Ester Urbano

Ester Calderon Urbano
December 18, 1932 – September 24, 2024

Our loving mother, Ester C Urbano died peacefully on September 24, 2024 in her home. She was 91 years old.

Ester is survived by her children, Marlon C. Urbano (Marma Caperas) from Philippines, Audie C. Urbano (Pat Tolentino) and Grace U. Romualdo (Ted Romualdo)  both of Stockton, CA, 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 2 great greatgrandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her late husband and eldest son, Julio Jr.

We celebrate the life of a woman who was a beacon of kindness and love. She was a woman of deep Christian faith. Her greatest joy in life was her family. Her legacy is one of unwavering devotion to her family, a testament to the beautiful life she lived, and the countless lives she touched. Ester’s memory will be treasured forever, as we hold her close in our hearts and remember the light she brought into this world.

Please join us for the “Celebration of her Life” at Carson Oaks Community Church. 6605 N. Alturas Ave. Stockton, CA 95207 on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00am.  

Burial will be private.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Urbano family.

Paul Pina

February 10, 1960 - September 24, 2024

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of Paul Joseph Pina (64), of Galt. Paul passed away peacefully on September 24th, 2024.

Paul was born February 10, 1960, in Sacramento the son of Richard & Magdalene Pina. Paul married the love of his life April Ramacciotti on February 10th, 2002. They were happily married for 22 years.

Paul worked for Bliss Power Lawn Equipment, Sacramento, CA for almost 30 years. Paul also served as the Vice President of the HOA community at Emerald Village, Galt, CA.

Paul was a die-hard Raider fan and especially loved fishing, camping, and being with friends and loved ones. Remaining to cherish Paul’s memory are his wife April, Sister, Catherine & Brother-in-law John; Children Kati, Alyssa, Ryan, and Robert; Grandchildren, Brianna, Taylor, Melanie, Miles, Camber, Logan, and the remaining family members. Preceding Paul in death are his mother and father, Richard & Magdalene, and Brother, Richard Jr.

SERVICE
Funeral services will be held on October 9th, 2024, at 10 AM at Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home. Address: 14165 Beckman Road in Lodi with reception to follow.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Pina family.

Enedina Avila Smith

October 31, 1943 - September 24, 2024

Our dear Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, Enedina Avila Smith, passed away unexpectedly on September 24, 2024. She was surrounded by all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was born in Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico on October 31, 1943. She spent her youth in Mexico and had a happy childhood surrounded by family. On August 2, 1966, she married the love of her life, Glen Arthur Smith, while she was working in El Paso, Texas. He preceded her in death on September 15, 2014.

She is survived by her 4 children, Louis (Brandi), Helen Fua (George Alani), Lynn (Natasha) and Dina Sullivan (Richard), along with 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, She is also survived by her brothers Roberto Avila Rede, Cornelio Avila Esparza and Rene Avila Esparza and sisters Olivia Avila Esparza, Maria Luisa Avila Esparza and Maria de Jesus Avila Esparza.

She is preceded in death by her mother Josepha Rede Coronado, who died when she was only 4 months old and her father Jose Carmen Avila Retana, her sister Elsa Avila Esparza, brother Adolfo Avila Esparza and great grandson Ara Avanessian Fua.

Her adult years were spent raising her 4 children and involving herself in the important tasks of motherhood. She had many friends and loved to serve in her church and community. She enjoyed dancing and watching Mexican telenovelas. She welcomed many into her home and loved cooking her legendary Mexican dishes for everyone. She will be missed by all.

We invite all who knew and loved her to join us in celebrating her life and the joy she brought to all of us.

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:30pm - 7:30pm on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 at the Zinfandel Room in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A public visitation will be held from 9:00am - 10:00am and a family visitation will follow from 10:00am - 11:00am with a service to be held held at 11:30am on Friday, October 4th, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1510 W. Century Blvd, Lodi, CA 95242.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Smith family.

Dr. Richard Evereley Waters II

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Rip Waters on September 24th, 2024.

Rip was born in Reno, NV to Richard and Joanne Waters. He is survived by his loving wife Erica, and their children Ella (20) and Reed (19). He is also survived by his mother, Joanne Waters, brothers Robert (Sara) Waters and Randall (Janée) Waters, sister-in-law Lindsay (Scott) Horner, nieces and nephews Tucker,

Claire, Kellen, Isabella, Alexandre, Grant and Gavin, and parents-in-law, Leon and Denise Reed.

He was preceded in death by his beloved father and namesake, Richard E. Waters.

Rip moved to Stockton, California as a toddler, and was always proud to call Stockton his hometown. He grew up in the neighborhood surrounding UOP, attending local public schools, and forging friendships that lasted a lifetime. He attended Amos Alonzo Stagg HS, where he served as student body president, and graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1989.

Rip was a brilliant student, and continued his academic pursuits, seeking excellence at all times.

He graduated from Stanford in 1993 with a BA in Economics. After college, he spent a year traveling and serving as a medical volunteer in Peru, then continued on to Vanderbilt Medical School, receiving his MD in 1998. He completed internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2001, and cardiovascular fellowship at Duke University Hospital in 2005.

After completing his training, he returned home to Stockton, where he sought to always provide outstanding cardiology care to the community.

He joined Stockton Cardiology Medical Group in 2005 and was a partner there for the remainder of his career. He was a dedicated clinician and loved to hear every person’s story.

He also worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he served in many leadership roles. He was most proud of being part of the structural heart team, which brought non-invasive heart valve replacement (TAVR) to Stockton.

Though Rip valued his job as a cardiologist, his most cherished and gifted roles were as a husband, father, son, brother and friend. He met Erica on a rafting trip just prior to their first day at Vanderbilt and their love for one another grew alongside their knowledge. They were married in 2001 and pursued their dreams and goals together from that day on. Although Rip received many accolades throughout his career, he considered Ella and Reed his greatest achievements. He loved them fiercely, and was proud of them always. Rip was a great son, big brother, and uncle. He valued family connections and traditions above all. Rip was a dedicated and loyal friend to so many. At every stage, he made a large group of friends whom he held close for the remainder of his life.

Rip was serious about his commitments, but when the work was done, he definitely knew how to have a good time. He loved to gather with family and friends, and always enjoyed sitting around a full table, preferably with a Giants game on in the background. He appreciated a great martini (or two) and would craft a cocktail for you with love and attention to detail. He was always happiest outdoors. He preferred outdoor meals and was a master of the grill. As the original Waterboy1, he loved to be in the water, and was a talented swimmer and water polo player. He loved to waterski and later enjoyed driving the boat and teaching the kids to ski. Rip especially loved the mountains. He was an expert skier and an avid hiker.

His ideal day was spent on the slopes with his favorite ski companions, Ella and Reed. Though it was far too short, Rip’s life was always full of love.

Private family services were held at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi. A Celebration of Rip’s Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Joaquin Medical Society Scholarship Loan Fund www.tinyurl.com/GIVESLF

3031 W. March Lane, suite 222W, Stockton CA 59219,

or the charity of your choice.

Laut Hem

May 4, 1927 - September 23, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Saturday, October 12th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, October 12th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hem family.

Thomas Areida

March 19, 1953 - September 23, 2024

Mike Areida, Class of ‘71, Lodi High School (legally Thomas Michael Areida), 71, of Stockton, California, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024. Born on March 19, 1953, in Visalia, California, he dedicated his life to serving others.

A graduate of Biola University, Mike was a beloved Youth Minister with Youth for Christ/Campus Life, Stockton Covenant Church, and most recently, Giant Step Programs. He also made a significant impact as a teacher at Chavez High School and previously at Stagg High School.

He is survived by his loving family which includes: his spouse, Maxine Areida; son Bradley; daughter Rachel Boenisch (Erick); granddaughters Kelsey and Alyssa; sister Ann Areida-Hintz (Doug); brother Paul Areida (Heather); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was a larger-than-life personality who embraced life to the fullest, making everyone he met feel like an instant friend. Known for his humor, love of adventure, and gift for giving nicknames, he was a compassionate listener who supported and strengthened many in San Joaquin County and beyond. He cherished laughter, good company, barbecues, travel, his family, and, most importantly, his faith in Jesus.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Lodi First Baptist Church. If you plan to stay for lunch, please RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/mikeareida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Areida Family Scholarship Fund, which honors Mike's mission of love and support for young people. Donate by check: Make checks payable to San Joaquin Community Foundation and mail to 6731 Herndon Place, Stockton, CA 95219. Please include in the memo line of the check or include a note with the check that it’s for the Areida Family Scholarship. To donate online: https://tinyurl.com/MikeAreidaScholarship

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Areida family.

Michael Lobb

December 14, 1959 - September 21, 2024

Early in the morning on Saturday, September 21st a band of angels came and took Michael Lobb to his Heavenly Home. Michael fought the Good Fight against Cancer for more than a year. His wife Kathy and family were with him along with his beloved dogs Nala and Mimi to say goodbye.

Michael was a family man and a true "Dog Dad" His mother, Ona Glee Miller and Father Joseph Garr Lobb welcomed his birth on December 14th, 1959. The last of their three boys.

The untimely death of his mother Ona led to a second marriage to Ida Mae Lobb who had the honor to be his mom from age seven until his passing.

Michael graduated from Lodi High after which he became an electrician in the construction business, where he made many friends and fellow "Trekies" Yes, he loved Star Trek and enjoyed "treks" to "Star Trek" conventions with his wife of 27 years Kathy.

Michael's sense of humor was a mainstay of his cancer battle, always upbeat. In the late stages of cancer he was able to have cataract surgery on his left eye which enabled him to enjoy his frequently watched old TV Westerns like "Gunsmoke" and "The Rifleman".

When bidding him goodbye after a visit, he would point to his "good eye" laughingly reminding you "I've got my eye on you!"

At one time as an early teen, Michael had a horse named "Saturday Nite" who he lovingly cared for and rode through vineyards and trails along with his sister Kristi on her horse "Fancy Pants".

To say Michael will be missed is an understatement, there was something about him that just made you love him, giving love right back to you. All who shared his life. Those who remain will bask in the afterglow of great memories. Forever loved, Never forgotten."Star Trek", Live Long and Prosper.

Michael is preceded in death by his mother Ona Lobb, father Joseph Lobb, son Nick Lobb, and sister Kristi Lobb.

Remaining in sadness to mourn, wife Kathy Jo Lobb, mom Ida Mae Lobb, sons; Craig Becker, Joseph Lobb, Steven Adler, daughter Nicole Becker, brothers; Tim Lobb (Sue), Jeff Lobb, sister Kathleen Clark (Tim), and grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Special Thanks to Craig Becker for constant loving care in his final days. To Trisha Bender for over and above love, care support and daily visits. To Subway at Ham Ln and Lockeford St. for special soups always available prayers and concerns. To Pro Care Hospice for loving care and compassion.

Michael will be laid to rest in The Rose Garden at St. Johns Episcopal Church at a family service.
Memorials may be sent to Animal Friends Connection at 933 S. Cherokee Ln. Lodi, 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Lobb family.

John Lofranco

March 26, 1993 - September 20, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm on Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm on Sunday, October 6th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Monday, October 7th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Lofranco family.

Eath Hong

May 11, 1973 - September 20, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Friday, October 11th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, October 11th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hong family.

Irma Wimer

Irma Jean Loretta Wimer
September 3, 1931 - September 19, 2024

Irma Jean Loretta Wimer (Linkert) was born in Lodi, California, on September 3, 1931, to Marie and George Linkert. Irma fell asleep in death surrounded by love in her home of 40+ years in Sacramento, California. She is survived by her two daughters: Joy and Kim; 5 grandchildren: Alisha, Lindsey, Josh, Jennifer and Jacob; 3 great grandchildren: Joseph, James and Meadow; and brother-in-law Deb Wimer (identical twin brother of Eb Wimer). Irma had two siblings: JoAnn Mary Crumpton (Linkert) (1932-2012) and James (Jimmy) Linkert (1944-2024).

Irma’s strong work ethic was instilled at a very early age. At 6 she was preparing supper for the family on their wood-burning stove. At day break before school each morning she and her father could be found milking cows and tending to the other animals on their farm, including chickens and goats. At 12 she was driving a tractor; she was so small they had to use wooden blocks so she could reach the pedals. After school her chores included helping her father in harvesting the fields and picking grapes. During the summer months you’d find her in the local cannery with her mother.  Irma loved to tell stories of how the other German women (twice her age) were jealous of her and would say mean things about her in German because her energy and speediness at work “made them look bad.”

Raised a Lutheran, Irma attended a Lutheran school.  Always a strong-minded, direct and honest person, it’s no surprise that at a young age she would ask her Lutheran teachers many difficult Bible-based questions. The teachers later came to the house and told her parents to have her stop asking disruptive questions in class.

Irma became acquainted with the Wimer Family in 1945 when she was 14 years old.

The Wimers originated from Oklahoma. Father James Charles (CJ) Wimer, a WWI vet, owned a farm in Stuart, Oklahoma and served as the Hughes County Sheriff in the 1920s. The family had to leave Oklahoma due to the dust bowl drought which destroyed their crops. All they had was their car so they packed it up and drove town to town following the crops. Their journey eventually led them to Southern California. In 1945 the Wimer family moved up north, settling in Lodi, California.

JC Wimer, was very sick due to his injuries in WWI, but was still trying earnestly to provide for his family of 6 which included his wife, Rachel, and their four children, Eb, his twin brother Deb, and their two sisters, Lidge and Midge.  Irma’s father owned hotels in town and provided a room to the Wimer family in exchange for their labor on his farm. As a result, George Linkert and JC Wimer became fast friends and not long thereafter Irma and Eb started dating.  When Eb and Deb were only was 19 (1949), their father JC Wimer tragically died.

Irma graduated from Lodi Union High School on June 8, 1950.

It was in the midst of grieving his father’s death, as Irma would recall, that Eb sort of just “disappeared.” Grandma was heartbroken. She began working at the Fox Theatre (Bob Hope), the Stockton aka “the hot spot.”  She also began dating and became engaged to another fellow she knew from high school that was away at college. It turned out this fellow had his eyes on someone else at the college. Word got back to grandma literally in the Lodi grapevines by way of the guy’s own mother telling Marie Linkert about it in German. When the young man returned, expecting to collect the engagement ring from Irma, he was greeted with a shotgun in the hands of Mr. Linkert. Needless to say the engagement was off.

One evening after a shift at the Fox Theater, into the theater walks Irma’s long lost first love, Eb Wimer. Irma had arrangements to get a ride with a male coworker whom she immediately ditched for Eb. They made their escape through the theater back door.  The rest is history. Eb and Irma were married shortly thereafter on July 15, 1951.

The Wimer Family introduced Irma to the truth. JC Wimer was frequently called upon by the “Bible Students” as they were called then.  Eb Wimer recalls seeing the Photo Drama as a child with awe.

Shortly after marrying in 1951, Eb was enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War from February 1952 – January 1954. While Eb was away his mother, Rachel, began studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses and introduced her daughter-in-law to the truth. Irma began writing about it in her letters to Eb and he recalled learning some things throughout his childhood and fully supported Irma’s new interest.

Irma started studying with Rachel Wimer and later with Margaret (Bippus) Susich. Irma was a tough-minded cookie, however, and wouldn’t just take anything blindly. As she told the story, she started studying with the intent to prove the Witnesses wrong. We all know how that ended. Eb and Irma Wimer were baptized together on March 28, 1955, in Lodi, California.

They welcomed their first daughter, Joy Wimer in 1956. In 1958 (July 27-August 3) the little family drove across the country to attend the 8-day International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds in New York city. 

Eb and Irma welcomed their second daughter, Kim Wimer in 1960.

Irma is remembered as a hard-working and energetic wife and mother, as well as a generous, artistic and crafty woman.

Her professions included working as a Telephone Switchboard Operator at Liberty House in the 1960’s, medical office assisting at Kaiser, food demonstrator, medical office reception, and elementary school yard monitor. Between 1981 and 1990 she owned two Honey Treat Yogurt Shops in Sacramento. One on Mack Road and the other inside the Florin Mall. Many fondly remember her as “the Yogurt Lady.” Many of the friends in local congregations would stop by an enjoy the delicious yogurt and good company or Irma and Eb. Irma would also host field trips of local elementary school-aged children.

In early 1979, Irma’s first granddaughter was born, Alisha, to Kim Wimer. Several months later, Lindsey, her second granddaughter would be born to Joy Wimer.

Irma and Eb were very involved in Alisha’s life and raised Lindsey as their own daughter.

Both Alisha and Lindsey have fond memories of Grandma Irma.  Together, grandma and grandpa were great examples of faithfulness over the years. Serving Jehovah together, and faithful to one another in marriage for almost 52 years. Irma was a very good example of a submissive, supportive and loyal wife.

For many years they brought both granddaughters to the District Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. There they enjoyed staying in Pacifica and hold many fond memories of these times.

When grandpa died suddenly in 2002, there was a spark in Grandma’s eyes that was noticeably lost.  Nothing, however, deterred grandma from serving Jehovah with all her heart. She always faithfully did as much as she could. When she could no longer attend the meetings in person, she was present by telephone at every meeting, listening and paying close attention. She also spent upwards of 30 hours every month in letter writing. After grandpa’s death she enjoyed researching local obituaries and writing to surviving family members to encourage them by sharing with them her hope in the resurrection in their time of loss. She found this therapeutic after losing her beloved husband. She never missed a memorial celebration of Christ’s death each year and always made medical staff aware of her stand on Blood in accord with Acts 15:28-29.

When caring for her mother each week, she would stop by the cemetery at Cherokee Memorial in Lodi to clean her husband’s grave and leave flowers.

On October 15, 2024, Irma was also buried at Cherokee Memorial in the same plot as Eb, along with generations of family who are also buried in the same cemetery.

We miss her terribly, but know she is merely asleep, resting until the fulfilment of John 5:28, 29: “for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life…” We can’t wait to see her again right here on earth when this scripture is fulfilled. (Psalm 37:10, 11)

SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 12:30pm on Friday, October 11th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Wimer 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
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