Sue Ishihara

March 28, 1964 - February 21, 2020

Sue Kuniko Ishihara was born on March 28, 1964 and passed away peacefully on February 21, 2020. She was surrounded by friends and family. Survived by her children, Marissa Ishihara and Nicholes Ishihara-Puzon. She was an Edison High School graduate, class of '82 and loved her Pugs immensely. She was an outgoing and loving individual and would always extend selfless acts of kindness. A former Dameron employee of almost 20+ years, she will always be remembered as the one who would carry candy around.

SERVICE

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Presbyterian Church, on February 29, 2020 at 11:00am, located at 2343 Country Club Blvd, Stockton CA, 95204

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ishihara family.

Anne Utterback

July 29, 1923 - February 21, 2020

Anne (Schirmer) Utterback has passed safely into the arms of her loving Lord Jesus. Anne was 96.

Anne Utterback was born in Oakland, California to Robert and Amanda Sjogren. Anne's parents immigrated from Sweden to America in 1922 and Anne was the first child born in America. Anne lived most of her life in the East Bay Area, living in Oakland and San Lorenzo before retiring with husband Bill Schirmer to Lake Wildwood in the Grass Valley area of California. Both Anne and Bill loved sports. They bowled and they golfed forming many lasting friendships. Anne married a second time after the death of her husband Bill. Anne married one of Bill's WWII shipmates with whom they kept in contact with over the years. Marrying Clifford Utterback, Anne moved to Texas and they shared 8 years of marriage before Cliff's passing in 2007. A year later Anne moved back to California to live close to her daughter and family. Anne loved Louis Lamore novels, golfing, friendships, and her two best friends were Bennie Hensley and Karin Arthur as well as many friends from her high school days and golfing friends. Anne was a romantic at heart. Anne had a terrific sense of humor and delighted many with it. She loved words and crossword puzzles. She loved puns, jokes and stories. She had an unforgettable laugh. Anne was an accomplished artist and had a lovely voice. Anne participated in many women's choirs and choruses and Bible studies. She will be missed by all who knew her.  

Anne was preceded in death by her husband Bill Schirmer, her second husband Cliff Utterback, her brothers Rolfe and Axel Sjogren, her sons Bill Schirmer and Jim Schirmer, and her Grand-nephew, Tim Risden.

Anne is survived her younger sister Greta Risden of Portage Indiana; Greta's children; Grand nephew Bob and Carol Miszewski of Hammond Indiana Grand nieces- Anna and Richard Smith of Spring Texas, their children Tina and Kirk Low of Portage, Indiana and Cookie and Raymond Acella of Dyer, Indiana and Lynn Miller of Schererville, Indiana. Anne's sister-in-law, Kay Johnson of Forestville, CA, and Kay's daughter Nancy, husband Pete Gramma of East Bay Area, CA Anne is survived by her son Bill's children; Grandson Bill and Juliana Schirmer of Livermore, CA, Great granddaughters Grandson Matt Schirmer of Tracy, CA Granddaughter Keri and Pete Matheson of Livermore, CA 2 Great Grand children Anne is also survived by her daughter Shelley and John Carpenter of Lodi, CA Shelley and John's children Chris and Myrna Carpenter, and 4 Great grand children.

 She will be interned with her husband Bill at the San Joaquin Valley Cemetery in Gustine.

 SERVICE

A celebration of life will be at First Baptist Church, 267 N. Mills Avenue in Lodi, CA on March 25, 2020 at 10 am. A light lunch will be served following the memorial service at First Baptist Church.

Memorial gifts (instead of flowers) can be made out to First Baptist Church of Lodi, or The Salvation Army Lodi, PO Box 348000, Sacramento CA, 95834- designate Lodi Corps on your check.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Utterback family.

Samuel Torres

December 12, 1950 - February 21, 2020

SERVICE
A service will be held on Friday, February 28th, 2020 at 10:00a.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi CA, 95240. There will be a final committal to follow 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 Torres family.

Ellen Bunch

December 6, 1930 - February 20, 2020

Ellen Rae (Peek) Bunch, 89, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2020 in Lodi, CA. Ellen Rae was born December 6, 1930 in Stockton, CA. She was the daughter of Leroy Ellington and Dollie Ellen Peek. Ellen Rae was married to the love of her life and best friend, Leland “Bud” Bunch for 61 years.

Ellen Rae “Ellie” was a farmer’s wife, aunt, teacher, homemaker, and crafter. She played the piano and sang to family and friends. Also, she attended First Church of Christ, Scientist in Stockton, CA. She was a reader there and sang in the choir. Ellen Rae volunteered part-time at Stockton’s Christian Science Reading Room.

Aunt Ellie loved visits from all her nephews and nieces, often for an extended time. Also, she enjoyed her grandnephews and nieces as well.


Everyone that came to visit whether family or friend was blessed with Ellie’s warm personality and some dessert, perhaps ice cream, fudge popsicles, See’s Candies or the like. Her heart was huge and she blessed many with her handmade cards that she designed herself. Her thoughtfulness included family, friends, and acquaintances. Ellen Rae never met a stranger, had a contagious laugh, and always made you feel special.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ellen Rae was preceded in death by a brother, Ellsworth “Elsie” Peek; his wife, Joan Peek; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Marion Hoff; niece, Diane Peek; and nephews, Vernon Hoff and Andy Peek. Ellen Rae is survived by a brother, Ellington (Betty) Peek; a sister, Carol Meredith; numerous nephews and nieces, along with grandnephews and nieces.

SERVICE
A service will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 at 1:00p.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi CA, 95240. The final committal will follow after the Service in 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 Bunch family.

Jose Herrera

May 20, 1933 - February 20, 2020

On Thursday, February 20, 2020 Jose S. Herrrera, Loving husband and father of five children , six granddaughters, and three great grandchildren, passed away at the age of 86.

Jose was born on May 20, 1933 in Abasolo, Guanajuato Mexico. Spending most of his formative years in Mexico City. He graduated from Stockton High School and earned an Associate in Arts degree from San Joaquin Delta College in 1974.

Jose was preceded in death by his son, Ernesto. He is survived by his wife, Dolores and four children: Laura, Norma, Gerardo, and Leticia; his sisters: Mrs. Juanna Herrera Jaime, of Penjamo, Guanajuato Mexico and Ms. Ofelia Herrera of Mexico City, DF Mexico.

The following is a brief tribute to a life well lived:

There Are Gains for All Our Losses -by Richard Henry Stoddard.

There are gains for all our losses, There are balms for all our pain: But when youth, the dream, departs, It takes something from our hearts, And it never comes again.

In 1955 Jose arrived in Stockton, from Mexico City to visit his uncle Manuel Solis. Within a short time he applied for and was granted a green card. While employed through the railroad, he met and fell head over heels in love with his lifelong wife, Dolores. Together they raised five children. We are stronger, and are better, Under manhood’s sterner reign:

Over the years Jose sought an education, graduating from Stockton High School, via night school. During that time his teacher announced a citizen program and Jose quickly took advantage of the offer. The program paid $10.00 for Jose to become a US Citizen. Like so many immigrant stories, Jose, together with Dolores, mentored their five children to become college educated. Honor and service to country was also a core value of Jose. Both of their sons served this country in the United States Army, with distinction. Still we feel that something sweet followed youth, with flying feet, And will never come again. When Jose was a single man in his twenties, he befriended a family (widowed mother and three children). The family was grieving, and on Thanksgiving Day, they only had rice and beans to eat. Suddenly, arriving at their doorstep, there was Jose with a big turkey for a family feast. Something beautiful is vanished, While in his thirties, Jose was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. He was hospitalized for a year and thereafter vowed to fight this crippling condition. Rising to meet the challenge, Jose became a lifelong swimmer. For the next 40 years of his life, Jose would swim every day. Even at the age of 75, he was still swimming 100 laps per day. Although he eventually slowed down, even in his eighties, Jose would often be spotted in an early morning water aerobics class at Twin Arbors in Lodi.

Jose lived out his final years on his beloved ranch, always busy building, mending and harvesting with Dolores by his side.

And we sigh for it in vain: Jose, husband, father, mentor, friend.

We behold it everywhere, On the earth and in the air, But it never comes again!

SERVICE
Please join us in celebrating Jose’s life: A service will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 2020 at 10:00a.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi CA, 95240. The final committal will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: www.helpfightra.org
Street Address: RA Foundation 8815 Conroy Windermer Rd. Suite 309 Orlando, Fl. 32835

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Herrera family.

 

Ronald Bruegel

August 4, 1928 - February 20, 2020

Ronald E. Bruegel died February 20, 2020 at age 87. Born August 4, 1932, and raised in South Bend IN, the son of Ethel and Herbert. Ron migrated to Stockton in 1964 to open the West Coast for Western & Southern Life Insurance (W&S). Ron sold life insurance and taught other W&S agents insurance techniques. In his 43 years at W&S, Ron was a top salesman reaching the company's "Million Dollar Club" multiple times. One year Ron was the top salesperson across the nation of 14,000 agents. All the while he enjoyed his family, taking them on annual vacations. After retiring from W&S, Ron continued to work hard revitalizing Pollardville, making it a place for interactive living history learning for many area schools. Ron continued to work into his 70s under Tinkerdust Productions bringing loved actors to their fans for signing parties at local malls. He took pride in his business and cherished friends he made during his time in business. All of his endeavors would not have been possible without his supportive wife, Mary. He leaves his wife of 65 years, Mary Bruegel; his sons, Rick Bruegel and Dave Bruegel; their wives; and two granddaughters. A Memorial will be held at Lincoln Presbyterian Church Saturday March 7, 2020 2pm.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Bruegel family.

Marvin Leon Lutz

March 9, 1939 - February, 20, 2020

Marvin Leon Lutz was born to Leroy William and Verna Mildred Lutz on March 9, 1939, in La Junta, Colo., the third of five children. He died peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stockton on Feb. 20, 2020.

The family moved from Colorado and settled in Modesto, where Marvin attended the Seventh-day Adventist academy.

As a young man, Marvin served in the U.S. Air Force, worked at Ford, and eventually started Marvin Lutz Construction, operating from the family home in French Camp. He met Betty Dias through his brother, James. The two married and had three sons.

Always a hard worker, Marvin built custom homes (including his own in French Camp and a cabin in Arnold), wineries and all manner of other craftwork.

When he wasn’t working, which was seldom, Marvin enjoyed racing, classic cars, hot rods, hunting, reading (Louis L’amour being his favorite), and carpentry – a skill passed down by his father which he then passed on to his eldest son.

Marvin always took pride in his work and would labor to create structures that would stand the test of time. Drive just about anywhere with him and he would point out various houses he had built or projects he had worked on.

He is survived by his three sons, Michael (Lynette) Lutz, of Shoreline, Wash., Bryan Lutz, of Chandler, Ariz., and Marc (Melinda) Lutz, of Lodi; grandchildren, Sarah Lutz, Christopher Lutz, Emily Lutz, Lela Osguera, Nathan Lutz and Natalie Lutz; great-grandsons, Isaiah Lutz and Miguel Osguera; brother, Daryl (Ardelle) Lutz, of Dunsmuir, Calif.; sister, Kara Shona, of Linden; and 16 nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, James Lutz; and sister, Beth Davis.

The house is built, the job is done.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Lutz family.

Ruth Reed

October 26, 1927 - February 19, 2020

Ruth Reed, 92, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend earned her angel wings peacefully surrounded by family on February 19, 2020.

A consummate mother and homemaker, Ruth had a heart of gold. With a real zest for life, Ruth loved being on the delta, getting her nails done and RVing. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Korean War Veteran, Edmund "Ed" Reed. She is survived by her daughters; Sandy Parker and Carolyn Mullins of Lodi and Michele Hittle of Texas, 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

VISITATION
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 from 2:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi CA, 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held the following day on Thursday, February 27th, 2020 at 10:00a.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi CA, 95240. The final committal will take place afterwards at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Sydney Kass

July 24, 1920 - February 19, 2020

A native Stocktonian, Sydney (Bud) Kass, 99, passed away on February 19, 2020 after a long and eventful life. Sydney was born July 24, 1920 in Stockton, CA to John and Bessie Kass. Sydney is survived by his wife of nearly 77 years, Mary; daughters, Marsha Kass (Hank Spacone) and Susan Gini (Ernie); grandsons, Mario Gini (Shajuan) and Mark Gini (Alyson); great-grandsons, Mason and Malcolm Gini and numerous other family members and friends. He graduated from Stockton High School and served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Sydney was known as a jack of all trades and was an Eagle Scout. He was a Lithographer with Fibreboard Corp for over 30 years. A lifelong numismatist, he was one of the longest serving members of Stockton's Delta Coin Club, serving in a variety of executive officer positions. Sydney was a nationally known error coin advocate with involvement in California numismatics and earned several awards. He also was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Mended Hearts. At his request, no service will be held. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Kass family.

Don Wallace

July 1, 1944 - February 17, 2020

VISITATION
A visitation for Don will be held from 12:00pm - 8:00pm on Monday February 24th, 2020 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday February 25th, 2020 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Wallace family.

Henry Romualdo

May 25, 1949 - February 17, 2020

VISITATION
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 29th, 2020 from 1:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi CA, 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held on Saturday, February 29th, 2020 at 2:00p.m. 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 Romualdo family.

Richard Griffith

December 18, 1937 - February 16, 2020

Richard "Dick" Griffith passed away on February 16th, at UC Davis Medical Center Hospital with his family at his side. Richard was a loving husband to his wife Marsha, father to Jim (Van) Griffith, Anne Griffith (deceased), Julie (Sean) Little, step-son Jeff (Tina) Bohn, grandfather to Leah and Keira Little and Zack and Sydney Bohn, and his dog Rocky.

Richard was born on December 18, 1937 to George and Josephine Griffith in Evanston, Illinois. He grew up in Skokie, Illinois and graduated from Northwestern University. He served his country in the Air Force, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserves. He received his Masters in Nuclear Health Physics from UC Berkeley, and he worked as a physicist in Radiation Protection for the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and later for the United Nations as a diplomat and technical advisor with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria. He and Marsha lived in Vienna for a decade before returning to Lodi. He was a member and Past Exalted Ruler (PER) of the Lodi Elks Lodge 1900, active in Emanuel Lutheran Church, Editor of the Health Physics Radiation Safety Journal, active in SIRS, Master Gardener, volunteer on the Board of Woodbridge Greens Association and volunteer for Loel Senior Center Meals on Wheels.

Richard loved telling dad jokes, although the quality of those jokes was a matter of family debate. He relished annual trips with Marsha, close friends and family to Hot August Nights in Reno. He cared about his country, the state of the world, and his Sacramento Kings. He enjoyed wine and cooking, often at the same time. He traveled the world with Marsha, both for work and for fun. He took great pains to capture everything his family did in video and to preserve the best memories. He was brilliant, loving, caring, kind and funny. And he liked listening to Johnny Cash and Roy Clark.

A Celebration of Richard's Life will be held on Saturday, February 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 1540 W. Lodi Ave., Lodi, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in memory of Richard V. Griffith to UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center for the Pancreatic Cancer Research fund, payable to UC Davis Foundation (Health Sciences Development, 4900 Broadway Suite 1150, Sacramento, CA 95820) or to American Heart Association (PO Box 78851, Phoenix, AZ 85062) or to charity of your choice.

SERVICE

A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday February 29, 2020 at the Emanuel Lutheran Church located at 1540 W. Lodi Ave, Lodi, CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Griffith family,

John Bowling

October 15, 1930 - February 16, 2020

John, 89, of Lodi, passed away on February 16, 2020. John was a Veteran and served in the Marines and later, worked for Marleys in Stockton, retiring after 41 years. John was a faithful member of his church. John was known to his friends and family as JB, Papa to his grandchildren, and Papa B to his great-grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife of 72 years, Jimmie; his son, Carl Bowling; four grandchildren, Mike Bowling, Jennifer Verdon, Raymond Downs and Kelly King; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen King.

The viewing and service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Evergreen Chapel on Wednesday, February 26, 2020. The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. and service will follow at 10 a.m. Following the service, there will be a reception at Horizon Christian Fellowship, 10702 Lower Sacramento Road, Stockton, CA 95210.
JB, Papa, Papa B, you were a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend. You will be always Loved and forever Missed by all.

VISITATION
A visitation will be held for John at 9:00am on Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 at the Evergreen Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 94240.

SERVICE
A memorial service will follow for John at 10:00am on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at the Evergreen Chapel 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 Bowling 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