Wanda Ellen McMahan

Wanda Ellen McMahan, lovingly known as Nana, passed away in Stockton at the age of 85 on April 10, 2015. She was born in El Reno, Oklahoma where she met and married her husband, Arthur Duane McMahan. They raised their family together in San Leandro for 37 years before moving to Stockton in 1990. Wanda was a homemaker and crossing guard for the San Lorenzo Unified School District. She was a strong, vivacious woman who enjoyed spending time with her family, holiday gatherings, traveling, and beautiful gardens. She was happily married for 53 years before becoming widowed in 2000. She is also preceded in death by her son, Larry McMahan. Wanda is survived by her daughter, Linda Hamlin of Delhi and grandchildren, Anthony Souza of Tracy, Janice (Souza) Miller of Stockton, Sheila (Souza) Fox of Ceres, Melissa (McMahan) Barry of Carson City, and Michelle McMahan of Carson City. She has ten adoring great- grandchildren, Anthony Jr, Daniel, Nathan, Janelle, Brandon, Kailee, Serena, Billy, Robby, and Trinity, and four great- great- grandchildren.

The family would like to express gratitude to her companion Wally Wickum of Stockton for lovingly caring for her in her final years of life. We are forever grateful.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held prior to the service on April 17, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, lodi,CA 95240

SERVICES

Services will be held on April 17, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi,CA 95240

Gary Kiyoshi Fujihara

Gary Kiyoshi Fujihara, 61, entered into rest on April 10, 2015 in Stockton, CA.He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Sandi Fujihara, mother, Barbara Fujihara, sisters Susan (Brian) Ishimaru, Patti (Steve) Sue, nieces, Lisa & Lynsie Ishimaru, Amanda (John) Saldana, aunts, uncles, & cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Herbie Fujihara, and father-in-law, Clyde D. Webb. Gary was born in Stockton, CA, attending local schools. He graduated from UC Davis and began teaching for Lodi Unified. He first taught art at Lodi Sr. Elementary, then to Lodi High School. His love of art, boundless energy and enthusiasm touched the lives of his many students during his 35-year teaching career. The family would like to extend appreciation for all the outpouring of love and support. The family will hold a private service.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

Mae Becker

Mae Becker 1914- 2015SERVICES 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, in the Garden of Memories, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, Ca 95240

Johannes Petrus Smit

It is with a heavy heart that we said good-bye to our wonderful husband, brother, father, and grandfather Johannes Petrus Smit on the evening of April 8, 2015. He spent 85 beautiful years on this earth with his family and friends.John was born on January 23, 1930, a cold blustery day in the Beemster, Netherlands. His family lived on a 5-hectare dairy farm where he learned how to work with cows and agriculture alongside his brothers, Pete, Nico, Paul and Laus. In the winters, he ice skated with his sisters Riet, Sjaan and Alida to school on the canals and in the summers he biked and played soccer with his friends after work. He also competed in couples ice skating competition with his sister Alida. At 17, he won a race across a muddy field to win a bicycle of his dreams. In his adult life, John played soccer in a men’s group and took up golf in his later years. In January 2015, he won his last golf tournament. John was only nine when World War II began and his family was part of the Dutch underground movement. They hid soldiers under the parlor floor, capture goods in the middle of the night that had been air dropped by British planes, and smuggled weapons and ammunition in loaded milk cans across town. He witnessed the Germans soldiers committing brutal acts on Jewish people. Food was lean and work was hard during those years. John never forgot them and would share his stories in hope that people would continue to remember how to treat others respectfully, despite differences in religion. After the war, John attended Landbouw School, an agriculture college in Holland. He had an internship that allowed him to travel by bike across Holland and work in the providence of Gelderland. He brought his wife and children back to revisit this region in 2003 as a gift to us. In 1956, with no land to begin his own dairy farm, John immigrated to California. He landed on a train platform in Delano, California with 2 suitcases, $32.00 and not knowing a lick of English. He worked with the Russell family for a year before migrating up to Northern California to work on dairies with other Dutch owners. Quirina Van Warmedam saw this dashing young man and introduced him to a shy young gal named Clazien deGroot. They got married on August 8th, 1959.  Soon afterwards, 7 children came along: Alida, Johannes III, Rosemary, Cornelius, Roy, Steven and Paul. John finally achieved his dream and purchased a 160-acre ranch in Linden, California in 1969. He moved his family from Manteca and has lived there ever since. After selling the dairy, he thought of growing apples.  “All you have to do is plant a tree, grow the apples and sell them!” he said.  Little did he realize this new endeavor would take him to new adventures.  John and Clazien continue to sell their organic fruit at farmer’s markets and stores around Northern California. He leaves behind his lovely wife of 55 years, Clazien, his children and their families, his sisters and brothers in Canada and Holland and many friends. Mass of the Christian burial will be held on Monday, April 13th at 10:00 a.m. We will celebrate his life at Saint Joachim’s Church, burial at Lodi Memorial Park and Cemetery and then at the Smit Ranch in Linden, California.  If you wish to send flowers, please send them to Saint Joachim Catholic Church, 13392 Lockeford Ranch Drive, Lockeford, CA.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION Private by family SERVICES St. Joachim Catholic Church, 13392 E. Lockeford Ranch Rd. Lockeford,CA 95237 INTERMENT

Lodi Memorial Cemetery

5750 E. Pine St, Lodi, CA

Visitacion Tubera

Visitacion Tubera1924 - 2015 INTERMENT Committal following service on Monday, April 13 in the Court of Valor Garden at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240

Vivian Gale Freiberg

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great- Grandmother

The world lost one of its most caring and generous souls on April 5th, 2015 - Easter Sunday. She was a strong woman full of kindness and found great joy in making the people around her happy.

She enjoyed life with her best friend, soul mate, and husband, Duane Freiberg. They were married just 10 days short of 55 years. She was born August 13, 1943, in Anniston Alabama.

In addition to her husband, Vivian is survived by her brother, Thomas Moncrief. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters Connie Barnet and Linda Mcwithey, and 3 brothers: Gerald Stiles, Steve Stiles and Theodore Stiles. She had 4 children: Steven Freiberg, Sheila Freiberg, Colleen Farrer and Amber Hughes. She had 9 grandchildren and 5 great- grandchildren. She touched the world with a positive light, leaving a legacy of love, generosity, and passion to help others. Vivian and her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all family, close friends, and medical team members who have offered their support and love throughout the years. You make a huge difference in our lives and we truly appreciate you.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Chapel , Cherokee Memorial Park , Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi, CA

INTERMENT

A graveside service will immediately follow at Cherokee Memorial Park.

Benjamin J. Seibel

  Ben was born in Lodi, California, on March 11, 1923 to John L. and Susanna Neufeld Seibel. He passed in Elk Grove, CA on April 5, 2015 at the age of 92. He was the youngest and last survivor of 13, children.

Ben is survived by his wife, Evelyn Ratzliff Seibel of San Jose, daughters Janys Anderson, Joanne Davis, and Deborah Roden, and son Dwayne Seibel. He also leaves 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ben started his career as an Identification Technician in the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and retired as a Scientific Investigator and ID Bureau Chief in Santa Cruz County. He served as Master of Soquel Masonic Lodge, and was a member of Scottish Rite of San Jose, and Ben Ali Shrine of San Francisco. He also served as Worthy Patron of the Santa Cruz and Woodbridge Chapters of Eastern Star with his late wife Betty as Matron. Ben also held life membership as past president in the California State Chapter of the International Association for Identification and life membership in the Santa Cruz County Peace Officers Association. He was recognized for his outstanding work in the identification field by the American Legion, as well as by former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and Former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Ben also advanced his education in the field of law enforcement and taught courses at Cabrillo and De Anza Colleges.

After graduation from Reedley High School, Ben entered the Merchant Marines to serve his country in time of war. He sailed on tanker ships providing fuel and aviation gas to other ships and ports in the South Pacific. On one voyage in 1943, his unarmed ship was struck by a torpedo near Suva, Fiji. In recent years, his service was recognized as being part of the U.S. Coast Guard and he was given an Honorable Discharge as a First Officer and was awarded battle stars.

Ben and Evelyn enjoyed many journeys throughout the world. Their travels took them to Europe, Russia, Alaska, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and many more adventurous places. They also enjoyed visiting family throughout the United States.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at  Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy  99  at  Harney Lane,   Lodi ,CA  95240

Billie W. Mairel-Gray

Pushin’ and a Pullin’ Billie W. Mairel Gray, also known as “Nana”, age 88 or “Double 44” passed away on Friday, April 3, 2015. Born in Clayton, Oklahoma, she was one of ten children; Billie was a resident of Stockton for over 60 years.

She “ran her own railroad” and proudly worked at the Woodruff Cosmetology School for over 20 years until she retired and then began her volunteer career for another 15 years at the Cancer Society. She was a proud and active member of the Stockton Elks Lodge. Survivors include her son, Larry Mairel, grandson, Shayn Anderson, granddaughters, Leslie Cruz and Shelda Mairel and two special friends, Tom and Barbara Smith. Two husbands, Arthur, “Jack” Mairel and John Gray, as well as her daughter, Karen Anderson, preceded her in death. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society via the local chapter at 207 E Alpine Avenue, Stockton, California 95204.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A Remembrance and Celebration of Live Service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Chapel,  Cherokee Memorial Park Hwy 99 and Harney Lane , Lodi , CA 95240

Ronald G. Spivey

Ron passed away suddenly at his home in Galt on April 2, 2015. He was born in Long Beach on June 28, 1949. He enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school and then served a tour of duty in South East Asia. After his discharge, he worked for the City of Menlo Park for 25 years before retirement. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Haskell and Guan Spivey of Lodi. He is survived by his brother, Jim (Carol) Spivey of Galt; nephew Chad (Lori) Spivey of Elk Grove; grandniece, Emma Spivey of Chico; and grandnephew, Haskell Spivey of Elk Grove.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

No services will be held.

INTERMENT

Interment will be private.

Geraldine Warford

Geraldine Warford passed away in Lodi on March 31, 2015 at the age of 80. She was born on September 6, 1934 to Noble and Ethel Staggs in Oklahoma. Geraldine enjoyed all kinds of crafts, including painting, and crocheting. She was an exceptional cook and enjoyed traveling,  and most especially cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Aaron E. Warford who passed away in 2005, and by her son Ernest E. Warford. She is survived by her daughters: Jeannie K. Knutsen (Daniel), Karen A. Hovater (Pete) and  Marlene M. Warford; 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 ,  at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Chapel,  Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, CA

INTERMENT

Interment will immediately follow service.

Linda Gilmore Shaffer

Linda Gilmore Shaffer, 71, died after a long struggle with cancer on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 in Stockton, CA. She was born on March 25, 1944 in Union City, NJ to Ira and Sally Plancey. She attained her teaching degree from Rutger’s University in 1973 with a major in English literature, she obtained her Master of Education from the University of Missouri. Most of her life was spent in Stockton, where she worked as a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher for 28 years in Stockton and Linden Unified Schools.

In 1977 she married Jim Gilmore; the marriage ended in divorce. In 2000 she remarried to Richard Shaffer, her loving husband for the last 15 years. Linda was particularly known for her work teaching English as a Second Language to immigrant children, especially Hmong children from Southeast Asia, whose lives she touched and who she treated like her own children. She was beloved by her sons, her grandsons and her schoolchildren, respected by her colleagues, and held in esteem by all who knew her.

Linda is survived by her sons David and Jonathan and her grandchildren Itamar, Rafael, Oliver and Estella.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2015 at

Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi CA 95240

INTERMENT

Interment will be private at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi.

Edwin Carl Hilt

Edwin Carl Hilt  

Ed Hilt passed away March 20, 2015 in Stockton at the age of 78. He was born in Honolulu Hawaii on February 14, 1937 to Art and Dorothy Hilt. Our Dad’s vocation in life was his family. Dad was a US Navy Boxing Champion and member of the Cathedral of the Annunciation. He provided for his immediate family, extended family and friends alike. Dad was our warrior and he fought up until the very end with quiet faith, courage, love, fidelity, compassion, determination, strength and awesomeness! These will be his legacy for all who knew him. Rest now Papa, we love you!

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Richard Gallego.

He is survived by his loving wife Julie Hilt; son Armando Moreno (Lori); daughters; Peanut Tofanelli (Larry), Cindy Williams; grandchildren: Armando Moreno (Christina), Br. Jonah Joseph Mary, CFR., Erika Moreno, Jennifer Martini, Gina Martini, Katy Williams, Kristopher Young-Tofanelli, Jayson Young-Tofanelli (Kendra), and Julie Tofanelli; great-grandchildren: Hayden, Conner, Cade, Arielle, Noah, Jennifer, Kristopher Jr., Addyson, and brother Donald Hilt (Krista)

GRAVESIDE SERVICES will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, CA. Donations may be made to Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, St. Michaels Friary, 190 Butler St., Paterson, NJ 07524

Irieona Tobin

INTERMENT Committal following services on Friday, March 27, 2015 in the Garden of Precious Memories at Cherokee Memorial Park, Harney Lane at Highway 99, Lodi, CA 95240

Reuben Gomez

August 9, 1933 - March 22, 2015

On the day of our fathers passing, Reuben went to be with our heavenly father.

He is survived by his loving wife Carmen Gomez of 57 years, His daughters Adelina Katen (David) and Debbie Clark (Jay). Grandchildren, David Katen II, Shannon Katen, Jason Clark, Krysta Clark, and four great grandchildren.

He served in the Korean War (Army). Retired from G.S.A. and also Boething Treeland Farms.

Donations may be made in his name to Lodi American Legion Post 22, 320 N. Washington St., Lodi, CA 95240.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Bear Creek Community Church, 11171 N. Lower Sacramento Rd. Lodi, CA 95242. Followed by a Graveside Service at Cherokee Memorial Park Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, CA. http://cherokeememorial.com/cmpfh-cemeteryvisitinfo.html

Adriano Quitasol

INTERMENT Committal following service on Monday, March 30, 2015 in the Garden of Angels at Cherokee Memorial Park, Harney Lane at Highway 99, Lodi, CA 95240

Robert McCallum Galloway Jr.

Robert “Bob” Galloway was surrounded by his adoring family as he entered into eternal rest on March 20, 2015.Bob was born on October 1, 1926 in Twechar, Scotland, and was the son of the late Robert M. Galloway, Sr. and Ellen Jane Bradford. Along with his parents and older brother James, Bob immigrated to the USA when he was 3 years old. His family made their home in Longmont, CO where Bob spent his childhood. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served between 1944 and 1947. Following his military service, Bob moved to Eureka, CA where he met and married the love of his life, Blanche "Nell" Colleen Hendrickson. In 1958, Bob and Nell moved from Eureka to Stockton where they lived for nearly 50 years.

Following a 40-year career in banking, Bob retired from Union Safe Deposit Bank in 1991 where he was Vice President and Manager. In recent years, Bob lived in Sacramento County in order to be close to his family; at the time of his passing, Bob resided in Elk Grove, CA where he had lived since 2011. Bob was an avid golfer and a former member of the Stockton Golf and Country Club, where he once served as president. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him and remembered fondly for his quick wit and sense of humor. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Nell Galloway. Left to mourn his passing are three children: Cathy Verkerk (wife of James Verkerk), Lori Brisson (wife of Michael Brisson) and Mark Galloway. He is also survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Green Valley Hospice, 3009 Douglas Blvd #160, Roseville, CA 95661.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No Visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A Graveside Inurnment will be held Saturday April 11, 2015 , 10:15 a.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240

http://cherokeememorial.com/cmpfh-cemeteryvisitinfo.html

Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at Harmony Wynelands, also in Lodi.

John T. Mitchell

John T. Mitchell, age 94, was born in Tennessee and passed away on March 17, 2015 in Stockton, CA. He was married to his loving wife Katherine for 72 years. He is survived by Katherine and their children John (Elizabeth) Mitchell Jr., Elizabeth (Lonnie) Kelley, James (Susan) Mitchell, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandson. He was preceded in death by his daughter Betty Murphy. Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 E. Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240

http://cherokeememorial.com/cmpfh-funhmvisitinfo.html SERVICES

Services will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240 http://cherokeememorial.com/cmpfh-cemeteryvisitinfo.html

Reception to Follow at Mayfair Christian Church, 5 W. Swain Road, Stockton, CA.

Janice McCaffrey Navone

Janice McCaffrey Navone passed away suddenly on March 14, 2015. Janice was born in Stockton, attended Stockton High School, and graduated from the University of Pacific (COP) at age 19.

After receiving her Master's Degree in education, she taught in Stockton schools for 23 years while having seven children with Aldo, the love of her life.

She was totally devoted to her children and every night spent time teaching them individually. When she finally retired from teaching, she was very active with Assistance League while also devoting her time to her family and gardening. After living in Waterloo, Calif. for 66 years, Janice and Aldo recently moved to The Commons on Thornton Road in Stockton.

 She is survived by Aldo her husband of 68 years, sons David (Margo), Ron (Michelle), Tom (Elisabeth), and daughters Lorinda (Mark) Ochinero, Velda (Jim) Davis, Marla Cardoza, Diana (Clark) Hulbert, 17 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Janice has always wished donations be directed to San Joaquin County Historical Society Museum.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

Funeral services are private.

Warren Louis Potts

Warren passed away on Friday, March 13, 2015 in Lodi. Born in El Reno, OK to Walter and Christena Potts, raised in Chauvin and New Orleans until sixth grade, he moved to Richmond, Calif.

After graduating from Richmond High School in 1954, he went to San Jose State University, where he continued his love and pursuit of judo and his high school sweetheart, Georgia.

They married in 1955. They had five children: Sandi (Scott) Cornfield, Michael (Kathleen) Potts, Dennis Potts, Carole (Chris) Funge, Kevin (Elizabeth) Potts; grandchildren Christina (Chris), Clinton (Kim), Tyler, Emilie, Alex, Katrina (Bill); great grandchildren Christopher, Colin, Brianna, as well as his next-door “grandchildren” Ellie and Logan.

After college, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve for three years. Wanting to try his chops at the culinary arts, he was a chef at the five-star restaurant Doggie Diner. He started his career at AC Transit as a driver, then dispatcher before moving to Golden Gate Transit where he retired after 25 years as the Superintendent of Scheduling.

He was a passionate square dancer with various clubs and past president of the Northern California Square Dancers Association.

His greatest joys besides collecting unique hats and watching his extended family grow up were “keeping the city safe” as a Lodi Police Partner with his buddy, Vito.

He was a deacon at Grace Presbyterian Church in Lodi and loved to travel the world with Georgia. She preceded him in death in 2014.

In 2013 they established the Novacek-Potts Memorial Scholarship Fund at Tokay High School. Warren was well known throughout Lodi as the “Turtle Hat guy” for the custom hat he wore everywhere he went. He was truly loved by those who met him and will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Novacek-Potts Memorial Scholarship Fund (Bank of Stockton, PO Box 759, Lodi, CA 95241) or Grace Presbyterian Church.

Please add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

No visitation will be held.

SERVICES

A Celebration of Life (New Orleans style) will be held on Sunday, March 22, at 3:00 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church, 10 North Mills, Lodi, CA.