Melvin Haining

February 12, 1935 - March 11, 2025

Melvin Eugene Haining, lovingly known as “Sweet Mel,” was born on Feb 12, 1935 in Agra, Kansas, to Alvin and Mary Ellen Haining. The light of his big, loving heart went out as he passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 11, 2025, in Lodi, California.

In 1940, Mel moved with his family to Prescott, Arizona, where he attended grade school before relocating to Phoenix in 1947. It was there that he developed a passion for baking alongside his mother. He attended Arizona Academy for high school, where he worked in the bakery and met his high school sweetheart, Carole Ann Carlson. They married in 1952 and built a life together, sharing a love for horses and farming.

Mel pursued a career in construction, starting with Whitman Construction in Phoenix. His natural talent for mastering heavy equipment quickly made him the go-to operator for new machinery. He was the first to operate the largest crane in North America when it arrived in Phoenix, an experience he likened to receiving a Christmas gift. In 1967, he founded American General Contracting and later partnered with a family friend to build several golf courses in Arizona, including Scottsdale Country Club and Papago Golf course.

In 1989, Mel moved to Lodi to be closer to family. He worked alongside his son Rick in construction while continuing his love for horseback riding. In 1990, he met Vera Benson, and despite neither seeking commitment, they married in August of 1990 and shared 34 wonderful years together.

Mel’s love for baking led him to open Sweet Mel’s Bakery in Lodi in 2010. His pies became famous, drawing customers from across the country. Even after selling the bakery in 2023, his passion for baking endured as he collaborated with Frosted Flour and dreamed of new culinary ventures, including a hot dog stand and a food truck.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bud Haining, and son Larry Eugene Haining. He is survived by his wife Vera; sister Shirley Haining Spears; children Debbie Fessler (Jerry) and Rick Haining (Linda Frater); daughter -in-law Denise Haining; step-sons Clint and Robbie Benson; grandchildren Keri Gatling (Jason), Tyler Haining, Kelli DeBooy (Jon) and Tausha Rempfer (Matt); and great-grandchildren Noah Gatling 18, Madi Gatling 15, Frank Rempfer 15, Brayden DeBooy 13, Bennett DeBooy 11, Blakely DeBooy 9, Bowen DeBooy 7, Cooper Gatling 4.

Mel loved his family beyond measure. He enjoyed listening to then sing or play their instruments, and watching them play sports. He loved going to Arizona to get some “real Mexican food”. He would always want to stop at every bakery when he was on a road trip. He was an avid student of the Bible and loved to share Jesus with anyone that would listen and even some that wouldn’t.

His son Rick said “Dad always said put in 100% and you’ll get 100% back.” His daughter Debbie said “ Whenever I would cook or bake and dad would come over he would taste and taste again and then say “ this is not bad but you could kick it up a notch.”

Mel’s warmth, generosity, and love for family and friends will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

SERVICE
A celebration of Mel’s life will be held on Sunday, May 4th, at 10:30 a.m. at English Oaks Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s hospital or Maranatha.org

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Haining family.

Patrick Fisher

Patrick Fisher
1943 – 2025

Patrick Fisher, 81, passed away peacefully at home in Linden, California, on March 8, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Patrick lived a life marked by love, service, and dedication to his family and country.

A proud Vietnam veteran, Patrick served as a medic, providing care and comfort to his fellow soldiers during a time of great challenge. His compassionate spirit and selflessness in the face of adversity remained a guiding force throughout his life.

Patrick is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Janice; his sons, Shawn and Michael; his stepson, Tom; and his stepdaughters, Tracy and Johnna. He was a cherished grandfather to eight grandchildren who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his loving sister, Yvette Lambertus.

Patrick’s legacy is one of kindness, resilience, and devotion to those he loved. His warmth, humor, and unwavering strength will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 10:15am on Monday, April 7th, 2025 at the Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 12:30pm on Monday, April 7th, 2025 at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, located at 5810 Midway Road, Dixon CA, 95620.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Fisher family.

Jayda Srey

June 19, 2006 - March 7, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 10:00am - 1:00pm on Sunday, March 16th, 2025 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 Sunday, March 16th, 2025 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 Srey family.

Karen Moore

July 9, 1940 - March 7, 2025

Karen Yvonne (Hansen) Moore passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on March 7, 2025. She was born in Stockton, California, to parents Robert and Norma Hansen on July 9, 1940 (a birthday gift to her sister Sandra who turned two years old on that same day!).

Karen attended Weber Elementary School, Stockton Junior High and Stockton College. She was proud to be a part of the first graduating class of the newly-developed Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in 1958. She loved to drive, and it was common for her friends to pile in her car on any given Friday evening and head to San Francisco for a few hours of fun, before turning around and coming home - radio blasting, of course!

“Aunt Karen” took great pride in her nieces and nephews and loved them as her own. She was always there for them in every way possible. She enjoyed her job in the catalog department at Montgomery Wards, where she made many lifelong friends. Later, she worked at Carnation Company’s trucking division, and it was there that she met her future husband, David Moore. David asked her if she’d like to go on a “ride-along” during a delivery in his semi-truck, and the rest is history! They married in 1987 in Reno, Nevada.

She was known to take any stray cat under her wing, and that lucky kitty would be treated like a king or a queen. Karen had a soft spot in her heart for all animals. Throughout the years, Karen was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and serving on Boards. Karen had a very sharp wit, and everyone loved to be around her! Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She leaves behind her loving husband David Moore, dear sister Sandra Brungardt, treasured nieces Donna Kay Valdivia, Lauren Michel, Julia Lambie and Jennifer Ashby, and caring nephew Keith Mead. She was affectionately called “A.K.” by her great-nephew Casey Tholborn and great-nieces Madeline and Ruby Lambie.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 444 N. American Street, Stockton, California, with light refreshments to follow in the Fireside Room. Private interment at the Sierra View Mausoleum at Cherokee Memorial Park.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Moore family.

Robert Abercrombie

September 11, 1955 - March 5, 2025

Robert Steven Abercrombie, devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, son and brother, passed away peacefully at home in Acampo, Ca. on March 5, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on September 11, 1955 in Visalia, Ca. to parents Bob (deceased) and Barbara. The Abercrombie family that included Robert’s siblings, Linda, Richard, Lisa, Ronald and Laura moved to Stockton, Ca. in 1969. 

Robert was married to the love of his life, Bridget, for 47 wonderful years. Together, they built a life rooted in love and partnership.  He was the cherished father of Monica (Matthew) Newman and Eric (Kristin) Abercrombie and the proud "Papa" to three beloved grandchildren that he treasured spending time with: Dominic Newman, Adalyn Abercrombie, and Abigail Abercrombie. 

A man of humility, integrity and extraordinary capability, Robert was deeply respected by those that worked alongside him.  As Senior Vice President of Vineyard Operations for Trinchero Family Estates he dedicated over 30 years of his life to his fulfilling career, he was a world-class grape grower, cultivating enough grapes to fill an astounding 3.4 billion glasses of wine! 

In retirement, Robert continued his love of farming and grape growing, which led to his new passion of winemaking, founding Robridge Wines in 2015. With meticulous care, he hand-selected four varieties of grapes, perfectly suited for the region.  More than just an amateur winemaker, Robert was a generous soul who delighted in sharing his craft.  If you visited his home, you arrived as a friend and left as family - likely with a bottle (or two) of his wine in hand. 

Whether tending to his vines, lending a helping hand, or enjoying moments with family and his many friends, Robert excelled in everything he did. His legacy of hard work, kindness and generosity will live on in the many lives he touched. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of San Joaquin in Robert’s memory, hospicesj.org. 

We will raise a glass of wine in your honor Robert as you will be forever loved and missed.  

SERVICE
A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 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 Abercrombie family.

James Christensen

September 22, 1932 - March 5, 2025

James Christensen, 92, passed away on March 5, 2025, in Stockton, California.

Born on September 22, 1932, in Stockton, James spent his life in the community he loved. He attended Edison High School before continuing his education at Stockton College. His career led him to sales with Valley Electric, where he dedicated his professional years.

James proudly served in the United States Army as part of the 82nd Airborne Division and was honorably discharged. His passion for sports was evident throughout his life. He excelled in various athletic activities and received numerous awards for his achievements. A skilled water skier and fast-pitch softball pitcher for the Amblers, James also made a name for himself in bowling. In 1962, he became the California Big 10 Division Bowling Champion, and in 2005, he was inducted into the Stockton Bowling Hall of Fame. Golf was another of his passions, and in 1997, he celebrated achieving his first hole-in-one at Swenson Golf Course.

James is survived by his wife of 36 years, Frances M. Christensen; his son, James Christensen; granddaughters Caramia, Isabella, and Madisyn Christensen; grandsons Benjamin Christensen and Tristan Powers; and his sister Beverly Duncan. He was preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer Christensen and son Jason Christensen, as well as his sisters Susie, Mildred, Jackie, and Gloria.

James will be missed by is family and friends.

SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, March 13th, 2025 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 Christensen family.

Donald Moffett

Donald Parker Moffett
September 7, 1938 – March 4, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald P. Moffett, who passed away peacefully on March 4th . He was the son of the late Robert Edward Moffett and Kathryn C. Moffett and sister, Carol Seanor.

Don served in the United States Army as a private first class in 1957 before graduating from USC, with a degree in Business Administration in 1962. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

During his early adult years, he owned several racehorses with his brother-in-law, the late Bill Seanor. He was also a pilot and enjoyed flying his Cessna plane.

He married the true love of his life, Kathleen Carol Rafferty in 1964. They were happily married for 35 years. They enjoyed traveling and vacationing in Murphys and Lake Tahoe.

He owned Morrison Escrow Company in Huntington Park, California prior to retiring. After retiring he moved to Stockton, California. and enjoyed real estate, boating, and relaxing with his family.

He will be remembered for his kindness and humor, love of a good, stiff drink, and betting on sports games.

Don is survived by son Ronald Moffett, daughter-in-law DJ, daughter Carol Faith and son-in-law Matt. He (a.k.a. Paga) especially loved his five grandchildren: Mikayla, Brenna, Rachel, Caitlin, and Jake.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on April 5th at the Moffett residence. If you have photos of Don please email them to: faithcarol1969@gmail.com

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.

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