Steven Heskett

Steven Douglas Heskett
January 31, 1952 - August 21, 2024

Steve is survived by his wife, Tamara (Scott) Heskett; his daughter, Bernice (Heskett) Weilburg; his two grandchildren, Alyssa and Clinton; and his sister, Laura (Heskett) Soares. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Leone Heskett; and his brother, Timothy Heskett.

Steve was born, raised and stayed in Stockton, CA. He graduated from Sacramento State University with a BA in English Literature. He worked in a number of fields and found satisfaction in using his brain and in hard physical work. Steve had a variety of interests, such as a love of animals, which included his dogs, a cat, a hamster, and a rabbit. He loved Western movies and TV series; he also loved Kung Fu and Godzilla movies (especially the badly made ones). Anime was something else he enjoyed; one of his favorites was Cowboy Bebop. Steve loved creating gardens, and he also liked to build fires; the bigger the better.

Along with having his own interests, Steve also shared many with his family, such as watching cartoons with his niece (a favorite was The Powerpuff Girls), and crafts with his daughter and nephews.

His greatest accomplishment was his daughter Bernice, who brought him great joy and a lot of sass.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of San Joaquin, who made the end of his life dignified and comforting.

GRAVESIDE
A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, September 12th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Heskett family.

Lois Owen

October 19, 1953 - August 21, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 10:00am on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Owen family.

Bennie Foster

March 8, 1948 - August 21, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Foster family.

Wayne Thallander

Wayne Lee Thallander
Aug. 10, 1954 - Aug. 19, 2024


Wayne Lee Thallander filled hearts and minds as a high school teacher, basketball coach and beloved friend. A talented photographer, he filled frames with inimitable panache, capturing vibrant sports action shots and the joy of social events. Wayne was a familiar figure on the sidelines of Central Valley sporting events, either taking photos for area publications or encouraging girls basketball players he coached at three different high schools. A dedicated son and brother, his sudden death on Aug. 19 leaves an incalculable void. Wayne was born on Aug. 10, 1954. A native of Grand Forks, North Dakota, he moved to Stockton as a toddler with his family – father Wilfred Lasse Emmanuel, mother Mae Bernice Branvold and brother Mark Alan Thallander.

As a child, Wayne went to John Tyler School and Calvary Tabernacle. His family built a home in the Park Woods neighborhood and Wayne attended John R. Williams School, Lincoln Senior Elementary, Lincoln High School and Lincoln Neighborhood Church. His interest in photography began when he followed in his brother’s footsteps as a staffer for the Lincoln Log, where he was mentored by yearbook advisor Gary Daloyan. Wayne earned his Associate of Arts degree in Communication from San Joaquin Delta College in 1974, followed by his Bachelor of Science in Journalism and English from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1976. He returned to Stockton to pursue his teaching credential at the University of the Pacific, then began his 37-year teaching career. Wayne started at his alma mater before being lured to Tracy High in 1979. He served as advisor of the El Portal yearbook and award-winning Scholar & Athlete newspaper. He was the newspaper advisor for 31 years, taking a break to coach the varsity girls basketball team, which he did from 1982-1991, starting as a co-head coach with Tom Hawkins. In that time, he led the Bulldogs to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section semifinals. He served as the junior varsity girls basketball team from 1992-98.

Under Wayne’s leadership, the Scholar & Athlete earned 13 consecutive All-American awards from the National Scholastic Press Association between 1991-2004. He also guided the newspaper staff two Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown awards. The paper was inducted into the National Scholastic Press Association Hall of Fame in 2002. Wayne’s guidance gave countless students a headstart on professional journalism careers. He left an impression on thousands of English students – some of whom went on to become teachers themselves – before retiring in 2016. For his journalism students, “Mr. T’s” classroom was a second home where he was relied on for his wit, smile and steady presence. Wayne was coaxed back into coaching by lifelong friend and fellow educator Greg Leland, reuniting at Manteca’s Sierra High in 1999. Wayne served as an assistant for girls varsity basketball coach Dan Cunial, winning three league championships in eight years. Wayne took another break from coaching before again joining Leland’s crew, this time at Lathrop High. Wayne was part of Dwayne Davis’ varsity girls basketball staff from 2017-23, claiming three more league titles and making it to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division III semifinals in 2022. While he never wanted to be the center of attention, Wayne was wonderful at recording moments and promoting others. He loved being behind the camera. His images form professional, collegiate and high school sporting events were frequently featured in the Tracy Press, Manteca Bulletin and yearbooks under the Leonard Photography Studios umbrella. He was just as comfortable shooting at Stanford and Cal football games, the 49ers, Raiders, Giants and A’s as was high school games, homecoming parades and classroom scenes. He volunteered his time shooting for friends and family, often at youth sports events and artistic performances. A generous friend and kind soul, Wayne remembered birthdays by sending greeting cards, attended shows to support musician friends and helped young teachers. He was passionate about education, sharing his love of sports and serving others. He was a counselor, anchor and light for many. Wayne was devoted to his faith and family, caring for his parents late in their lives, as well as his mother’s sister, Aunt Delores “Dodie” Jean Smith. Wayne is survived by his brother Mark of Ogunquit, Maine and Palm Springs, as well as many cousins. In addition to Greg and Debbie Leland, extended family members mourning his passing include Mike Leland of Manteca, Keith Evans of Stockton, Cindy Pettit of Charlotte, N.C., Kelly Jones of Kingsburg, Regan and Tricia Jones of Roseville, Bob and Theresa Behler of Boise, Idaho, and Kristen and Kaedy DeToro of Youngstown,
Ohio.

FINAL RESTING PLACE
Wayne has been laid to rest at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi.

SERVICES
A Memorial Service has been planned for Saturday, Nov. 16,2024 at 1 p.m. at
Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204.
Tax-deductible contributions may be made in Wayne’s name to The Mark
Thallander Foundation at www.markthallanderfoundation.org.

Samuel Searcy

June 18, 1947 - August 18, 2024

Samuel J. Searcy, 77 years of age, from Stockton California, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024 at home surrounded by his family.

Sam was born June 18, 1947, in French Camp, California. He was survived by his loving wife Sandra Searcy for 35 years. He had eight children, Tina, Serina, Valerie, Michelle, Lisa, Jennifer, Bob and Clarissa. He had 30 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Sam will be laid to rest Friday, August 30,2024 at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery in Lodi California.

On behalf of Sam’s, wife and family we would like to thank everyone for your prayers and messages of condolence.  

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Searcy family.

Patricia Samora

January 1, 1948 - August 16, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia L. Samora, who left this world on August 16th, 2024.

Patricia was a cherished daughter, beloved godmother, and close friend to many.

Born on January 1st 1948 to Alfonso and Mollie Samora, Patricia lived a full life of love, laughter, and kindness.

She was well known for her sense of humor and her contagious and cheerful laughter, which could brighten the mood within seconds.

Patricia had a passion for a variety of music from Brett Michaels to Garth brooks, enjoyed her classic cult movies, and loved swimming.  She expressed on many occasions swimming was one of her favorite pastimes.

Patricia is survived by her three closest friends, Grace Sanchez, Ve Navalta, Mary Margaret Aguirre, and her Godson David Chavez who will cherish the fond memories they had with her.  She will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Rest in peace, dearest Patricia. You will be deeply missed.

GRAVESIDE
A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, September 19th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Samora family.

Antonio Gonzalez

May 23, 2002 - August 16, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm with a rosary starting at 5:30pm on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
Mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, September 6th, 2024 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, located at 5882 N. Ashley Lane, Stockton, CA 95215.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gonzalez family.

Myo Chung

October 15, 1925 - August 14, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 10:00am - 11:00am on Sunday, August 25th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Sunday, August 25th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Chung family.

Katherine Ramacciotti

September 27, 1935 - August 12, 2024

Katherine V. Ramacciotti 88 of Lodi, CA, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024 after a long and fulfilling life.

Katherine was born on September 27, 1935, at Alameda Hospital in Oakland, CA. Katherine married Roy Ramacciotti in 1953 during there 71 years of marriage they had four children, Donna, Anita, Tina and April, son in laws, James, Jeffrey, Eddie and Paul.

Katherine was predeceased by her parents Mary and Rude Yugo and her Brother’s John, Joe, Rude and Bill and her Sister’s Molly, Mary and Helen.

She is survived by her daughters and 10 Grandchildren,12 Great Grandchildren.

In honor of her final wishes Katherine will have no services but will be laid to rest at Cherokee Memorial Cemetary on Beckman Road in Lodi, CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ramacciotti 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.

CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS
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