Jeffrey Michael Bramlett

Jeffrey Michael Bramlett was born on Sept. 4, 1979 to David J. Bramlett and Cindy K. (Lawrence) Bramlett in Stockton, Calif. and died in his sleep during the early-morning hours of Jan. 23, 2015. Blond-haired and green-eyed, from an early age Jeff enjoyed and excelled at sports. At age 6, he started playing little league baseball, advancing to Babe Ruth when he was 13. Always loving baseball, he joined a traveling team and played in different cities in the United States and Canada. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School in 1997, where he played on the baseball team from his freshman through senior years.

As he entered his 20s, Jeff’s passion turned to classic Mustangs and computers. Even before he was out of high school, he was working in the Bramlett family business, Mustangs Plus. There he worked with his father and older brother, Greg, until the time of his passing. As the person responsible for the Mustangs Plus computer system, website operations, website content and many advertising duties, he will be missed by his co-workers and family. Devoted to the family business, he drove a 1966 Mustang to work every day.

In 2003, he met Elizabeth Oliva while on vacation in Rosarito, Mexico. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 2004 and have two children -- Noah, age 4 and Abigail, age 2 -- all of whom survive him. He is also survived by his father and stepmother David and Diane Bramlett of Stockton and by his mother Cindy K. Bramlett of Brookings, Oregon; his grandparents Barbara Lawrence of Stockton, Harold and Roxanne Lawrence of Galt and Glenn Bramlett of Stockton. His grandmother, Betty Bramlett, preceded him in death in 2010.

Jeff is also survived by his brother and his brother’s wife, Greg and Kim Bramlett, and their two children, Claire and Matthew; step sisters Theresa Carbery and her husband, Harley, and their two children, Wyatt and Olivia of Las Vegas, Nevada; Julie Fredette and her husband, Matt and their three children, Gabriel, Brandon and Elena of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, most of whom live in the Stockton area.

VISITATION

Viewing will take place from 4-8 pm on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi.

 SERVICES

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park located at Highway 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi. In lieu of flowers, please contact the United Way of San Joaquin County at (209) 469-6980 to make a donation in the name of Jeff Bramlett.

INTERMENT

No public burial is scheduled

Theresa 'Pia' Lavagnino

Theresa “Pia” Lavagnino died peacefully on Jan. 22, 2015 at her home in Stockton at age 80.

She was born Sept. 25, 1934 near Genova, Italy, to Luigi and Edivige Lercari. She immigrated from Italy in the late ‘50s and has lived the past 60 years in Stockton. Her and her husband worked hard to provide a better life for their family. They were cherry farmers and she started an annual cherry stand where she will always be remembered.

Pia’s life was one of dedication and love as a mother, Nonna and Christian. She graciously opened her home and heart to host Bible study for friends for many years. She had a loving and caring demeanor that touched many who entered her life.

She was the definition of love to her family. All of her energy and time went into caring for her loved ones. She was very involved. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports in their youth. She loved being in her sewing room -whether she was quilting, hemming or mending her family’s clothes, or teaching her granddaughters all that she knew. She also enjoyed making crafts, gardening, and mushroom hunting. She was an excellent cook and the smell of her kitchen created a comfort that could not be described. Her family will always treasure the memories of making homemade raviolis, tuku, minestrone, polpette, milk soup, foccacia and so many more delicacies in her kitchen.

Pia is preceded in death by Lino Lavagnino and daughter-in-law Julia. She is survived by her son Claudio and wife Lesli Lavagnino; son Ruani and wife Sandy Lavagnino; grandson Michael and granddaughters Daniela and Kara Lavagnino.

She will be greatly missed but her friends and family believe 2nd Corinthians 5:6, “absent from the body present with the Lord.”

We strive to move forward living with as much love as she had in her heart.

VISITATION

A visitation for family and friends will take place from 4-8 pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way Lodi, CA

SERVICES

No services will be held

INTERMENT

No interment service is scheduled

Doris M. Abernethy

Doris M. Abernethy, 91 of Lodi passed away at a care home in Folsom, Calif. on Saturday, January 17, 2015.  She was born August 19, 1923 in Tujunga, Calif. Doris was a long-time resident of Lodi and enjoyed fishing, traveling and playing bingo at St. Anne’s Hall as well as at LOEL Center.  She was also a founding member of the Lodi-Tokay Quilt & Stitch Society.  She and her husband George Abernethy were married in 1941 and George passed away in 1986.

Survivors include her son, John (Deborah) Abernethy of Folsom, six grandchildren, James “Ben” Andrew and Alison Abernethy, Michael (Susan), David and John (Valerie) Lassen and one great granddaughter, Samantha.

Her husband and daughter, Karen Jo Lassen, precede her in death.

Donations may be made in her name to American Heart Assoc. at 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 95231 or at www.donatenow.heart.org

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be determined.

INTERMENT

A private inurnment will take place at Cherokee Memorial Park

Harold Lloyd Chesher

Harold Chesher, 92, of Stockton, Calif., was born on June 7, 1922 and died Jan. 17, 2015. Preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ruby, he is survived by his four daughters, six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

VISITATION

No visitation is scheduled

SERVICES

Private services were held

INTERMENT

Interment services not scheduled

Delores S. Jasa

Delores S. Jasa, 85, of Stockton, died Jan. 16, 2015. Born June 21, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Delores relocated to Stockton in 1962. She will be fondly remembered by her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Delores will be missed by her husband of 66 years, George Jasa, and their children, Karen Ennes and Doug Jasa. Delores also leaves behind her grandchildren, Kevin Cudal, Adam Jasa, Monica Andrade, Sean Thalken, Kimberley Thalken, and great grandchildren, Noah and Max Andrade, Harper Jasa, and soon to arrive, Crew Jasa.

Preceding Delores in passing are her 3 children, Kenneth Jasa, Dawn Thalken, and James Jasa.

VISITATION

No visitations will be held

SERVICES

Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi

Barbara Green Pearson Ray

Barbara Green Pearson Ray died Jan. 16, 2015 and now is at home with the Lord. She was recently preceded in death by her loving daughter Gail Pearson. Barbara was born on July 6, 1921 and lived in Lodi for her entire life. She attended St. Anne’s school, Lodi High and Armstrong College in Berkeley. She married Richard Pearson in 1941 and together they had three children. Following his death in 1955, she married Merle Ray in 1958.

Barbara deeply loved her family and her friends.

Barbara loved collecting Santas and had a very large collection from all over. She loved the ocean and collecting sand dollars, she also loved playing ‘doms’ (dominoes).

Barbara was a lifelong member of St. Anne’s parish. She was a member of Woodbridge Golf Club for over 30 years. In 1976 she began her career in real estate eventually opening Sunset Realty, she enjoyed working with people. In 2003 she was inducted into Lodi Association of Realtor’s hall of fame.

Barbara will be dearly missed by her sons Dean Pearson, Lane (Mandy) Pearson, grandsons Dino Pearson, Jordan Pearson, Jacob Pearson, Taddy (Katharine) Moore, Talbot (Vitti) Moore, great granddaughter Olivia Moore. Also her niece Lisa (Howard) Rempfer, great niece Lindsay (Jon) Rader, Brayden and Ellie Rader, great nephew Matt (Tausha) Rempfer, Frank Rempfer, nephew Bill (Debby) Ferrero, great nephews Wil and Mike Ferrero.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Vienna Convalescent Hospital for the kind and loving care and also to Hospice of San Joaquin.

VISITATION

No visitations will be held

SERVICES

Services will be private

Ola Marie Kramer

Ola Marie Kramer, age 94, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on January 16, 2015. She was born in Clarks, Nebraska on April 5, 1920 to William and Frantiska (Fanny) Blei. Ola married William Kramer in August, 1938 in Walthill, Nebraska, and they were happily married until his passing in March, 1991. Ola resided in Stockton from  1941 until her passing. She was a wife, mother, homemaker, and loved bowling. Ola was especially proud of being able to help her family as they migrated to California from Nebraska in the 1940’s, often taking them into her home as they became independent and responsible residents of Stockton and California.

Ola was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings, Fred Blei, Polly Masek, and Annie Hunt, daughter in law Roberta Kramer, and grandson Donald Kramer. She is survived by her sons, Fred and Donald Kramer (Susan), of Kramer’s Garage, four grandchildren, Susan Greenberg (Scott), Brenda Harry (David), Annamarie Gilliland, one sister, Mary Barker, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rio Las Palmas and the Hospice staff for their expert and loving care.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held

SERVICES

No public services. (Contributions may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204.)

INTERMENT

Cherokee Memorial Park (private family service)

Bernice Podesta Foppiano

Bernice Podesta Foppiano, 94, of Stockton, passed away January 14, 2015. Born May 29, 1920 to Emile and Mary Podesta, Bernice was a part of a Pioneer Stockton family. Her family was here to greet the 49ers gold rush, and Podesta Ranch School, located on the old family farm property, is named after the family. She attended Stockton High School and Humphreys Business College, and worked as a secretary for Security Title Company until she married her late husband, John Foppiano, on June 8, 1941.

Bernice was a member of Elkhorn Golf Club, the PTA, and was a 4-H leader. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, flowers, and traveling with her husband to various places like Europe, Asia, Canada, and many cruises, especially the cruise on the Crystal Harmony through the Panama Canal to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Bernice is survived by her children, John Foppiano, Jr and Dr. Marianne Foppiano, and grandchildren, Marc Grosdidier, Gary Morris, Keith Freeman, Jason Young, and niece Dr. Linda Foppiano. Her husband, John, and sister, Edna Podesta Foppiano, precede her in passing.

Bernice’s family would like to thank the outstanding staff at Creekside Care for their compassion and attention to her care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Dining Hall, Stockton Children’s Home, or the charity of your choice.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2015 from 2:00-8:00pm at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, Ca 95240.

SERVICES

A Celebration of Bernice’s Life will take place at 1:00pm, Friday, January 23, 2015 at Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi.

INTERMENT

Inurnment will be private at Cherokee Memorial Park.

Vernal LeRoy DuFrene Jr.

Vernal LeRoy DuFrene Jr. died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015.  He was 84 years old. Born August 4, 1930 to Vernal LeRoy DuFrene, Sr. and Edna Euretta Ahl in Sacramento, California, LeRoy graduated from C.K. McClatchy High school in 1948.  He graduated from Sacramento Junior College in 1951. Married 62 years to Shirley Ann Stutler, LeRoy also graduated from the American Institute of Baking in Chicago.

After moving back to California, LeRoy worked for 43 years for Rainbo Bread, serving as a baker, delivery driver, and supervisor.  He enjoyed collecting Ron Lee Clown statues, and Rainbo Bread and advertising memorabilia.  He was active in Pacifica Lion’s Club, serving in many positions as well as being a past president.  He had a very high work ethic, enjoyed ‘debating’, and loved his wife and family dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, siblings Doug DuFrene and Marilyn Bringham, uncle Del DuFrene,  three children:  Lee Ann Richter (Bryan), Mike DuFrene (Lisa), Mark DuFrene (Merrie), 5 grandchildren: Kristen Shafer (Dan), Jason Richter, Anna Richter, Ian Richter, Andy DuFrene and 1 great-grandson, Emory Shafer.  He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 grandchildren, Jonathan and Jaime Richter.

Thanks, Dad!  You were the best!  You are already missed!

For those interested in celebrating Dad’s life with us, please call 209-482-2969 for information on day and time of the service.  Memorial contribution may be made to Lion’s International or the church/charity of your choice.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held

SERVICES

No services are scheduled

INTERMENT

No public intement information available

Leon Frank Machell

Leon Frank Machell went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 13, 2015. A godly man with a gentle loving spirit, as God was always first in his life, Leon was born in Rocky, Oklahoma on August 20, 1920 to Edwin and Frances Machell. This is where he would spend the first 16 years of his life with his parents and younger sister Dorothy.

In 1936, during the Dust Bowl, the family moved to Redwood City near relatives. It was in 1939 at the First Baptist Church where Leon met the love of his life, Vivian. They just celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.

During WWII, Leon entered Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy in New York, graduating in 1943 with a Marine Engineer License. He was enrolled in the U.S. Naval Reserve and in the U.S. Coast Guard and sailed on Liberty ships throughout the Pacific Theater. In August 1945 he was in Buckner Bay, Okinawa when the war ended. He was discharged as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946.

When the war ended, Leon and Vivian returned to Redwood City where their two children, Brett and Denise, were born. 1958 was the year they moved to Lodi where he went to work for General Mills, retiring in 1984 as a Production Supervisor. During their retirement years they traveled in their RV, went on cruises, toured the UK, Germany, and Israel. He also volunteered for STARS for many years.

Leon was an active member of Temple Baptist Church singing in the choir. He had a beautiful singing voice. He loved to read, go camping and be with his family and friends.

Leon is survived by his wife Vivian, children Brett (Linda) Machell and Denise (Ed) Surprenant, 9 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held

SERVICES

Celebration of Life Friday Jan. 16, 11:00 am Temple Baptist Church, 801 S Lower Sacramento Rd, Lodi, CA 95242 (In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Baptist Church or Hospice of San Joaquin.)

INTERMENT

Cherokee Memorial Park (private family service)

Joseph Anaizar Vela

Born: Jan. 1, 1945. Deceased: Jan. 10, 2015 No obituary available

VISITATION

No visitation will be held

SERVICES

Saturday, Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi

Cheryl Lynn Wilkerson

Cheryl Lynn Wilkerson, 57, died January 9, 2015, after battling breast cancer, with her family by her side. On August 5, 1957, Cheryl was born in Lodi, California to John and Gladys Lehr. Her father was a cattle rancher and grape farmer in Acampo, California and her mother worked at Tri Valley Growers cannery in Lodi, California.

Cheryl graduated from Lodi High school in 1976. That same year she met Bob Wilkerson, to whom she was married in 1979 in Galt, California. Cheryl gave birth to her first child, Bobby Wilkerson, in 1983. She then welcomed daughter, Jessica Wilkerson Peluso, in 1988.

On December 4, 2014, Cheryl celebrated her 30 year anniversary working with Blue Shield of California, where she made many friends who would become like family to her.

Cheryl was devoted to her family. Her children were her life and she loved spending time with family and taking in every moment with her first grandchild, Nathan Ryan Wilkerson, born to son, Bobby, and Lacey Edalgo.

Cheryl will be missed by her husband of 35 years, Bob Wilkerson; her son and significant other, Bobby Wilkerson and Lacey Edalgo; her daughter and spouse, Jessica and Matthew Peluso; and grandson, Nathan Wilkerson. She also leaves behind her siblings; her brother and spouse, Ted and Becky Lehr; brother, Bryan Lehr; sisters and spouses, Kathy and Mack Garrett, Diane and Randy Scott; and sister, Belinda Lehr. Her parents, John and Gladys Lehr, precede her in passing.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held from 12pm to 8pm, Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240

SERVICES

Celebration of Cheryl’s Life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, January 16, 2015, at Vinewood Community Church, 1900 W. Vine St., Lodi, CA.

Vivian Theresa Rurup (Luchini)

Vivian Theresa Rurup (nee Luchini) 81,  of Stockton, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 9, 2015, at her home in Stockton. She was born in San Francisco Dec. 10, 1933  and was raised in Oakley, California. Vivian graduated from the French School of nursing in San Francisco becoming a RN. During her nursing career she worked for Dr. Frank Ruhstaller M.D.; owned and operated The Diet Center in Manteca; and cared for students at the University of the Pacific Health Center. She retired from nursing  after more than 40 years.

Vivian married Henry Rurup on November 09, 1957 who were together for 48 years until his passing in 2006. She traveled extensively enjoying numerous vacations, cruises, foreign countries and RV’ing around the USA.

Vivian is survived by her children, son Paul Rurup of Texas and grandchildren Adina and Torii Rurup; Son Jeff Rurup (Trina) of Lodi and grandchildren Joe, Dominic and Samantha Rurup; Daughter Kelly Sprake (John) of Galt and grandchildren Michael, Nicholas, Marissa and Natalie Sprake; Her siblings, Carol DeVito of Fresno and Richard Luchini of Stockton.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at  Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA . Interment will follow service at Cherokee Memorial Park , Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, CA .

Charitable donations may be made to the Animal Friends Connection Humane Society in Lodi.

Irene Jones Baldwin Shepard

Irene Jones Baldwin Shepard, a longtime Stockton resident, passed away Monday, January 5, 2015 of natural causes, surrounded by her family at Mark Twain Convalescent Hospital in San Andreas. Originally from Cross County, Arkansas, she and her family moved to California in the 1940s. Irene was once married to Audie Baldwin, and is survived by her three children: daughter Carolyn (Simeon) Modesto of St. Charles, Missouri, and sons Eddie (Linda) Baldwin of Stockton and Rodney (Sharon) Baldwin of Burson. Irene is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren and one sister Sophie Rush of Valley Springs.

She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Lorena Jones, her brothers Robert L. and Thomas Wayne Jones; her sisters Eugenia Anderson, Charlene Clemente, and Iva Mae Kruetz and her grandson David Coffer Jr.

NO SERVICES

Irene did not want any services, the family requests in lieu of flowers to please donate to your favorite charity in Irene Jones Baldwin Shepard’s name.

Lois Marie Walker

Lois M. Walker died on January 2, 2015 in Lodi at the age of 89. She was born on September 7, 1925 in Lynchburg, MO to Henry and Verlinda Tate. In 1946 she moved to Stockton with her husband Nolan Walker to start their life together. She enjoyed animals and reading and took great pride in tending to her flowers. Lois was a former San Joaquin Valley Ranger.

She is survived by her son Wayne and wife Sheri; and her granddaughter Becky Walker Weiss and husband Dave.

She was preceded in death in 2005 by her husband Nolan Walker, and is also preceded by a brother Ralph Tate and a sister Edith Mansker.

A viewing will take place from 4-8 pm on Friday, January 9, 2015 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home 831 Industrial Way in Lodi. Funeral services will take place at 1:30 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Ln, in Lodi.

Gregory Hendon

Greg passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at the age of 46. He was born in Lodi, California to Billy Ray and Sue Hendon on March 3, 1968. He graduated from Galt High School. After high school, Greg worked as a barber for a short time until going to work at Pilkington Glass Company, making commercial and automotive glass for 17 years.

His family and friends were important to him. He was a member of the Woodbridge Missionary Baptist Church. Greg was survived by his daughter Jena Hendon, Mother: Sue Hendon, Brothers: Danny (Kari) and Bill Hendon, Sister: Lisa Hendon,  Nieces and nephews and, many cousins.

He was preceded in death by father: Billy Ray Hendon, Grandparents: Dan and Lillian Hendon, and Delbert and Hazel Dye.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held Wednesday January 7, 2015  1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. @ Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICES

A funeral service will be held Thursday January 8, 2015 10:00 a.m. at Woodbridge Missionary Baptist Church, 673 Woodbridge Rd., Woodbridge, CA 95258.

INTERMENT

No public service