Jean-Pierre Hirigoyen

September 18, 1938 - August 29, 2024

Jean Pierre Hirigoyen passed away at the age of 85. He was born in France, and he migrated to the United States in the 1950s. He was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church. He was a loving husband and father. He also has a living brother in France and has loving nephews and nieces here and in France. He will be dearly missed.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hirigoyen family.

Pamala Merrill

PAMALA SOWERS MERRELL
March 14, 1952- August 29, 2024

Pamala, always insistent that you spell it correctly, died unexpectedly in her sleep of natural causes.

Born to Orville and Esther Sowers in Brawley, California, the family moved to Lodi when Pam was young.  She attended Woodridge Elementary School and graduated Lodi High School in 1970.

Pam declined an airline flight attendant job to raise her daughter, Stacey.  Pam worked numerous jobs in the fruit packing sheds, Foster’s Freeze and Delta Sportswear before starting a job at General Mills in 1975.  That job turned into a 35-year career.

Pam hated a mess.  Her house was always put together, furniture dusted, beds made kitchen polished, counters clear and the floors clean.  However, open a drawer or closet and things would spill out; her filing system consisted of multiple miscellaneous folders.

Pam liked to travel; her first international adventure was to France for her 40th birthday.  She was trying to follow the map. It turned out she was holding it upside down. In frustration, she threw the map in the back seat.    Her friend said map is pam spelled backward. A navigator she was not, but she was an excellent driver. She and her husband, Steve, traveled the Bahamas, Pacific islands, the Caribbean and the United States.

Pam was a sportswoman, riding bikes, golfing, skiing, and even had her nose broken while playing on a softball team.

Pam was a good person, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, etc.

She will join her father Orville and brother Bud in heaven.

Many are left who will miss her physical presence:  husband Steve Merrell, mother Esther Sowers, daughter Stacey McGuire (Branden Fries ) sisters Valerie (Bob Weeks) and Robin (Greg Buonocore) as well as nieces, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday September 5 in the Merlot Room at Cherokee Memorial Park 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi.  

Burial will be at a later date.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Merrill family.

Rosalinda Lagpacan

September 8, 1962 - August 28, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 2:00pm - 8:00pm on Friday, September 20th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, September 21st, 2024 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 Lagpacan family.

Theresa Newport

November 26, 1929 - August 27, 2024

On August 27, 2024, Theresa (Terri) Joanne Newport, age 94, passed away with her family at her side. Born November 26, 1929, she was the daughter of Albert and Elizabeth Zentko. Terri grew up as a country girl on the family farm in Indiana, and attended schools in Carbon.

After marrying the love of her life, Harold Newport, they moved to California. Terri loved traveling, going to tea parties, scrapbooking, making holiday and birthday cards, riding horses and watching her grandchildren grow into young adults. She retired in 1993 after 35 years with Pac Bell, later working for Wells Fargo and the Chocolate Factory. Terri was very involved with St. Joachim’s Church having taught CCD, a lector and a member of Daughters of Isabella.

Survivors include Charlene Rivera, Christina (Juan) Newport del Gallego, Brent (Christy) Newport, Lucille (Gary) Christenson, Harold A. (Catherine) Newport and Paul (Rose) Newport; Grandchildren including Anna Marie, Richard, Tommy, Justin, Daniel, Courtney, Callee, Caitlin, Amanda, Doug, Frank, Dawn, Rochelle, Nieccole, and Mica. Preceded in death by Harold L. Newport, Jerry Ward, Sandra and Cathie Newport.

Rosary to be held on September 9th at 9:30 am followed by a Catholic mass at 10am at St. Joachim’s Church, 13392 E Lockeford Ranch Road in Lockeford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joachim’s Church or Hospice of San Joaquin.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Newport family.

Frederic Everly Sr.

February 27, 1949 - August 27, 2024

In the early morning of August 27 th , 2024, Frederic Helmuth Brell Everly, Sr. went into a peaceful sleep while at home in Stockton, CA. He was 75 years old. Frederic was born on February 27, 1949 in Pontiac, Michigan to his parents, Frederic H. Everly, Sr. and Helene Brell Everly. He is survived by his wife, Katy; son, Frederic H. Everly, Jr. of Chicago, Illinois; brother, George Everly; sisters Margarita and Barbara Everly of Summerville, South Carolina; sister Manuela Strechele of Ostallgäu, Germany; niece, Natasha Everly of Oakland, CA; granddaughter and great-grand daughter, Christina and Anna Lea Aguirre of Bakersfield, CA; brothers in law, Robert (Myrna) Rapisura of Stockton, CA and Maurice Rapisura, Jr. of San Francisco, CA. Frederic is further survived by special and devoted family and friends: Fr. Joseph Ramos of Tacoma, WA; Bernie and Julie Vigil of Lodi, CA; Jeanette Green of Salinas, CA; Shelly Diemer of Oakdale, CA and numerous family and friends in Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, Spain and throughout the United States.

Frederic was a devout Christian who committed his lifetime to the service of his country, family and the church. He became an active member of St. Susanna Orthodox Church in Sonora in 2007. He served as a Reader and was ordained as Subdeacon Tikhon in December 2017, serving in this capacity until his active service retirement in February 2021. In December 2021, Frederic and Katy moved from Sonora to Stockton, joining the fellowship at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church in Stockton.

Frederic served in the United States Army Corps, serving in the U.S. Army Defense Military Intelligence Corps and Special Operations Command – awarded numerous meritorious service medals and commendations as a chief warrant officer. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Corps in June 1976, however, continuing to serve with the U.S. Army Reserve until February 2009.

Frederic graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences. He continued his education studies graduating from San Jose State University with M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration.

Frederic’s professional career in law enforcement began as a police officer with the Chicago Police Department. After moving to California, he began his career with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a correctional officer at San Quentin Prison in 1979. He held positions in several institutions during his career. His dedication and resiliency served him well, retiring as an Associate Warden in 2004.

Frederic was a passionate oil painter, displaying his paintings at local galleries. He completed his last painting on August 24th , 2024. In addition, his comprehensive knowledge of military history (Roman Frontiers and Fortifications); Civil War battles and U.S. wars and interventions (WWI – War in Afghanistan) was exceptional and he was always willing to share this knowledge with family, friends and visitors alike. He touched many lives through his work, the military and church including mentoring individuals who were involved in the “A Journey to Fullness” sessions at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church.

Services will be held at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 920 West March Lane, Stockton, CA on Wednesday, September 11th at 6:00p.m.: Trisagion and viewing, refreshments to follow; Thursday, September 12th at 10:00a.m.: Evlogetaria Service and viewing; Makaria (meal); 1:30p.m. Internment at Cherokee Memorial, 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi, CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Everly family.

Juan Gonzalez Quevedo

October 13, 1951 - August 24, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm with a rosary starting at 7:00pm on Thursday, September 12th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
Mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, September 13th, 2024 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 Gonzalez Quevedo family.

Sammer Haddad

June 25, 1971 - August 23, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 11:00am - 1:00pm on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 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 Haddad family.

Steven Heskett

Steven Douglas Heskett
January 31, 1952 - August 21, 2024

Steve is survived by his wife, Tamara (Scott) Heskett; his daughter, Bernice (Heskett) Weilburg; his two grandchildren, Alyssa and Clinton; and his sister, Laura (Heskett) Soares. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Leone Heskett; and his brother, Timothy Heskett.

Steve was born, raised and stayed in Stockton, CA. He graduated from Sacramento State University with a BA in English Literature. He worked in a number of fields and found satisfaction in using his brain and in hard physical work. Steve had a variety of interests, such as a love of animals, which included his dogs, a cat, a hamster, and a rabbit. He loved Western movies and TV series; he also loved Kung Fu and Godzilla movies (especially the badly made ones). Anime was something else he enjoyed; one of his favorites was Cowboy Bebop. Steve loved creating gardens, and he also liked to build fires; the bigger the better.

Along with having his own interests, Steve also shared many with his family, such as watching cartoons with his niece (a favorite was The Powerpuff Girls), and crafts with his daughter and nephews.

His greatest accomplishment was his daughter Bernice, who brought him great joy and a lot of sass.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of San Joaquin, who made the end of his life dignified and comforting.

GRAVESIDE
A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, September 12th, 2024 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 Heskett family.

Lois Owen

October 19, 1953 - August 21, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 10:00am on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 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 Owen family.

Bennie Foster

March 8, 1948 - August 21, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 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 Foster family.

Wayne Thallander

Wayne Lee Thallander
Aug. 10, 1954 - Aug. 19, 2024


Wayne Lee Thallander filled hearts and minds as a high school teacher, basketball coach and beloved friend. A talented photographer, he filled frames with inimitable panache, capturing vibrant sports action shots and the joy of social events. Wayne was a familiar figure on the sidelines of Central Valley sporting events, either taking photos for area publications or encouraging girls basketball players he coached at three different high schools. A dedicated son and brother, his sudden death on Aug. 19 leaves an incalculable void. Wayne was born on Aug. 10, 1954. A native of Grand Forks, North Dakota, he moved to Stockton as a toddler with his family – father Wilfred Lasse Emmanuel, mother Mae Bernice Branvold and brother Mark Alan Thallander.

As a child, Wayne went to John Tyler School and Calvary Tabernacle. His family built a home in the Park Woods neighborhood and Wayne attended John R. Williams School, Lincoln Senior Elementary, Lincoln High School and Lincoln Neighborhood Church. His interest in photography began when he followed in his brother’s footsteps as a staffer for the Lincoln Log, where he was mentored by yearbook advisor Gary Daloyan. Wayne earned his Associate of Arts degree in Communication from San Joaquin Delta College in 1974, followed by his Bachelor of Science in Journalism and English from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1976. He returned to Stockton to pursue his teaching credential at the University of the Pacific, then began his 37-year teaching career. Wayne started at his alma mater before being lured to Tracy High in 1979. He served as advisor of the El Portal yearbook and award-winning Scholar & Athlete newspaper. He was the newspaper advisor for 31 years, taking a break to coach the varsity girls basketball team, which he did from 1982-1991, starting as a co-head coach with Tom Hawkins. In that time, he led the Bulldogs to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section semifinals. He served as the junior varsity girls basketball team from 1992-98.

Under Wayne’s leadership, the Scholar & Athlete earned 13 consecutive All-American awards from the National Scholastic Press Association between 1991-2004. He also guided the newspaper staff two Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown awards. The paper was inducted into the National Scholastic Press Association Hall of Fame in 2002. Wayne’s guidance gave countless students a headstart on professional journalism careers. He left an impression on thousands of English students – some of whom went on to become teachers themselves – before retiring in 2016. For his journalism students, “Mr. T’s” classroom was a second home where he was relied on for his wit, smile and steady presence. Wayne was coaxed back into coaching by lifelong friend and fellow educator Greg Leland, reuniting at Manteca’s Sierra High in 1999. Wayne served as an assistant for girls varsity basketball coach Dan Cunial, winning three league championships in eight years. Wayne took another break from coaching before again joining Leland’s crew, this time at Lathrop High. Wayne was part of Dwayne Davis’ varsity girls basketball staff from 2017-23, claiming three more league titles and making it to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division III semifinals in 2022. While he never wanted to be the center of attention, Wayne was wonderful at recording moments and promoting others. He loved being behind the camera. His images form professional, collegiate and high school sporting events were frequently featured in the Tracy Press, Manteca Bulletin and yearbooks under the Leonard Photography Studios umbrella. He was just as comfortable shooting at Stanford and Cal football games, the 49ers, Raiders, Giants and A’s as was high school games, homecoming parades and classroom scenes. He volunteered his time shooting for friends and family, often at youth sports events and artistic performances. A generous friend and kind soul, Wayne remembered birthdays by sending greeting cards, attended shows to support musician friends and helped young teachers. He was passionate about education, sharing his love of sports and serving others. He was a counselor, anchor and light for many. Wayne was devoted to his faith and family, caring for his parents late in their lives, as well as his mother’s sister, Aunt Delores “Dodie” Jean Smith. Wayne is survived by his brother Mark of Ogunquit, Maine and Palm Springs, as well as many cousins. In addition to Greg and Debbie Leland, extended family members mourning his passing include Mike Leland of Manteca, Keith Evans of Stockton, Cindy Pettit of Charlotte, N.C., Kelly Jones of Kingsburg, Regan and Tricia Jones of Roseville, Bob and Theresa Behler of Boise, Idaho, and Kristen and Kaedy DeToro of Youngstown,
Ohio.

FINAL RESTING PLACE
Wayne has been laid to rest at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi.

SERVICES
A Memorial Service has been planned for Saturday, Nov. 16,2024 at 1 p.m. at
Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204.
Tax-deductible contributions may be made in Wayne’s name to The Mark
Thallander Foundation at www.markthallanderfoundation.org.

Samuel Searcy

June 18, 1947 - August 18, 2024

Samuel J. Searcy, 77 years of age, from Stockton California, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024 at home surrounded by his family.

Sam was born June 18, 1947, in French Camp, California. He was survived by his loving wife Sandra Searcy for 35 years. He had eight children, Tina, Serina, Valerie, Michelle, Lisa, Jennifer, Bob and Clarissa. He had 30 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Sam will be laid to rest Friday, August 30,2024 at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery in Lodi California.

On behalf of Sam’s, wife and family we would like to thank everyone for your prayers and messages of condolence.  

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Searcy 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