Obituaries

Ruben C. Rodriguez

Ruben RodriguezRuben C. Rodriguez, 92, passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side at his home in Fresno, CA, on August 17, 2015.Ruben was born March 4, 1923 in Sanger, CA. Ruben is survived by his wife Margaret of 70 years, his daughter Gloria Ortega and husband Richard of Stockton, son John Rodriguez and wife Geri of Fresno, daughter Teresa Delgado and husband Reyes of Fresno, daughter Angie Gong and husband Ken of Fresno, daughter Lucy Hardin and husband Richard of Stockton, daughter Maryann Lemos and husband Billy of Stockton, daughter Debbie Foley and husband Pat of New York, daughter Joanne Ferrington and husband Cliff of Redding and son Jeffrey Rodriguez and wife Adriana of Stockton.

 

Ruben’s legacy also leaves behind 34 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Ruben lived the majority of his adult life in Stockton, California, living his last 27 years in Fresno, California.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICES

A Rosary will be held on Wednesday Evening, August 26, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2015  at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 5882 N. Ashley Lane, Stockton, CA.

Jeffrey Kesinger

Jeffrey Meade Kesinger, 58, passed away August 17, 2015. Jeff was born on June 1, 1957 in Alton, Illinois to Robert and Margaret Kesinger. He has worked as a Glazier for 35 years and at Livermore Glass for the past 18 years. Jeff loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Jeff was preceded in death by his Father Robert Kesinger. He leaves behind his loving wife of 23 years ,Cheryl Kesinger of Manteca, together they had 4 daughters: Janine (Victor), Lucinda (T.J.), Stephanie, and Melanie (Jerry), as well as his prides of joy, his 7 grandchildren: Desiree, Damian, Gene, Lexi, Colin, Arianaa, Kailana, and soon to come Isabella. Jeff will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No Visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A Celebration Of  Life will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.

 

Leo Spanos

Leo SpanosAfter a ten year battle with cancer, Leonidas (Leo) Gus Spanos passed away peacefully in Roseville, California at the age of 80, with loved ones at his side on Sunday, August 16, 2015.  He was the son of the late Gus Spanos and Evanthia Tsopelas Spanos.Leo was born in April 1935, raised in Stockton and was a lifelong resident of California. He attended high school in Stockton after which he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a radioman while being deployed to the Republic of Korea during the Korean War. Upon being honorably discharged, Leo was a designer/drafter in San Jose supporting DoD projects for Lockheed Martin and Boeing Co. He later owned a glass company servicing the San Francisco Bay Area and became an avid gardener, billiards enthusiast and San Diego Chargers fan. Leo was preceded by loving wife Paulann Braswell, his loving parents and his brother Daniel Spanos. He is survived by his daughters, Leonne Jeanette, Stefani Ann and Melani Evanthia; grandchildren Nicholas and Alexis, Allie, Natalie and Chloe, John Paul and Alexandra; brothers Alex and George (Spanos); sisters, Stella Graham and Madeline Madsen, former wife Barbara Daniels as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church or the American Cancer Society. The family would especially wish to acknowledge Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Faye Spanos and nieces Dea Berberian and Evie Robinson for their continued generosity and care during Leo’s later years.

VISITATION

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home , 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICES

A Service with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane ,Lodi, CA 95240.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

Dennis Raymond Kritzer

Dennis KritzerDennis Raymond Kritzer passed away August 15, 2015. He was born in Stockton to John and Thelma Kritzer on April 20, 1952. Dennis was preceeded in death by his loving wife Kathleen and his parents. He leaves behind his two sons: Dennis Kritzer (Raelyn), John Kritzer, as well as his significant other Lana Littell. Dennis lived life to it’s fullest. Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No Visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A Celebration Of Life will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Elk's Lodge, 8900 Thornton Rd., Stockton, CA.

INTERMENT

Burial will be held privately at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, CA

Evelyn May Thompson

Evelyn ThompsonEvelyn May Thompson passed away in her sleep Saturday, August 15th, 2015. Evelyn was born to Creetie May (Burnes) & Clyde Luman Thompson on April 27th, 1936. She was their 5th child and the first girl. There was another boy after her. She lived in the same house in Bellingham, Washington from her birth until 1999, at which time she moved to Galt, California to live with her niece, Kayanne. Evelyn graduated from Bellingham High and worked for many years at the Handicap Center in Bellingham. She was an active participant at the Senior Centers in both Bellingham and Galt and at the L’Chayim Women’s Center in Galt. Evelyn loved to play card and board games, and taught all of her nieces and nephews how to play. She loved being an aunt and was referred to as Auntie by many of her friends as well as her nieces and nephews. She also loved to save her pennies to go on the Casino trips with the Galt Park and Rec.   Evelyn is predeceased by her mom and dad, as well as her brothers, Stanley (Buck), Leonard (Bisque), Layton and Leslie (Buzzy). She leaves behind her brother Gene, Sister-in-laws, Heraldine & Mona and many nieces and nephews as well as greats, great-greats and one great-great-great. We love you Auntie and miss you. You are running free with no pain, with that wonderful smile, hugging everyone you know. Say ‘Hi’ to Elvis for us.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the L’Chayim Women’s Center in Galt. P.O Box 1378, Galt, CA 95632.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No Visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 972 Vintage Oak Ave. Galt, CA 95632.

INTERMENT

Burial services will be held in Ferndale, WA.

Frank Julio Castro

Frank CastroFrank Julio Castro passed away on August 14, 2015 in Stockton at the age of 95. Born in Atwater, CA, on January 20, 1920 to Juan and Margarita Castro, he has lived the past 35 years in Stockton , and previously lived in Watsonville where he was a Farm Labor Contractor for 40 years. Frank served his country honorably in the US Army during WWII and also the Korean War. On Sunday, December 7, 2014 he was awarded the "Ambassador for Peace Medal" by the Consul General of Korea, San Francisco at the Bob Hope Fox Theater in Stockton.

 

Frank is survived by his sister Julia Callejo, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Daniel Castro, Tony Espinosa and Joe Espinosa; and sisters: Patricia Ancheta, Louise Ramirez, and Helen Garcia.

VISITATION

A Visitation will be held on Thursday,  August 20, 2015  from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICES

A  Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.

A Graveside with Military Honors will follow the Funeral Service.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

 

Anna Nadine Guthery

VISITATION A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2015  from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, Ca 95240.

SERVICES

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Garden of Remembrance East, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and  Harney Lane , Lodi, CA 95240.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

Donald Byfield Taynton

Donald Byfield TayntonDonald Taynton, 82, formerly of Fairfield, passed away August 5, 2015 at his home in Turlock CA. Donald (Don) was born in Oakland CA on December 21, 1932. He married his college sweetheart Elizabeth Mary Taynton (Richards) on August 27, 1955 and together were just weeks away from celebrating their 60th anniversary. After a 38 year career with the IRS, Don retired and lived in Fairfield for 25 years. He volunteered as a docent at Rush Ranch in Solano County for many years and also served as a volunteer at the local Senior Center. Don also served 12 years in the US Naval Reserves.

He is survived by his wife Mary of Turlock, daughters Donna (Paul) Le Blanc of Fresno, Laura Taynton of Turlock and son Matthew (Phyllis) Taynton of Vacaville, brother Douglas (Leah) Taynton of Citrus Heights, and sister Lois Morford of Oregon, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Elaine Taynton.

Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto CA 95356.

Please add your condolences to the comments below.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A Celebration Of Life Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.

Mary J. Guthmiller

Mary GuthmillerMary Jane Guthmiller left behind her weary earthly body and received her heavenly reward on Monday, August 10, 2015, after an 84 year life of service to her family and to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Mary was born on May 13, 1931 in Tripp, South Dakota to Sam and Ruby Schmidt, who adored her, and raised Mary, her sister Maydean, and brother Marty in a loving family. While Mary attended Tripp High School, she met the love of her life, Albert Guthmiller, who asked her to marry him in 1952 after a seven year courtship. They embarked on their journey, and during their 55 years together in this world, found the joy of having three children – Kim, Mike, and Tami. They enjoyed many good times as a family, whether it was popping popcorn and watching TV together at home, camping on vacation, or enjoying their family’s special recipes around the dinner table. Mary took after her mother with the thought that a recipe was always a work in progress, with maybe a touch more sugar next time, or a little bit more salt. Albert entered the ministry after college, while Mary obtained a teaching credential in Bookings, South Dakota. Mary learned to multitask when she taught eight grades in a one-room schoolhouse in Tripp. Together Al and Mary went on to serve churches in Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Garner, Iowa; Faribault, Minnesota; and finally Zion Reformed Church of Lodi, where they served our community together for 16 years. Al’s devotion to the pastoral needs of the congregation was more than matched by Mary’s attention to the children of the church, and many Lodi families will recall that their children loved Sunday school more than regular school because Mary made it so very fun. She was a pioneer in special needs ministry, helping children with learning disabilities to learn to love Jesus as much as she did. Mary is survived by her brother Martyn Schmidt of Baxter, Minnesota, son Michael Guthmiller of Galt, and daughters Kim Anamizu of Woodbridge and Tamara Petrick of Lodi. “Nana” (as she was affectionately known by those who loved her) was blessed with six grandchildren--Benjamin Petrick, Zachary Anamizu, Katey Anamizu, Allyson Lorenz, Amy Rash, and Amanda Guthmiller, and two great-grandchildren. She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Albert, her dear sister Maydean, and her mother and father, Ruby and Samuel Schmidt. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a designated fund at First Baptist Church for “Learning to Hope,” which provides educational services for children in India, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

 

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

 

VISITATION

A Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA.

SERVICES

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at The First Baptist Church of Lodi, 267 N. Mills Avenue, Lodi, CA.

Makoto Mike Shimozaki

Makato ShimozakiMakoto (Mike) Shimozaki died August 10, 2015 in his sleep at the Hospice House in Stockton.He was born on July 4, 1928 in Stockton to Gisuke and Misao Shimozaki. At the age of 14 Mike was interned at camp in Rohwer, AR and then later in Tulelake, CA where he would spend the duration of WWII. Wanting to serve his country, Mike enlisted as a combat medic during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. After the war Mike met his lovely wife Mary and the two became married on June 1, 1958. They settled in Acampo where they raised their 3 children and 7 grandchildren. After the war, Mike opened up a grocery store with his brother Oscar. He worked at an asparagus packing shed and grew strawberries with his brother Sam. Later he was hired as a foreman for Cranston Vineyards where he retired after over 30 years. When he wasn’t working, Mike enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also a frequent visitor to Jackson Rancheria where many of the staff knew him by name. Known for his wit and sharp tongue, Mike was always sure to make his presence known up until the day of his passing.

  He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Shimozaki, his son Mike Jr. and siblings Sam, Nancy, Charlie, Oscar and Luther. He is survived by his brother Henry; son Dean, wife Donna; daughter Doris, husband Frank Sasaki; daughter-in-law Yvonne, husband John Gordon; and grandchildren Derek and Ryan Shimozaki; Frank Jr. fiancée Anh Dao-Tran, Brandon, and Tiffany Sasaki; Jordan and Kira Shimozaki.

  Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home , 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240

SERVICES

A Pillow Service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home , 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at Lodi Buddhist Church, 23 N. Stockton St. ,Lodi, CA.

 

 

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.

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