Mark Southern

August 20, 1953 - April 28, 2021

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 1:00pm - 4:00pm on Thursday May 13, 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE

A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Friday May 14, 2021 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 Southern family.

Brian Chen

March 25, 1981 - April 27, 2021

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On Tuesday, April 27th, 2021, Brian Chen, loving son and brother, passed away at age 40.

Brian was born in Taiwan in 1981 and came to the United States with his parents in 1985. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1999, received a marketing & design degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence in 2003, attended art school in San Francisco, and was the General Manager of Fresh Cleaners in Lodi and Stockton.

Brian had a passion for art. His paintings were not only admired by family and friends, but all who saw them. He also had an exceptional green thumb and was able to grow anything. He was most proud of successfully growing golden kiwis in his backyard. Most of all, Brian was known for his kind heart, his generosity, and his infectious smile.

He is survived by both parents, David and Jennifer Chen, his brother, Justin Chen, his maternal grandparents and various uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

SERVICES:

The family will hold a graveside service at 10am on Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Park (Hwy 99 & E. Harney Ln, Lodi, CA). A viewing will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Tuesday, May 11th, 2021, in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park (14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA).

Kathryn Tuhy

August 26, 1944 - April 26, 2021

Born August 26th 1944 to Harold and Gloria Rousseau in Kansas City, MO.

Upon graduation from Bishop Toolen Catholic School in Mobile, Alabama she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. She then married and moved to Stockton CA where she worked at Stockton Unified School District as a Special Education assistant. She was involved with the Young Marines, the Marine Corps League, and the Marine Corps Club.

She was residing at the Yountville Veterans Home at the time of her death on April 26, 2021. While living at the Home she was very active in Arts and Crafts, where she made ceramic gifts for friends and family. She was noted for her clay pot armed services figures. Some of her creations were on display at different gatherings.

She leaves a son, Duston Tuhy (Valerie), Stockton, California, a sister Mary R. Shofner and family, Mobile, Alabama, brothers Bob Rousseau (Cindy) and family, Mobile, Alabama, Ray Rousseau and family, Social Circle, Georgia, a cousin Clay Frenzel (Rochelle) and family, Stockton, California, Aunt Elsie Frenzel, Stockton, California, cousins and friends, Stockton, California, nieces and nephews in Mobile, Alabama , five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

SERVICE

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 21, 2021 at 10am at the Evergreen Chapel followed by the committal at the "Garden of Freedom" at Cherokee Memorial Park, HWY 99 and Harney Ln in Lodi, California.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Tuhy family.

John Brognoli

March 05, 1935 - April 26, 2021

John Peter Brignoli, 86, passed away at home on April 26th. He was born March 5, 1935, in San Francisco, CA, the son of John and Laura Brignoli.

John graduated from Balboa High School, San Francisco, CA and proudly served in the United States Army. He joined his father in the family gardening business, eventually handing the business down to his sons upon retiring. John was a long-time resident of Daly City, CA, where he raised his family alongside his wife Shirley, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. He lived briefly in Incline Village, NV, and spent the last 12 years making Lodi, CA his home. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Italian Club. John approached life with laughter and enthusiasm. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had many hobbies throughout his life including wood-working, cooking, square-dancing, and could always be counted on for a lively game of poker or canasta.

John is survived by his wife, Shirley; six children, John (Judy) Brignoli, Jeff (Josie) Brignoli, Doreen (Dean) McDaniel, Denise (Steve) Tracy, Diane Lippert, Jim Brignoli; 15 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 5:00pm -7:00pm on Thursday May 06, 2021 at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240. Rosary to begin at 6:00pm.

SERVICE

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30am on Friday May 07, 2021 at St. Anne's Catholic Church  located at 215 W. Walnut St Lodi, CA 95240.  

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Brognoli family.

Catherine Leggitt

April 04, 1949 - April 24, 2021

Catherine Clara Leggitt (Williams) born in April of 1949 in Oakland, CA passed away April 24, 2021 in St. Louis, MO. Cathy was a woman who loved the Lord and loved her family dearly.

An adventurous, beautiful, creative, kind, and generous Wife, Mother and Grandmother, Cathy saw every day as a precious gift not to be taken for granted. Raised in Oceanside, CA on a farm, she always had a love for learning and had the gift of music. Singing in her church for Sunday services as a teenager was commonplace. Married after high school, she raised two daughters and helped raise a step-son. She pursued her teaching degree and earned a Masters in Education in 1980. She then taught 2nd grade and was treasured by her students. She left teaching to care for her parents, and after they passed, she began to write and excelled at it. She published 5 books in Christian fiction, ghost wrote one book, and was included in a compilation of writings from many authors.

Having a lifelong love for God, she used her teaching gifts for His purposes and was a Children's Supervisor and Discussion Leader in Bible Study Fellowship. Always seeking to improve herself, she made a dietary commitment to improve healthy eating and joined Food Addicts. Her dedication, love, and service to other food addicts was a resource and inspiration. Cathy loved traveling, reading, and spending time with family. She resided in California most of her life, having moved to Missouri to be close to her family in 2020. She was an awesome woman and we are so grateful for time with her.

Predeceased by her adoptive parents Richard and Dessie Williams of San Luis Rey, CA, and her birth mother Deloris Rogers of Eatonville, WA, and her half-brother Wayne Walker of Cocoa, FL. She is survived by her husband of 34 years Robert Leggitt of Eagle Rock, MO; children Jule Doodnath and Deborah Anderson of Columbia, MO, and Jason Leggitt of Woodbridge, CA; seven grandchildren: Kathleen Wright, Joseph Anderson, Olivia Anderson, James Anderson, and Remi Doodnath of Columbia, MO; Luke Leggitt and Jolie Leggitt of Woodbridge, CA. She is also survived by siblings Florenza Krnich of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, Toni Deaville of Newcastle, OK, Robert Walker of Norman, OK, Patricia Little of Eatonville, WA, Daniel Walker of Marlow, OK, and David Jaggers of Barstow, CA.

Memorial service will be held May 8, 2021 at 1pm at GracePoint Church, 801 South Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi, CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Leggitt family.

Zelma LaFever

October 14, 1935 - April 24, 2021

Zelma passed away peacefully in Stockton at the age of 85.

She was born in Texas before her family moved to Lodi California when she was a child. She graduated from Lodi High School in 1952 and went on to marry the love of her life Marshall in 1955. They built a life together in Linden California where Zelma was homemaker for over 50 years. Zelma enjoyed vacationing in Arizona with her dear friends in the winters and having family dinners often with her children and grandchildren.

Zelma is preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Stella, her husband Marshall, and her son Tracy.
She is survived by her children: Curtis (Kathy), Vince and Steve Sr.; grandchildren: Steve Jr, Amanda, Duane, Desiree, and Ryan and 8 great grandchildren.

She was an amazing woman with a kind spirit, and will be missed dearly by all who loved her. A celebration of life will be planned for a later time.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the La Fever family.

Linda Goff

March 26, 1944 - April 23, 2021

Linda Jane Goff, beloved wife, mother and Mimi passed away peacefully with her daughters and grandchildren by her side on April 23, 2021. She was 77 years old. Linda was born in San Jose, California on March 26, 1944 to Lily Irene Gentry and Webster Leo Morrison. Her mother later married Charles R. Smith (Chuck) who became a loving father to her and her siblings. 

Linda grew up in Manteca California and attended Manteca High School with her best friends Donna, Karen and Darlene. She graduated high school in 1962. Shortly thereafter she met Bernard Jay Goff (Bernie) while he was in the Navy. They married in 1963 and lived for a short time in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They left Michigan and moved to Lathrop California where they purchased their first home. Bernie was working at the local glass plant and later became an electrician. Linda was a dedicated wife, homemaker and stay-at-home mother to Kimberly and Kathleen. The couple moved to Stockton and lived there for several years where they made many real estate investments. Linda became widowed in 2005 and later moved to Lodi where she resided at the time of her passing. 

Linda’s greatest passion was caring for her five grandchildren and attending all their sporting events and music concerts. She also loved to spend time gardening while surrounded by her many wind chimes and hummingbirds. She was an avid reader and enjoyed going to the movies, shopping, listening to Elvis Presley, along with taking trips to Jackson and Reno to gamble with her friend Maria. She loved spending time with family and hosting holiday gatherings and birthdays. 

Linda is survived by her daughters Kimberly Goff and Kathleen Quijalvo (Frank), her brothers Joseph and James Morrison, grandchildren Victoria Garner (Charles), Emily Ludwig (Ryan) Sarah Ahlqvist, Ryan Quijalvo, Haley Quijalvo, and her great granddaughter Liliana Garner. 

Linda is preceded in death by her husband Bernard Goff, parents Lily Irene Smith, Charles R Smith and Webster Leo Morrison. She is also preceded in death by her brothers Michael Smith and Gene Morrison, and her sister Judy Evans. 

Services will be at 1pm Friday May 7th at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider a donation in Linda’s name to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204, hospicesj.org.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Goff family.

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Robert Ballenger

August 26, 1932 - April 22, 2021

Robert Lee Ballenger, at the age of 88, peacefully left this world, surrounded by love in his home, on April 21, 2021.

Bob was born in Dewar, Oklahoma, on August 26, 1932, to Jesse Clay and Nora Vetters Ballenger. He was raised with four siblings: Betty, Alice, Bill and Kenneth. They moved to this area in 1937, in the midst of the Great Depression.

He graduated from Stockton High School in 1950. The following year, on July 4, 1951, he married Mildred Pauline Blake. Together, they lovingly raised five children: Johnny, Steve, Jack, Timothy, and Mitzi.

Bob was a very well respected arborist, cabinet maker/carpenter, brickmason and ‘fisher of men’. He was a pillar of the Old Country Church on Mariposa Road. Always, he had a heart to help someone in need. In his latter years, he volunteered singing at nursing homes, working at local food pantries and the Gospel Rescue Mission. He will be remembered for “A Beautiful Life” that he lived.

Bob was preceded in passing by Mildred, his loving wife of 63 years; sons: Johnny and Jack; parents: Jesse Clay and Nora; and siblings: Alice, Bill and Kenneth. He is survived by three children: Steve (Wanda), Mitzi (Richard), Timothy; sibling: Betty; six grandchildren: Jacqueline (Richard), Steven (Regina), Robert (Pauline), Jeremiah (Stacy), Alison (Jonathan), Richard; thirteen great-grandchildren: Robert, Micah, Austin, Barry, Blake, Hannah, Zach, Camryn, Calyb, Isybella, Abigail, Stevie, Moriah; three great-great-grandchildren: Silas, Reagan, Everett; and numerous other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Bob by making donation to operationsmile.org, a charity he supported to help children in need of surgical correction of cleft lip/palate.

VISITATION

Viewing to be held on Wednesday April 28, 2021 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday April 29, 2021 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 Ballenger family.

Matthew Stephen Kuhn

November 24, 1980 - April 21, 2021

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Matthew S. Kuhn, 40, loving son, brother, Unky, grandchild and friend to many, passed away April 21st, 2021. Matthew was born in Lodi, CA on November 24, 1980 to Rick and Sandy Kuhn. He was the oldest of 3 children including two sisters who loved him dearly. Matthew attended Tokay High School. Matthew's greatest loves were Jesus, family and baseball. Matthew grew up playing baseball at a very young age, starting with Lodi youth baseball and went on to play in the Cal-Mex league. Those who knew Matthew, know that he was the SF Giants biggest fan. He also loved being around the playfulness and laughter of his nieces and nephews. We will greatly miss his tender heart and loving soul. We take comfort in knowing that he is with our Heavenly Father.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Rick and Sandy Kuhn, sisters; Erin (Andrew) Livengood, Amanda (Matthew) Teresi, nieces and nephews; Olivia, Lucca, Drew, Gianni, Giuliana. Grandmothers; Ida (Grandma) Kuhn and Jacqueline (Nanny) King. His loving Aunts, Uncles, cousins and great friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers; William (Bumpa) King and Leo (Grandpa) Kuhn.

SERVICES:

Matthew's service will be held Thursday April 29th 2021 at 1:00pm at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park with committal immediately following at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hurting Moms/mending hearts or the 180 Teen Center if you feel led to do so.

hurtingmomsmendinghearts.org

180Lodi.org

Robert Lee Ballenger

August 26, 1932 - April 21, 2021

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Robert Lee Ballenger, at the age of 88, peacefully left this world, surrounded by love in his home, on April 21, 2021.

Bob was born in Dewar, Oklahoma, on August 26, 1932, to Jesse Clay and Nora Vetters Ballenger. He was raised with four siblings: Betty, Alice, Bill and Kenneth. They moved to this area in 1937, in the midst of the Great Depression.

He graduated from Stockton High School in 1950. The following year, on July 4, 1951, he married Mildred Pauline Blake. Together, they lovingly raised five children: Johnny, Steve, Jack, Timothy, and Mitzi.

Bob was a very well respected arborist, cabinet maker/carpenter, brickmason and ‘fisher of men’. He was a pillar of the Old Country Church on Mariposa Road. Always, he had a heart to help someone in need. In his latter years, he volunteered singing at nursing homes, working at local food pantries and the Gospel Rescue Mission. He will be remembered for “A Beautiful Life” that he lived.

Bob was preceded in passing by Mildred, his loving wife of 63 years; sons: Johnny and Jack; parents: Jesse Clay and Nora; and siblings: Alice, Bill and Kenneth. He is survived by three children: Steve (Wanda), Mitzi (Richard), Timothy; sibling: Betty; six grandchildren: Jacqueline (Richard), Steven (Regina), Robert (Pauline), Jeremiah (Stacy), Alison (Jonathan), Richard; thirteen great-grandchildren: Robert, Micah, Austin, Barry, Blake, Hannah, Zach, Camryn, Calyb, Isybella, Abigail, Stevie, Moriah; three great-great-grandchildren: Silas, Reagan, Everett; and numerous other family and friends.

SERVICES:

The viewing will be held Wednesday 4-7pm, and the graveside service on Thursday 10am, both at Cherokee Memorial. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bob by making donation to operationsmile.org, a charity he supported to help children in need of surgical correction of cleft lip/palate.

Melvin Harvey Buhrkuhl

August 20, 1930 - April 20. 2021

Melvin Harvey Buhrkuhl was born in a log cabin in New London Missouri on August 20, 1930 to Edwarn Carl Buhrkuhl and Laura Ruth Harvey. He grew up outside of Hannibal, Missouri. His family were sharecroppers during the Great Depression. At age 12, he made a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ at the Olivet Christian Church in Center, Missouri. The family moved to Yuba City in 1948 where he completed his senior year of high school. In 1952, he was drafted into the army and served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1953. After returning to Yuba City, he served as a youth leader in the Marysville Christian Church. He started working for Pacific Gas and Electric Company in 1954 and worked there primarily as a journeyman carpenter for the next 37 years in Fresno, San Francisco, and Stockton.

He met Mathilda Janzen Warkentin in 1960 at the Fresno Gospel Rescue Mission where they were both volunteering, she as a nurse, and Mel as handyman. They married April 8, 1961 in Reedley, California. After a short time in the Bay area, they moved to Stockton in 1962. Over the next five years they welcomed Beverly, Timothy, and Laura. Church was a priority and Mel led his family by serving faithfully in a variety of ministries at both Stockton Christian Missionary and Alliance and Quail Lakes Baptist Church. He taught Sunday School, served as an elder, volunteered on international missions trips, taught Eager Beavers preschool class and supported various ministries financially. Mel was quick to build something, volunteer to help serve in whatever capacity he could with his hands. 

Mathilda preceded Mel in death in 2012. Mel leaves behind his three children (spouses) Bev Hathorn (Jon), Tim Buhrkuhl (Brenda), and Laura Stone (John); ten grandchildren (spouses), Christi Journagan (Casey), Heidi Verheyden (Eric), Caitlyn Wheeler (John Mark), Zachary Stone (Mandy), Marcus Olivares-Perez (Katie), Emily Buhrkuhl, Nathan Buhrkuhl, Jared Stone, Kaylee Buhrkuhl, and Matthew Buhrkuhl and three great grandchildren, Riley, Hunter and Emmaline Verheyden, and additional great granddaughter due in June. He also leaves behind his siblings, Vernon Buhrkuhl and Buena Ravenscraft. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Buhrkuhl.

Mel passed into glory on April 19, 2021.

SERVICES

A memorial service will be held at Lincoln Presbyterian in Stockton at 10:00 on May 22, 2021.

The service can also be viewed using the following link: https://youtu.be/PXcUDu5cuVU.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Stockton Gospel Rescue Mission’s New Life Program, 445 S. South Joaquin St. Stockton CA 95203.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Buhrikuhl 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