Johnny Gainza

November 10, 1925 - June 28, 2019

John Gainza, 93, died peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2019 in Yountville, CA. He was surrounded by his family. John, a Stockton, CA native, was born November 10, 1925 to Basque immigrant parents Andres Gainza and Jesusa Uriarte Gainza. He was captain of the Stockton High Tarzans' winning football team of 1943, leading them to a perfect season and a Sac-Joaquin championship. The team was later inducted into the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame. John joined the army in 1944. Wounded in Okinawa, Japan, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Returning to Stockton, John managed and eventually owned Jessie's place, a Basque hotel, bar and restaurant established by his mother. He sold Jessie's and spent his career in the retail food and beverage industry, at one time owning Nor Cal distributing.
John was a passionate sports athlete, fan and promoter. He played city league baseball and basketball into his 40s, then golfed twice per week well into his 80s. He was a founding member of the Jesters' Club, an organization which supports high school athletics with scholarships. He also supported the UOP Tigers basketball team. His community activities included service on the San Joaquin County Grand Jury. Gregarious and fun loving, he cultivated a wide circle of friends in Stockton and Lodi. He and Lois relocated to Yountville in 2013 where they continued to enjoy new friendships.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Andres and Jesusa Gainza and his brother Andy Gainza.
John is survived by his loving wife, Lois, children Linda Lucaccini (Anthony), David Gainza (Kim), and Craig Gainza (Sandy), grandchildren Jennifer McCormick (Aidan), John Gainza, Allison Gainza, Emmy Gainza, and Annie Gainza Longuski (Ben) and great granddaughter Lilly McCormick. He will be fondly remembered by his stepchildren Sharon Welch and Boyd Van Noate, step-grandchildren Lucas Van Noate and Hailey Van Noate, and step-great grandchild Brad Diaz.

VISITATION

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 from 2:00pm - 8:00pm at the Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home    located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240

SERVICE

A funeral mass will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Church located at 215 W Walnut St Lodi, CA 95240 on   Thursday July 11, 2019 at 11:00a.m. followed by a military graveside service at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Friends and family are invited to a reception at St. Anne's following the funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to : CFOSJ Jesters Fund, at 6735 Herndon Place, Suite B, Stockton, Ca 95219.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gainza family.

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Lily Lambinicio

October 1, 1931 - June 28, 2019

Visitation
There will be a visitation held on Saturday, July 13th, 2019 from 9:00a.m. to 10:00a.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi CA, 95240.

Service
There will be a service to follow for Lily on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 10:00am at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Lambinicio family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Outhay Nakkoun

May 5, 1978 - June 26, 2019

VISITATION
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 29th, 2019 from 12:00p.m. noon till 8:00p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi CA, 94240.

SERVICE
A service will be held the following day on Sunday, June 30th, 2019 at 1:00p.m. with a witness cremation to follow at 3:30p.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi CA, 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Nakkoun Family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Joseph Dimas

January 15, 1947 - June 26, 2019

VISITATION

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2019 from 11:00am -2:00pm at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE

The memorial service will follow at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at Harney Lane at Hwy 99, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Dimas family.

L. Wayne Beck

 
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March 5, 1937 - June 25, 2019

Notable Stockton developer L. Wayne Beck, who came from humble beginnings in Texas and built a local real estate legacy, died Tuesday, June 25th at his ranch in Clements. The death of Beck, 82, came over fifteen years after his first cancer diagnosis and three months shy of his 60th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife Marilyn. Beck, who had a hand in building much of North Stockton’s homes and multi-family living units, was born in Wheeler County Texas in 1937 and came to California with his parents, brothers and sisters in search of a better life in the 1940’s. After attending high school in Lemoore, CA, Wayne enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged after four years of service.

Over the years, Wayne Beck strengthened his roots in the Stockton and Lodi area. He attended local churches, charity events, and sponsored everything from education to 4-H. Beck was an avid hunter and supporter of the local police department. He was an employer and mentor to many skilled tradesmen and women. He enjoyed working with his hands, and above all, spending time with his family at home. Wayne Beck was active in the agricultural community, most notably in the breed of Appaloosa Horses. He earned countless World & National Championship titles during his time in the show pen. Beck also enjoyed harness racing, and can be remembered participating in races all over California. In addition to his passion for horses, Beck raised Belted Galloway Cattle for the past decade. Starting with only a handful, he grew his herd of Belties to arguably the largest of the breed in California.

Beck retired from the family business in the 1990’s and realized his dream of living on an expansive cattle ranch soon after. Beck Land & Cattle Company, his 400+ acre ranch in Clements, became a hub for the family. Wayne was pleased to spend every holiday and special occasion there surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was on the ranch where he impressed his strong family values and lessons from country life on his brood.

He will forever be remembered as a loving husband and a tough loving patriarch of the Beck family. Wayne Beck is preceded in death by his parents Lonzo Beck and Bessie Beck, his sisters Zula Kay Beck and Carol Ann Eastus, and brother Lonnie Beck, as well as his son Richard Beck. L. Wayne Beck is survived by his wife Marilyn Beck, his daughter Sandy Atwater (Jud), his son David Beck (Stefani), his grandchildren Katie Wiley (Chris), Andrew Beck, Michael Atwater, Alexis Beck, Mary Spalding (Levi), and Abigail Beck. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Everest Atwater, Walker Wiley and Winter Wiley.His surviving siblings include June Beck, Tommie Beck, Sue Sanders (Bob), Dr. William Beck (Olga), David “Butch” Beck (Gail), and Cleta Fredricksen (John).

SERVICE

A Funeral Service will take place at 11 o’clock on Wednesday, July 3rd at Clements Community Church. Immediately following, a short Graveside Service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at Harney Lane at Hwy 99, Lodi, CA 95240. Family and friends are invited to join us at a reception honoring Wayne immediately following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of San Joaquin are greatly appreciated in honor of the excellent care they provided for him at the end of his life.

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Oleta Nadine Merlino

February 19, 1932 - June 25, 2019

Oleta went home to be with the Lord on, Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at Windsor Hampton Care Center in, Stockton, CA.

Oleta fought long and hard the disease of Dementia.

We will miss you, Oleta, but we know that you are at peace, not suffering anymore and resting safely in the arms of Jesus.

Oleta is survived by her brother Floyd L. Brown(Pat) of Lockeford, CA., Brother-in-law Raymond Muth of Sacramento, CA, nieces Liesa Foutz (Jere) of Arnold, CA., Trina Macchi(Bob) of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, Terrie Johnson of San Rafael, CA., Debra Trunnell of Stockton, CA., Carol Bowen(Darren) of Glencoe, CA., as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Earnest Merlino, parents Floyd and Faye Brown, sister Delois Muth, niece Lavoyce Larkin and great niece Angel Zapulla.

Our family would like to give special thanks to the following care providers:

Alma Martinez, Home Care Nurse/Care Giver

Maricela Valera, Home Care Giver

Irma Martinez, House Keeper

Somerford Place Assisted Living Staff

Windsor Hampton Care Center Staff

Blossom Ridge Hospice Staff

You all went above and beyond to provide excellent, loving care for our precious Oleta.

Each and every one of you have answered a special calling and we are so grateful for your service.

SERVICE

Graveside services for Oleta will be held Wednesday July 3, 2019 at 10:00am in the Garden of Memories at Cherokee Memorial park located at Harney Lane and Highway 99 in Lodi, CA.


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Charmaine Traverso

July 19, 1943 - June 24, 2019

Charmaine passed away at a Modesto Hospital at age 75 after a lengthy illness.

A lifelong resident of Stockton, she was born on July 19, 1943 to her loving parents, George and Lavina Keith. Charmaine is survived by her children, Anthony Keith Traverso (Julie) of Petaluma and Christine Lagorio (Steve) of Linden, their father Richard Traverso, her mother Lavina Keith, sister Darlene Sinor, as well as three loving grandchildren, Nicholas, Amber and Andrew Lagorio of Linden, CA. Charmaine also has three nephews and a niece.

She was preceded in death by her father George Brown Keith, Jr. Charmaine graduated from Stagg High School in 1961 and attended Stockton Junior College. She worked for Massey Ferguson tractor company and later for San Joaquin County public health until her retirement.

Charmaine was a great sports fan and loved watching the San Francisco Giants and the Forty-Niners on TV as often as possible. When her children were young, she baked and decorated wonderful themed birthday and holiday cakes that were always amazing and delightful. She enjoyed camping in Lake Tahoe, many happy vacations in Santa Cruz and going to Red Hawk Casino.

She was very close to her loving mother and they spent many happy times together.

Visitation hours will be a the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240. This will be Monday, July 1, 2019 from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Graveside service will be Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 11:00 am at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at Harney Lane at Hwy 99, Lodi, CA 95240.

Donations can be made to American Heart or Lung Association or to the charity of your choice.

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Gabriel Guerrero

November 24, 1929 - June 24, 2019

VISITATION

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2019 from 12:00pm - 8:00pm at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE

A service will be held on Monday, July 1, 2019 at 1:00at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Guerrero family.

Frances Babcock

January 20, 1920 - June 23, 2019

Frances passed away peacefully on June 23, 2019 at the age of 99. She is survived by her son Gary, his wife Gayle, nephew Don, his wife Doris and their family, 1 grandson, and 4 great-granddaughters. Originally from Texas, Frances moved to Stockton, CA where she married and raised her family.
Frances was a resident of Stockton for over 70 years and retired from the Safeway meat processing plant after several years of service. In honoring her request, no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Babcock family.

Helen Suess

June 22, 2019

Helen Loretta Suess was called home to be with her Lord on June 22, 2019. She was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Henry and Eva Schwartz. Helen was one of eight children. In the 1940's the Schwartz family moved to Lodi, California and later to Orland, California, where Helen graduated from high school. After moving back to Lodi, Helen met and married LeRoy Charles Suess and was married for 65 years before LeRoy was called to be with his Lord. They spent their life raising their family and enjoying the many activities of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Recently Helen became a great-great grandmother.
Together LeRoy and Helen built their life starting their own electrical contracting business in Manteca, California and also enjoyed ranching. They operated a cattle and hay ranch for many years. In 2002 they moved to McKinleyville, California where they enjoyed their last days together. Helen was a faithful servant of God and loved the Lord, committing her life to him at a young age. She loved her church, New Heart Community Church and had many friends there.
Helen is survived by her son, Mardy Suess; daughter, Brenda and husband Pete Peterson; grandchildren, Valerie and husband Tim Lakey, Christine and husband Everett Easley, Angie Krueg, Ryan and wife Jennifer Peterson, Mark Peterson and fiance Caitlin Madsen; great grandchildren, Nick and wife Leslie Lakey, Mandy Lakey and fiance Riley Larranaga, Alex and wife Mandy Easley, Seth Easley, Hayley Easley, Karly Krueg, Korina Krueg, Tanner Peterson, Josie Peterson and Emmett Foster; and great-great granddaughter, Lucy Lakey. She is also survived by her brother Marvin and wife Charlene Schwartz.

VISITATION
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27th, 2019 from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi CA, 95240.

SERVICE
A Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at Harney Lane at Hwy 99, Lodi, CA 95240. and a Celebration of Life service will be held at New Heart Community Church in McKinleyville, California at a later date.

Enrique Gutierrez

February 12, 1923- June 20, 2019

VISITATION

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27th, 2019 from 2:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary at 6:00pm at the Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home   located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 28th, 2019 at 1:00 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gutierrez family.

George Arnett Sr.

June 14th, 1924 - June 20th, 2019

G. Ray Arnett passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on June 20 following a brief stay at Creekside Care and Rehabilitation Center in Stockton, CA. Ray loved the Lord Jesus Christ and is walking in His presence at this very moment. Ray was born June 14, 1924 on the U.S. Marine Corps base at Quantico, VA. He was an avid sportsman, conservationist, outdoorsman, proud patriot and defender of the Second Amendment.

He served under Gov. Ronald Reagan as Director of the California Department of Fish and Game from 1968-1975. In 1980 he was appointed by then President Reagan as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, overseeing the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service.

In 1985 he was elected Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association. Later he established Arnett Associates, a consulting firm helping business and industry navigate the permit processes required by state and federal governments to conduct business.

Ray served two years as President of the National Wildlife Federation and was affiliated with many conservation organizations including California Rifle and Pistol Association, California Waterfowl Association, Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Game Conservation International, International Order of St. Hubertus, Mzuri Safari Foundation, National Wild Turkey Foundation, Ruff Grouse Society, United Conservation Alliance, Wildlife Legislative Fund of America, World Wilderness Congress and the Virginia Rifle and Revolver Association.

Arnett was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Bakersfield, Al Malaikah Shrine Temple in Los Angeles and Royal Order of Jester, Court 119 in Sacramento.

Following graduation from Point Loma High School in San Diego Ray briefly attended the University of California, Los Angeles, before World War II intervened. Arnett was sworn into the Marines as an enlisted man by his father, who was Officer in Charge of Recruitment for the West Coast. Later he received a field commission in the South Pacific. After the Japanese surrender in 1945 he was sent to V-12 Officer's Candidate School at the University of Southern California where he received a 2nd Lieutenant commission and completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in petroleum engineering and geology.

He was recalled to active duty by the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict, serving from 1950-53, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

For 20 years Arnett was employed as an exploration petroleum geologist for Richfield Oil Corporation and led a team of scientists who drilled the first oil and gas well on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Revenues from his oil and gasoline exploration provided Alaska the tax base to become the 49th state.

Arnett was preceded in death by his parents, Col. James Roscoe Arnett, USMC, and Annie Louise Jefferson-Arnett; a brother, James Roscoe Arnett, Jr. and a sister, Ruth Louise Snow.

He is survived by his former wife, Virginia Elaine Miller-Arnett and their four children, Charlene Louise Parkinson (Jim); G. Ray "Chip" Arnett, Jr. (Shirley); Sharon Elaine Taylor (Dave); and James Randall Arnett (Natalie); as well as six granddaughters, three grandsons and ten great grandchildren, who provided him an "enormous amount of pride and joy."

Service
There will be a graveside service on Saturday, September 7th, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240. Remembrances may be sent to Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue, Stockton Animal Shelter, ASPCA, North Shore Animal League, California Waterfowl Association, Ducks Unlimited, First Baptist Church, Stockton CA or some other relatively small, often neglected charity of your choice.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Arnett family.

Please leave your condolences below.

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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