obituaries

Diana Lynn Schulz

In Loving Memory of Diana Lynn Schulz

February 11, 1955 - September 16, 2026

OBITUARY

Diana Lynn Schulz, lovingly known as Diane, 71 of Valley Springs, California, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, surrounded by the people who loved her most.

Diane was born on February 11, 1955, in Orange, California, to Donna Hertz Zickefoose and Clarence Zickefoose. She grew up with her brother Ronald Hertz and sister, Renee Hertz Brandt. Diane deeply loved her parents, sister and brother and the memories they shared. 

Diane graduated from Tokay High School in 1973. Near the end of high school, she started dating Keith Schulz and they were married in 1978. They bought their first home in Stockton in 1980, then moved to Valley Springs in 1990, where they made a home, raised their family, and spent many years together.

Diane loved her family and friends. She kept in touch and made sure the people she cared about knew she was thinking about them. She had a good sense of humor, could make people laugh, and always had a way of making a conversation feel personal.

One of her favorite jobs was working in the nursery at Orchard Supply Hardware. She loved learning about plants, including both their technical names and the names people used every day. She did not always have a big garden, but she enjoyed growing things when the season was right such as pumpkins, tomatoes, strawberries, and other fruit.

Diane was also creative. She had a craft boutique in the foothills of Northern California called Annie’s Emporium, where she enjoyed making crafts and sharing what she created with others. She liked putting thought into the things she made and seeing people enjoy them.

Diane absolutely loved garage saling. She enjoyed the early mornings, the hunt, the conversations, and the possibility of finding something special. A garage sale was never just a garage sale to her, was an outing, an adventure, and a chance to come home with a good story. She also loved coffee, especially a chocolate iced mocha, and she could never resist a Mean Bean.

More than anything, Diane loved her family. Her sons, Tahner Schulz and Ryan Schulz, were her world. She was proud of the men they became, the families they built, and the lives they made for themselves. She loved being a grandmother to her four and treasured watching each of them grow. She also cherishes her  parents, sister and brother. 

Diane is survived by her husband, Keith Schulz; her sons, Tahner (Dianna) Schulz and Ryan (Christina) Schulz; her grandchildren Madelyne, Aiden, Maverick, and Ameliah; her sister Renee Hertz Brandt; and many family members and friends who will miss her very much.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donna Hertz Zickefoose and Clarence Zickefoose; her brother, Ronald Hertz; and other loved ones who went before her.

We take comfort in knowing Diane is with our Heavenly Father and reunited with her parents, her brother, and the loved ones she missed. We will miss her calls, her laugh, her love of a good bargain and all the ordinary little things that made her a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Forever loved, forever missed, and always in our hearts.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 11:00am at the Evergreen Chapel, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Schulz family.

Please leave your condolences below.


Marilyn Lucille Van Tassel

Marilyn Lucille Van Tassel

December 29, 1932 - September 16, 2026

OBITUARY

With heavy hearts and gratitude for her life, we announce that Marilyn Lucille Van Tassel entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 16, 2026. She was 93.

Marilyn was born on December 29, 1932, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Herman and Lorraine Swenson. As a teenager, she moved with her family to California. She graduated from high school there and later earned her degree from San Jose State University.

After college, Marilyn considered joining the family business. Instead, at a roommate’s encouragement, she applied to United Airlines and was hired as a stewardess. Though she had vowed never to date a pilot, a blind date introduced her to William “Bill” Van Tassel, the love of her life. They shared 63 years of marriage until his passing in 2024.

Together, Marilyn and Bill built a thriving, large-scale cow-calf operation, working side by side through the years. Marilyn spent many days on horseback, and her strength, devotion, and tireless work were essential to the ranch they built together.

Family was Marilyn’s greatest joy. She was a devoted and steady presence in the lives of her children, faithfully supporting them at games, 4-H events, and other activities. Her love and encouragement shaped her family and remain an enduring part of her legacy.

A devoted Christian, Marilyn lived her faith through kindness, humility, and service to others. Her trust in God guided her throughout her life and remains a source of comfort to her family.

Marilyn served her ranching community through the San Joaquin Stanislaus CattleWomen. She also enjoyed bowling and especially treasured the friendships she formed through her Friday bowling league.

She is survived by her sons, William (Vicki), Robert, and Jim (Kim); her stepdaughters, Nancy (Rick) Lopez and Carol (George) Alves; and her sister, Sharon Shultz. She is also survived by eight grandchildren—Nathan Lopez, Brett Lopez, Dustin Alves, Lindsay (Alves) Gogna, Jillian (Van Tassel) Carnes, Luke Van Tassel, Ellie Van Tassel, and Ezra Van Tassel—and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, William “Bill” Van Tassel; her loving parents, Herman and Lorraine Swenson; and her dear sister, Beverly Kulberg.

Interment will be private. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on October 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Gypsy Bistro in Lockeford, California.

Though Marilyn will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. They will forever cherish the example she set through her steadfast faith, devotion to family, and strength throughout her life.


Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Van Tassel family.

Please leave your condolences below.


Susan Marie Hatch

Susan Marie Hatch

March 7, 1950 - September 12, 2026

OBTUARY

Susan Marie Hatch (nee Kuhlman), 76, of Lodi, California, passed quietly on September 12, 2026.  Born in St. Helena, California, Susan graduated from Monterey Bay Academy and attended business college. She spent the last twenty years of her working life in banking, tax preparation, and insurance.  Susan was known for her devotion to family and love of animals, gardening, music, movies, and a good book.  She had a special fascination with big cats and  a commitment to protecting their habitats. Susan is survived by  husband, Sam Hatch; daughter, Jessica; son-in-law, Robert; three grandchildren;  twin sister, Sharon; three brothers, Howard, Lawrence, and Wayne; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Susan will be mourned and sorely missed by family and friends. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 10:00am in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hatch family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Janet Hart

Janet Lee Layton Hart

April 16, 1932 – September 29, 2026


OBITUARY

Janet Lee Layton Hart, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 29, 2026, in Lodi, California. Fittingly, she rejoined her beloved husband on what would have been their 75th wedding anniversary.

Janet was born on April 16, 1932, in Layton, Utah, to Bessie Fern Hyde and Ezra James Layton. At the age of four, she moved with her family to Oregon, where she attended grammar school, before returning to Utah to complete her education. As a youth, Janet excelled in math and English, and she developed a lifelong passion for sewing—once crafting a wool coat in high school that she proudly entered into a competition in Salt Lake City.

After graduating from Davis High School, Janet worked at Hill Air Force Base as a mechanic's assistant. Her time at the base gifted her a unique hands-on skill set, making her incredibly handy with tools and a talented fixer who could repair almost anything. She knew her way around a toolbox so well that if you asked her for a crescent wrench, you got exactly that—a crescent wrench, no questions asked.

It was also at the base that she met the love of her life, James Robert Hart. The couple married on September 29, 1951, in Layton, Utah, and shared 57 wonderful years of marriage before his passing.

Janet’s greatest joy was her family. She welcomed her firstborn son, Jeffery, in 1953, followed by her second son, Scott, a year and a half later in 1954. Her boys were the absolute center of her world.

A faithful and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Janet dedicated much of her life to service. She served in the genealogy department in Omaha, Nebraska, the Relief Society office in Salt Lake City, and held numerous other callings within her local wards.

Janet was an exceptionally talented seamstress who loved sewing for others. For years, she collaborated with Weber State University to sew custom uniforms for their cheerleading squad. In her later years, she cherished visits from her sister Pauline, loved spending time with her family and friends, and could often be found cheering on the San Francisco Giants with a bowl of ice cream and a pocket full of Hi-Chews.

Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Robert Hart; her parents, Bessie and Ezra; and her five siblings, Donna, Vance, Anna Rae, Pauline, and Glen.

She is survived and deeply missed by her sons, Jeffery L. Hart (Terrie) and Scott R. Hart (Jane); her six grandchildren and their spouses, Christy, Jackie, Nichole, Jared, Rachel, and Jill; and seven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bristol Hospice for their profound compassion and dedicated care during Janet’s final weeks.

A private family viewing and graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 7th, with interment to follow in Concord, California

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hart family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Ina Jean Schultz

Ina Jean Schultz

March 7, 1931 - September 25, 2026

OBITUARY

Ina Jean “Jean” Schultz passed away on September 25, 2026, at age 95. She will be remembered for her love of family, strong faith, years of service, and lively personality. Jean was born in Iowa in 1931 to John and Lela Defenbough. She moved to Lodi, California, and graduated from Lodi High School in 1948. She began working at age 13 and held several jobs throughout her life. She later worked for the California Department of Motor Vehicles, where she retired. Many people in the Lodi area may even remember Jean as the person who passed, or perhaps failed, them on their driving test.

Jean met James “Jim” Schultz through Methodist Youth Fellowship when they were in high school. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and service. They shared 62 years of marriage before Jim passed away in 2014. Jean found comfort in her faith and in the hope that they would be together again.

Jean and Jim raised four children: Mark, Kathy Robinson, Tim, and David. Jean was proud of her family and especially proud of her children’s accomplishments.

Faith and helping others were central to Jean’s life. She joined the Methodist Church in 1946 and remained a devoted member. At First United Methodist Church of Lodi, she and Jim helped feed people in need through Sacramento Street Ministries and took part in home-building and repair projects in California, Louisiana, Mexico, and elsewhere. Jean's commitment to serving others extended well beyond church. She also volunteered for 30 years with the Women’s Club and the LOEL Center, where she made many lasting friendships.

She was a proud grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of six. Jean loved cheering for her family at sporting events and was never shy about sharing her opinions with the officials. She also enjoyed playing Skip-Bo, Rummikub, and Uno with her family—and loved winning. She was a loyal fan of the San Francisco 49ers and Giants.

Jean was direct, feisty, and always willing to speak her mind. She loved her family deeply and brought warmth and personality wherever she went. She enjoyed baking, especially rhubarb desserts, and caring for her rose garden.

Jean is survived by her children Kathy (Frank) Robinson, Tim (Kim), and David (Suzy); her daughter-in-law Marie; her seven grandchildren, Scott Schultz, Justin (Kaila) Pyle, Ashley (Geoff) Siebel, Jesse Robinson, Casee (Josh) Killing, Rosie Schultz, and Carli Schultz; her six great-grandchildren; her brother, Rex Defenbough; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her son, Mark; her parents, John and Lela; and her siblings, Marjorie and Richard.

Jean lived a full life and will be deeply missed. In her memory, her family invites everyone to remember one of her simple habits: make your bed every day.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 9th, 11:30am, at the First United Methodist Church of Lodi, 200 West Oak Street. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Grace & Mercy Charitable Foundation, 425 Sacramento St, Lodi, CA 95240

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Schultz family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Rick Dale Sanders

Rick Dale Sanders

October 27, 1952 - September 24, 2026

Rick Sanders, 73 of Lodi, California passed away on Thursday September 24 th , surrounded by his daughter and son. He will be remembered as a devoted father and husband, a steady presence and a man whose love for his family shaped the way he lived.

Born on October 27 th , 1952, Rick built a life defined by hard work, generosity, service to others and unwavering love for his family. Those who knew him will remember his love for hunting, fishing, the outdoors, windmills, more recently his love for gardening and woodworking, and his love and devotion to his family and his willingness to help others.

Above all, Rick was a loving husband and father. He was preceded in death by his father John Claude Sanders and his mother Marie Sanders. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Sanders of 38 years. In addition to his daughter Tracy Malandra and his son John Sanders, Rick left behind Becky Salgado, Kelly Lorimer, Stephanie Bates and Paul Lorimer, whom he welcomed, supported and loved as part of his family. Additionally, Rick was survived by his sisters Susan McClerkin and Cheryl Rutledge. Rick was blessed with 25 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Each was touched by his kindness, loyalty and enduring love.

Rick’s memory will live on in the stories shared, the lessons he taught and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Memorial services will be held in private with family.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Sanders family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Richard Eugene Hillis, Sr.

Richard Eugene Hillis, Sr.

March 21, 1954 - September 21, 2026

OBITUARY

Beloved Father, Papa and Great-Papa

Richard was born in Fort Hood, Texas on March 21, 1954 to Dorothy and Ralph Hillis. Richard spent many years as a painter. He loved fishing and watching Nascar. His biggest joy in life was his family. Always a good friend and would help someone, if he could.

Richard is the father to Melissa Lawrence, Rachel Lawrence and Richard Hillis, Jr. Father figure to Jamie Hillis. Papa to seven Grandchildren and six Great Grandchildren. Uncle to many. And brother one surviving sibling.

Richard passed away at home on September 21, 2026 after a short battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother and two sisters.

Richard will be greatly missed by many.
We love you Dad!

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hillis family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Helen Tellyer

Helen Tellyer

March 7, 1935 - September 20, 2026

Helen Marie Tellyer passed away peacefully following a short illness.

Born Helen Robinson to Russell Louis Robinson and Gertrude Agnes Fitzgerald in 1935. She and her sister, Marjorie (Prescott), born during the Great Depression, beginning a life that would be filled with family, friendships, work, and the many passions she carried throughout her years.

In 1953, Helen married David Robert Campbell, and together they had three children: Richard (Rick) Louis, born in 1953 (married to Kathy Tellyer); Donald (Don) Robert, born in 1955, who passed away in 2004; and Katherine (Sky), born in 1957. Following the tragic accident that took David’s life, Helen married Gerald (Jerry) Robert Tellyer in 1960. Together they welcomed their daughter, Valerie Gayle Tellyer, in 1962 (married to Richard Wilkins).

Helen began her working life as a legal secretary before embarking on a long and cherished career with the Stockton Police Department. Hired as a dispatcher in 1979, she dedicated 22 years to the department before retiring in 2001. Not quite ready to completely retire, Helen continued working part-time for another nine years, gathering 911 recordings for use by the legal system.

A constant throughout Helen’s life was her love of reading and cross-stitching. She was an avid reader, with a particular fondness for mysteries and thrillers. She devoured multiple novels each month and went through several Kindles over the years. When she wasn’t reading, she was often cross-stitching, and few things made her happier than hosting stitching sessions with her many friends.

Bowling also kept Helen active for many years. She belonged to several leagues, depending on whether she was working days or nights at the Stockton Police Department. Although she never bowled a perfect 300 game, her exceptional skill earned her a place in the Les Dames 700 Bowling Club.

During retirement, Helen discovered a new passion: quilting. She became a longtime member of the Tuleburg Quilt Guild, spending 25 years creating quilt after quilt. Through quilting, she found another wonderful circle of friends who became deeply cherished and meant the world to her.

Above all, Helen treasured her family and the many friendships she built throughout her life. She leaves behind her four children, Richard, Sky, and Valerie, as well as the memory of her son Donald, and her grandchildren Isaiah, Tracy, Chris, Steve, David, and Sam. Her legacy continues through her 13 great-grandchildren, who are scattered across Hawaii, California, Utah, and Massachusetts.

Helen will be remembered by many. 

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Tellyer family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Donald Lawrence Grupe

Donald Lawrence Grupe

July 19, 1937 - September 18, 2026

Donald Lawrence Grupe, born July 19, 1937 in Lodi, passed away at home in Linden at the age of 89. Training in 1959 at the U.S. Army Ordnance Mechanical Maintenance School at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, he spent his career as a mechanic with the California National Guard. Thrifty to the core, he could fix nearly anything, loved going to auctions, was a dedicated member of the Linden Lions club, and counted the San Joaquin County Historical Society among his causes.

His joy in retirement was restoring WWII Willy’s Jeeps to historic accuracy and showing at vehicle preservation meets with the Military Vehicle Collectors of California.  President of Joaquin Jeepers from 1970-71, he crossed the Rubicon Trail and off-roaded his way through much of the Sierra Nevadas. He was happiest in coveralls working in his home shop, but could be seen about town sporting a Linden Cherry Festival hat and popping into the Rod and Gun Club for a beer and a chat. 

He is survived by his daughter Marla Williams of San Diego, and his son Mark McCall of Valley Springs.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Grupe family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Karen Juelch

Karen Juelch

July 13, 1945 - September 18, 2026

OBITUARY

Karen Juelch, 81, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Bakersfield, CA. Karen is survived by Katherine Fernandez - daughter, David Fernandez - son-in-law, Laurie Juelch - daughter-in-law, Charles Juelch - son, Deborah Juelch - daughter-in-law, Christopher Juelch - son. Karen is preceded in death by Reo Newby - father, Dorothy Newby - mother, George Juelch Sr. - spouse, and George Juelch Jr. - son.. Karen loved gardening, canning, preserves, arts and crafts, painting, drawing, and traveling. Her favorite times were laughing and visiting with family. She will be greatly missed.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Juelch  family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Robert Gale Hoffman

Robert Gale Hoffman

April 17, 1936 - September 18, 2026

Bob was born on 04/17/1936 in Lodi CA to John Hoffman and Virginia Hoffman (Wilson). He left this earth to be with his heavenly father on 09/18/2026 surrounded by his family. While he was young his family moved to Stockton, CA where he attended local schools. He was active in Boy Scouts and once attended a Boy Scout Jamboree in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. He traveled there and back with his troop along with other troops by train. It was an experience he remembered fondly.

Bob worked at various jobs from a young age including delivering drugs on a bicycle for a downtown Stockton pharmacy, to loading cans into rail cars for Continental Can Company.

Nearing high school graduation and still not certain of a career choice, he accepted an apprenticeship position at a local meat market, ultimately earning journeyman status.

In 1957 he married Donna Hoffman (Semper). They had 2 children, Kimberly Ann Hoffman in 1962, and Robert G. Hoffman Jr. in 1965. 

In January of 1968 they formed Bob’s Meats, Inc. which they owned and operated until 1997. During this time, Bob attended Sacramento State earning an adult teaching credential. He taught night classes in meat cutting for many years at Delta Jr. College. He enjoyed teaching the student’s especially taking them on field trips to many meat processing facilities.

As an adult he learned to water ski, snow ski, and play golf. He was an avid hunter spending 2 weeks a year in Colorado deer hunting. He was also a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lodi.

Bob was preceded in death by his father John Hoffman, mother Virginia Laws, daughter Kimberly Ann Crespi and twin granddaughters Tessera and Samantha Crespi, sisters in law Jacqueline Gaffney (John) and Janet Kavanaugh (Robert).

He is survived by his wife Donna Hoffman, son Robert G. Hoffman Jr., Daughter In law Nora Hoffman, granddaughter Jessica Lauren Barrett (Ryan), Grandson’s Dylan Robert Crespi and Joshua David Crespi. Also survived by Niece Debra Spoonhour, Nephew’s Gregory Spoonhour (Terri), James Kavanaugh (Carol) and many loved cousins who referred to him as “Uncle”.

Donations in Bob’s memory, can be given to St. John’s Episcopal Church 1055 S. Lower Sacramento Rd. Lodi, CA 95242 or charity of donor’s choice.

Services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lodi on 10/24/2026 at 10:00 AM.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hoffman family.

Please leave your condolences below.