco Giants with a bowl of ice cream and a pocket full of Hi-Chews.

Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Robert Hart; her parents, Bessie and Ezra; and her five siblings, Donna, Vance, Anna Rae, Pauline, and Glen.

She is survived and deeply missed by her sons, Jeffery L. Hart (Terrie) and Scott R. Hart (Jane); her six grandchildren and their spouses, Christy, Jackie, Nichole, Jared, Rachel, and Jill; and seven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bristol Hospice for their profound compassion and dedicated care during Janet’s final weeks.

A private family viewing and graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 7th, with interment to follow in Concord, California

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hart family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Rick Dale Sanders

Rick Dale Sanders

October 27, 1952 - September 24, 2026

Rick Sanders, 73 of Lodi, California passed away on Thursday September 24 th , surrounded by his daughter and son. He will be remembered as a devoted father and husband, a steady presence and a man whose love for his family shaped the way he lived.

Born on October 27 th , 1952, Rick built a life defined by hard work, generosity, service to others and unwavering love for his family. Those who knew him will remember his love for hunting, fishing, the outdoors, windmills, more recently his love for gardening and woodworking, and his love and devotion to his family and his willingness to help others.

Above all, Rick was a loving husband and father. He was preceded in death by his father John Claude Sanders and his mother Marie Sanders. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Sanders of 38 years. In addition to his daughter Tracy Malandra and his son John Sanders, Rick left behind Becky Salgado, Kelly Lorimer, Stephanie Bates and Paul Lorimer, whom he welcomed, supported and loved as part of his family. Additionally, Rick was survived by his sisters Susan McClerkin and Cheryl Rutledge. Rick was blessed with 25 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Each was touched by his kindness, loyalty and enduring love.

Rick’s memory will live on in the stories shared, the lessons he taught and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Memorial services will be held in private with family.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Sanders family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Richard Eugene Hillis, Sr.

Richard Eugene Hillis, Sr.

March 21, 1954 - September 21, 2026

OBITUARY

Beloved Father, Papa and Great-Papa

Richard was born in Fort Hood, Texas on March 21, 1954 to Dorothy and Ralph Hillis. Richard spent many years as a painter. He loved fishing and watching Nascar. His biggest joy in life was his family. Always a good friend and would help someone, if he could.

Richard is the father to Melissa Lawrence, Rachel Lawrence and Richard Hillis, Jr. Father figure to Jamie Hillis. Papa to seven Grandchildren and six Great Grandchildren. Uncle to many. And brother one surviving sibling.

Richard passed away at home on September 21, 2026 after a short battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother and two sisters.

Richard will be greatly missed by many.
We love you Dad!

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hillis family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Donald Lawrence Grupe

Donald Lawrence Grupe

July 19, 1937 - September 18, 2026

Donald Lawrence Grupe, born July 19, 1937 in Lodi, passed away at home in Linden at the age of 89. Training in 1959 at the U.S. Army Ordnance Mechanical Maintenance School at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, he spent his career as a mechanic with the California National Guard. Thrifty to the core, he could fix nearly anything, loved going to auctions, was a dedicated member of the Linden Lions club, and counted the San Joaquin County Historical Society among his causes.

His joy in retirement was restoring WWII Willy’s Jeeps to historic accuracy and showing at vehicle preservation meets with the Military Vehicle Collectors of California.  President of Joaquin Jeepers from 1970-71, he crossed the Rubicon Trail and off-roaded his way through much of the Sierra Nevadas. He was happiest in coveralls working in his home shop, but could be seen about town sporting a Linden Cherry Festival hat and popping into the Rod and Gun Club for a beer and a chat. 

He is survived by his daughter Marla Williams of San Diego, and his son Mark McCall of Valley Springs.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Grupe 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.

Robert Gale Hoffman

Robert Gale Hoffman

April 17, 1936 - September 18, 2026

Bob was born on 04/17/1936 in Lodi CA to John Hoffman and Virginia Hoffman (Wilson). He left this earth to be with his heavenly father on 09/18/2026 surrounded by his family. While he was young his family moved to Stockton, CA where he attended local schools. He was active in Boy Scouts and once attended a Boy Scout Jamboree in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. He traveled there and back with his troop along with other troops by train. It was an experience he remembered fondly.

Bob worked at various jobs from a young age including delivering drugs on a bicycle for a downtown Stockton pharmacy, to loading cans into rail cars for Continental Can Company.

Nearing high school graduation and still not certain of a career choice, he accepted an apprenticeship position at a local meat market, ultimately earning journeyman status.

In 1957 he married Donna Hoffman (Semper). They had 2 children, Kimberly Ann Hoffman in 1962, and Robert G. Hoffman Jr. in 1965. 

In January of 1968 they formed Bob’s Meats, Inc. which they owned and operated until 1997. During this time, Bob attended Sacramento State earning an adult teaching credential. He taught night classes in meat cutting for many years at Delta Jr. College. He enjoyed teaching the student’s especially taking them on field trips to many meat processing facilities.

As an adult he learned to water ski, snow ski, and play golf. He was an avid hunter spending 2 weeks a year in Colorado deer hunting. He was also a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lodi.

Bob was preceded in death by his father John Hoffman, mother Virginia Laws, daughter Kimberly Ann Crespi and twin granddaughters Tessera and Samantha Crespi, sisters in law Jacqueline Gaffney (John) and Janet Kavanaugh (Robert).

He is survived by his wife Donna Hoffman, son Robert G. Hoffman Jr., Daughter In law Nora Hoffman, granddaughter Jessica Lauren Barrett (Ryan), Grandson’s Dylan Robert Crespi and Joshua David Crespi. Also survived by Niece Debra Spoonhour, Nephew’s Gregory Spoonhour (Terri), James Kavanaugh (Carol) and many loved cousins who referred to him as “Uncle”.

Donations in Bob’s memory, can be given to St. John’s Episcopal Church 1055 S. Lower Sacramento Rd. Lodi, CA 95242 or charity of donor’s choice.

Services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lodi on 10/24/2026 at 10:00 AM.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hoffman 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.

Richard Craig Duncan

Richard Craig Duncan

July 21, 1957 - September 17, 2026

OBITUARY

Richard "Rick" Duncan went to be with Jesus on September 17, 2026. Rick was born July 21, 1957 in Stockton, Ca.  He was 69 years old.  Rick lived most of his life in Stockton and Lodi,  He was born into a Scottsh/Italian family but took pride in his Italian heritage, shown by his tremendous love for Italian cooking. Rick attended Amos Alonzo Stagg High School- Class of 1975.  Rick also attended San Joaquin Delta College and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.  He also studied under Bassist Gary Karr and the internationally acclaimed performing arts conservatory, known as the Hartt School, at the University of Hartford (Connecticut).

During his teen years, he was sponsored and supported by many in the Stockton community, enabling him to get the best bass training possible.  He was sent to numerous music camps, including one in Banff, Canada.  

He played classically, with many organizations, most notably the Stockton Symphony, recently receiving a 50 year member recognition. It was in the Stockton Symphony where he met conductor Kyung-Soo Won who took Rick under his wing with tough love. In turn, Rick used that same tough love when necessary, with everyone he came across in the music industry.  

Rick was the producer and recording engineer of Nacnud Sound. If you worked with Rick as a student, fellow musician or recording artist, you know that he pushed his clients for quality, and would not put his name behind anything less.  He was truly a genius in the music world, highly respected and will be deeply missed.  

Rick is preceded in death by parents Robert and Agnes Duncan and Grandparents Victor and Lillian Navone.  

He is survived by wife, Jackie Paul and sister, Cynthia Marchetti (Brad). 

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Duncan 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.

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