Gregory Bo

September 27, 1947 - April 12, 2020

Gregory Frank "Papa" Bo Sept. 27, 1947- Apr. 12, 2020 Gregory Bo passed away peacefully at his Stockton home on April 12, 2020. He was surrounded by his son David; daughter, Stacie; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy & Michael Hayes; and his wife of 51 years, Geri. Greg was a proud lifelong Italian-Stocktonian, born to Lena and Frank Bo. Greg had many fond memories as a delivery boy for Gaia-Delucchi Grocery. Greg attended Stagg H.S & Delta College, and it was then while still teenagers he met the love of his life Geri Denhardt. Greg worked in the insurance industry for 47 years, and was part owner of Bohannon Insurance. He found his greatest enjoyment in his Wednesday golf games with the retired firefighters, his many fantasy football leagues, his NY Yankees, and traveling to Lake Tahoe with family & friends. Greg's 4 grandkids, Brooklyn, Carson, Beckett & Reagan meant the world to him. He rarely missed a school or athletic event. His "Papa's pasta sauce" is legendary. Because of circumstances, celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Bo family.

Stella Cruz (Solis) Dominguez

November 25, 1922 - April 11, 2020

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Mother on April 11, 2020 in Lodi, California. She was 97 years young and as beautiful as she entered into Heaven to be with our Lord. Born on November 25, 1922 in Escondido, she was the third child of 10 to parents, Emiliano and Angelita Espinoza. The Espinoza's raised their family in southern California and later moved to Fremont, California. In 1960, Mother moved to Lodi and continued to live here until her passing.

Mom was social, energetic, caring and compassionate and loved helping others. She completed all those tasks all while working and raising her own family. Many Lodi locals may remember seeing her at Wilson's Drug Store, the Woolworth's food counter, Fluffy Donuts or being greeted by her warm smile at JC Penney's. Her most rewarding career was assisting families in need during her career with the San Joaquin Migrant Education Program. Many generations of those families still continue to remain close to her and they have great memories of the efforts she put into assisting them with their work, education or health needs. After her retirement, her love for the community led her to work as a volunteer for the Lodi Police Partners Program. Mother attended First Baptist Church and was a member of Eagles Auxiliary #848. The family also is grateful and appreciative to everyone at Vienna Nursing Home for the love and care Mom received there during her last 7 years.

Growing up in a large family, enabled her to teach her own family to be strong, be together and stay bonded not only with each other but our extended family as well. The Espinoza Family reunions were one of her favorite of events to attend. All local invitations to wedding, baptisms, birthdays, anniversaries were also enjoyed by her as she loved to see all her family and friends and dance to a song or ten.
She is survived by daughters, Lucy (Irene) Medrano (Alfonso), Gloria Tovar (Ernesto), Elizabeth Hausauer all of Lodi, Bonnie Valenzuela (Jose) of Redman Oregon, and Ramona Castillo of San Diego Calif.; sons, Robert De La Cruz (Ellen) of Rancho Cordova Calif., and Eddie Solis of Lodi; sister, Delia Samarron of Carson City, NV. Stella also leaves behind 43 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Emiliano and Angelita Espinoza; her daughter, Rosie Tovar; sons, Merced Salvador De La Cruz and Jose Luis Solis; son-in-laws, Salvador Castillo and Todd Hausauer; grandchildren, David Arrellano, Noel Quesada, Carmen Lopez and Christina Garcia; great grandson, Gabriel Tovar Jr.; sisters, Juanita, Beatrice, Ramona and Ruth; brothers, Salvador, Gilbert, Robert and Ruben Espinoza, and the late Refugio Solis, Santos Florez and Manuel Dominguez.

Due to the current conditions a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Dominguez family.

Sharece Atkins

May 20, 1985 - April 6, 2020

Sharece Lynn Atkins, age 34, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 5th, 2020. She was born on May 20th, 1985, to Michele and Richard Atkins. Sharece graduated from Lodi SDA Elementary and Lodi Academy before attending Sacramento State University for Biological Sciences and Stanislaus State University for Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with Minor in Communications. She had passed her CBEST. Sharece had a talent for typing fast on computers, which led her to study at CAJ Argonaut Court Reporting, graduating in 2014. Sharece went on to be a Registered Professional Reporter and Certified Shorthand Reporter and was able to report at a speed up to 225mph. She started out her career as a deposition and freelance reporter, working as an independent contractor in the Bay Area, Northern CA. With her experience she then took a position at the Shasta County Superior Court, Redding, CA. Currently she worked at the Stockton Courthouse where she was loved by her coworkers. Sharece always had a smile on her face and full of compassion for others. She loved to spend time with her family, friends, and attending concerts. She had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sharece had a generous heart and loved to volunteer. She also captioned remotely for the deaf and hard of hearing. She was involved in the A to Z Steno Program which helped potential court reporting students. Involved with National Court Reporters Association, northern California Court Reporters Association, and California Deposition Reporters Association to help protect the record. Recently she was excited to volunteer to be a part of adoption day in Stockton, CA.
Sharece is survived by her parents, Michele and Richard Atkins; sister, Kaitlyn Williams (Lewis) and Bailey (dog); uncles, Tim Copeland and Larry Atkins (Patty); cousins, Joseph, Anthony, and Catherine Atkins; nephew, Timmy Copeland; as well as, her nona, Joy Atkins; and great uncle, Angelo Stagnaro (Marie).
She is preceded in death by grandparents, Corky Copeland (Vicki), and Wesley Atkins; and great grandparents, Eugene Stagnaro (Giuditta), Bud Threet (Zelda), and Jack Copeland (Jewel).
Due to CDC guidelines there will be only a private service. We will be holding a large celebration of life in the months to come. In lieu of flowers, please donate to PALS, Lodi Animal Shelter, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "Goodbyes are not the end." They simply mean I'll miss you until we meet again in heaven.
Viewing will be held on April 13th, 10am-12noon at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home on Industrial Way, Lodi, CA.

Marilyn Dillon

July 31, 1940 - April 4, 2020

With heavy hearts, we share with you the passing of Marilyn Rishwain Dillon on April 4, 2020. Marilyn was born July 31, 1940 in Stockton, California. She was raised in Stockton, graduated from St. Mary's High School, then attended Holy Names University in Oakland, Ca. Upon graduation, she taught 1st grade for Stockton Unified. She met and married the love of her life, David W. Dillon, and moved to Lodi, where they raised their two children. This year they would be celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary.
Marilyn followed her dream when she opened Dillon's Fine Gifts of Lodi. She owned it for 18 years and enjoyed building relationships with her customers. In addition to her business, Marilyn loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her happiest days were spent in their beautiful yard relaxing and entertaining family and friends. Marilyn's warm heart, beautiful smile and generous manner always welcomed family and friends to her home. She and Dave had many memorable trips, traveling through the U.S. and Europe.

She leaves behind her husband, Dave; daughter, Stephanie (Steve) Parker of Acampo; son, David (Joanie) Dillon of Walnut Creek; grandson, Ross Parker; granddaughters, Morgan Parker, Bridget Dillon, Keira Dillon and Claire Dillon; her sister, Michele (Jim dec'd) Camping; brother, Ben (Lori) Rishwain, in addition to dear nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Emily Rishwain; and sister, Georgine (George) DeBono.

Due to current circumstances, a mass and celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Dining Hall of Stockton or The Lodi House.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Dillon family.

Angelean Andrade

May 15, 1940 - April 3, 2020

Angelean Delores (Geiszler) Andrade, better known as Angie to all, entered Heaven's Gates on April 3, 2020 at the age of 79. Our hearts are heavy and saddened by her passing, but our spirits rejoice in the knowledge that her Earthly pain and suffering has ended. We are comforted knowing that she is at peace and that the Lord has embraced her with His loving arms.
Angelean was born to Edwin T. Geiszler and Helen R. (Baltzer) Geiszler in Lodi, California on May 15, 1940. She was the true definition of a "local" girl, spending her entire life living in the Lodi/Acampo/Galt area. Some of her best days were spent on the family farm on Kennefick Road. She was a beautiful child who was equally comfortable being as cute as a button or as tough as nails, and she spent ample time in both roles while growing up. Her family has plenty of photos to prove how cute she was and her two older brothers have plenty of battle scars to prove how tough she was. The eventually learned their lesson! Angie attended local schools. She graduated from Oak View Elementary School in 1954 and Galt Joint Union High School in 1958. That was a very big year for her, as 1958 was also the year she married John C. Andrade. They met the old fashioned way-while cruising School Street in Lodi. He was better than a knight on a white horse; he was a handsome young man in a 1952 Pontiac Catalina. That chance meeting on School Street led to 62 years of marriage, three children, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, a successful business and many years of joy, happiness, love, and shenanigans. We will treasure those memories forever.
Angie spent her early years of marriage as a stay-at-home parent. Once her children were older she took a job at the Thornton cannery. Three years later she made the best decision of her life-she became a teacher's aide. She began her career at Thornton Elementary before transferring to the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District so she could be closer to home. She wore many hats during her time in Galt, including her most important role...that as the "Detention Lady". She loved that role the most because she had a way of getting her students to realize the goodness they possessed. We know that she had a huge impact on the lives of dozens of these students, and we have the Facebook messages to prove it. Her family has heard from many of her former students over the past few weeks. They all have said pretty much the same thing-that Mrs. Andrade helped turn their life around and she instilled a sense of pride in them.
Angie is survived by John, her husband of 62 years; son, Steven; daughter, Jolean (Mike) Leddy; daughter- in-law, Maxine (Frey) Andrade; grandchildren, Megan (Rolly) Skarloken, Nicole (Joey) Albert, Chris (Skye) Leddy, and Eric (Melissa) Leddy; and great grandchildren, Brandon Albert, Harlan Leddy, Olivia Skarloken, and Isabella Leddy. She is also survived by her brothers, Donald (Kathy) Geiszler and Darvin (Betty) Geiszler; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Edwin; mother Helen; son Keith; beloved mother-in-law Mary and two nephews. The family is certain that they are all together enjoying some of Angie's famous apple pie, delicious rice pudding, and killer rocky road brownies.
Due to current circumstances, a celebration of life will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an Alzheimer's Disease charity or a children's charity of your choice.

DAVID IMADA KIM, Jr.

October 10, 1999 – March 24, 2020

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 David Imada Kim, Jr. was born on October 10, 1999 in Salinas, California to David Kim, Sr. of South Korea, and Jae Young Kim of South Korea.  David, Jr. walked into the loving arms of his grandfather Leonard, on March 24, 2020 at the age of 20.  David, Jr. was preceded in death by his grandfather, Leonard Imada.

 David, Jr. is survived by his parents, David, Sr. and Jae Young Kim, brother Ryan Kim, grandmother Muncha Imada, grandparents Yongsik and Miyang Moon, uncle and aunt Layne and Lillian Imada, uncle Jaehyuk Moon, uncle and aunt Arthur and Jaeyon Manio, cousins Kinsei, Kaitlyn, Kaiden, Keira, John, Alex, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  

After graduating from Christopher High School in Gilroy, California, he attended San Jose State, where he studied business.  Eventually, he felt his ultimate calling was to be a pilot.  He graduated from the JC Air Academy and had recently completed his pilot training in Stockton, California earning his pilot’s wings. 

David was an avid lover of k-pop music, video games, cars, and very spicy Pho. He loved fishing with his family, no matter a pond, lake, river or ocean.  He also enjoyed snowboarding, always looking for the hardest and highest mountain he could go down.  At a younger age, he enjoyed practicing the sport of Kendo.  Junior could always be counted on for a quick bite at Chick-Fil-A or a run over to the local boba shop.

No matter where junior went, he always left an impression on people.  With a goofy-loving personality and a big bright laugh and smile, he brightened the day of those around him.  Junior will be greatly missed by everyone that knew and loved him.  He was the kind of young man that anyone would be proud to call son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will not be any funeral services at this time, until sometime in the future.  He will be placed next to his grandfather at Sierra View Mausoleum at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, California.


 

Gaylon Leibelt

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November 22, 1948 - March 20, 2020

Gaylon Liebelt passed away March 20, age 71, after a 30 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on November 22, 1948 to Ardy and LeNora Liebelt in Lodi.

He graduated from San Jose State University and worked as an accountant for Claude C. Woods Construction. He loved family gatherings; especially with German food served and a cold Coors. He was always ready to talk about his two favorite teams: the SF Giants and the 49ers.


Gaylon is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother Tim (Jennie), sister Deb
(Dan) and two nieces Sarah and Mallory.


Special acknowledgement to Dr. Vicki Wheelock at UC Davis for her excellent care and concern
for Gaylon for many years.


Special thanks to Michelle, Veronica and Pam and all of his favorite caregivers at Balance
Memory Care for their compassion and help in dealing with this difficult disease.

As per Gaylon’s wishes, there will be no services.

Donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation in Gaylon’s memory.

Please sign the guestbook at Lodinews.com/guestbook

Please leave your condolences below

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Leibelt family.

Lillian Backer

April 9, 1925 - March 17, 2020

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On Tuesday March 17, 2020 Lillian Backer (Lill) entered Glory.  Unwavering in her faith in Jesus Christ, she dedicated her life upon his promises, as well as his commands to love God and to love others.  

Lill was born into this earthly life on April 9, 1925 in Mitchell Nebraska to the family of Frederick and Margaret Stricker.  In 1942, she married George R. Backer (Bob) of Scottsbluff Nebraska, who was then serving as a US Marine in World War II. When Bob returned from the war, he pursued the Lord’s calling into full time ministry.  From that point forward, Lill dedicated her life, and the life of their young family to partner with Bob in this calling.  

Bob and Lill were the parents of five children.  Diana Moody (Jose), Bobbie Stoller (George), George R. Backer Jr (Virginia), Paul Backer (Christine), and John Backer (Bonnie). 

From her five children, Lill experienced the joy of loving and being loved by 17 grandchildren, (Juan Moody, Mollie Moody, Brian Stoller, Paige Patenaude, George R. Backer III, Kathryn Vincent, Elizabeth Lewis, Paul Backer Jr., Christopher Backer, Benjamin Backer, Marina Backer, Kealand Backer, Aaron Backer, Mitchell Backer Brittany Backer, Haley Peck-Law, and Elissa Fontenot)

From these grandchildren, Lill has been blessed to date with 28 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.  

Lill was a source of strength and an unceasing well of compassion for all who knew her.  She had a passion for order and discipline in every facet of her life. However, she always made certain forgiveness and encouragement ruled the day. 

Although her resources always seemed limited, Lill innovated and created great wealth in her life.   She learned to play many instruments, sang in choirs and always had music playing in her home. Her efforts never failed to result in an abundance of flowers and produce from her gardens.  She sewed beautiful clothing for herself and her family. Lill could seemingly make something delicious out of nothing from her cupboard, and always made sure the final meal of the day ended with a dessert.   Her baking is legendary in her family. She painted, created ceramic art, produced jewelry, and she expertly refinished and reupholstered furniture. Lill had a vision for the potential of what things could be, if only they had a guiding diligent hand.   And it was through her unfailing perseverance that things before unseen by others have become treasured heirlooms in her family.

Lill and Bob were married for 41 years until Bob’s death in December of 1983.  She remained in love only with him, and never remarried. In 1984, Lill moved to Lodi, California to reside with her daughter and son-in-law (George and Bobbie Stoller).  It is there she remained very active in her church, her home and in the lives of her friends and family until her health no longer would allow.

In her last years, Lill’s every need was met by the vigilant care of her caregiver/friend Chris, and by George and Bobbie Stoller in their home.  The family is forever grateful for the happiness and joy Lill experienced to her last breath in their company.  

Lill was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one grandchild (Aaron Backer) seven brothers (Phillip Kamerzel, John Kamerzel, Alex Stricker, Fred Stricker, Victor Stricker, Robert Stricker, Henry Stricker) and nine sisters (Lillian Stricker-died in infancy, Millie Hamburg, Julia Peister, Mary Keller, Helen Braden, Rose Derr, Rachel Marghiem, Lydia Jackson, Martha Liekam). Her youngest sister, Alvina Bennet of Wheatland Wyoming survives her, as well as her children, grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

Lill’s remains will be interred at a future date in Scottsbluff Nebraska alongside her husband Bob.  While her memory is honored there, we know she lives on in Glory. Lillian Backer will forever be treasured in our hearts, as she was the guiding diligent hand, we all needed to become all she encouraged us to be.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Backer family.

Peggy Billingsley

February 27, 1937 - March 15, 2020

Peggy Marie Billingsley passed away at her home on March 15, 2020 with her devoted husband, Alton "Don" Billingsley by her side. She was 83 years young and the mother of three children, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She loved her church, her family and her dogs.

The family would especially like to thank Hospice of Amador & Calaveras and Sherry Cherney for their exceptional loving care of Peggy as she made her journey home.

SERVICE
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 at 11:00a.m. 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 Billingsley 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