Eugene Nelson

Eugene NelsonStockton, California May 4, 1935 to January 18, 2016

Eugene Nelson, 80, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Monday, January 18, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton, California.

Eugene, or “Uncle Sonny” as he was affectionately known, was born on May 4, 1935 in Ashdown, Arkansas. He worked as a baker for more than 40 years and was one of the first African-American bakers in Stockton, California.

VISITATION

Viewing and quiet hour for Eugene will be held on January 26, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Evergreen Chapel located on the grounds of Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi, California.

SERVICES

Funeral services for Eugene will follow directly after viewing and quiet hour on January 26, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Evergreen Chapel located on the grounds of Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi, California.

Annette Olga Fink

Annette Olga Fink04/07/1919 – 01/17/2016 of Lodi

Annette Olga Fink, 96, of Lodi, passed away January 17, 2016. FinkeBorn on April 7, 1919 to Theodora and Johanna Trick, Annette worked for Ing’s Catering and Aldo’s Delicatessen. Later, she worked as a cook for Lodi Community Hospital for 17 years. Annette loved to play bingo and read, and she also loved visiting Jackson Rancheria and crocheting afghans. Annette will be missed by her children, Roger (Faith) Fink, Duane (Connie) Fink, and Arlene (Jim) Baker, her brother Leslie Trick, and her grandchildren, Darrin Wendland, Chris Fink, Lori Taylor, Cara Fink, Corbin Fink. She also leaves behind her great grandchildren, Jaden Miller, Preston Martin, Alyssa Colwell, Callie Wendland, and Aubrey Taylor. Annette is preceded in death by her husband, David Fink, Jr, son, Jerry Fink, and her siblings, Carl Fink, Clara Schmollinger, Martha Dietz, Frieda Folsom, and Alvina Fehling.

SERVICES

A Celebration of Annette’s life will be held on January 30, 2016. Friends are invited to call (209) 603-9913 for more information.

INTERMENT

Inurnment will be private at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi,CA 95240 . Please sign the online guestbook at www.cherokeememorial.com.

Nancy Ann Neitzel

01/22/1944 - 01/17/2016 Nancy Neitzel was a teacher, cat lover, candy bar hoarder, ordained minister, flight attendant, image1mother of the year (according to her children), clock collector, world traveler, Science Camp counselor, drama major, unofficial ambassador for the City of Santa Cruz, certified grammar inspector, lover of all things pink and blue, Alfred Dunner enthusiast, admitted dictator, and as of January 17th, 2016 she took on her last assignment as heaven's newest angel. Nancy Neitzel taught elementary school in Lodi Unified for 38 years, and if you ask anyone, she was everyone’s FAVORITE teacher. Before her marriage of 24 years to Dale Neitzel, she was Nancy Case, but over the years Mrs. Neitzel taught at Davis, Parklane, and Oakwood Elementary schools. If you do the math, (she never allowed a calculator) she touched the lives over 1000 students during her career. She would be the first to remind any of her students that even though the United States of America was a democracy, in her classroom it was a dictatorship. She made her own lesson plans, pissed off more than a few administrators, and always stayed after class just in case there was a student that might need a little extra help. Even though the kids in her classroom were number one, the most important aspect of her life was her family. Nancy was told she would never have children because of health issues, and just like every other aspect of her life she defied the odds and had two children, Eric and Jennifer. If you asked her, those two children were each miracles, a statement that each of them would have wholeheartedly agreed with. She loved spending time at the beach, something that filled her heart with happiness and she also loved the occasional trip to the casino, which didn't fill anything for her. What truly filled her heart daily was her beloved kitty cat, Scooter. She could be in the ICU right after surgery, but yet her main concern was knowing that Scooter was fed and that the TV was left on the Disney channel so he had something to watch while she was not around. Nancy was a very spiritual person, being baptized as a young adult into the Community of Christ, where she later became an ordained member of the priesthood. She had a heart of gold and a smile that people talked about up until the very end. Nancy would also be the first to tell you that she was not afraid of death. She did not want people to mourn for her passing, she wanted everyone to celebrate her “going home”.

INTERMENT

Following her wishes, she will be privately interred with my sister Jennifer at Cherokee Memorial in Lodi, and we will be celebrating her life at 1:00pm on January 30, 2016 at the Community of Christ Church in Stockton, California. It's on a Saturday, so no hall pass will be needed to attend. In lieu of flowers, her family asks you to take extra good care of your kitty cat, or if you aren’t lucky enough to have a wonderful kitty cat like Scooter, at least have a Rocky Road candy bar in Nancy's honor.

SERVICES

Nancy's Celebration of Life details:

Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 1:00 PM Community of Christ Church 3700 N. El Dorado Street Stockton, CA 95204

Michael Covey

Michael D. CoveySept. 6, 1953 – Jan. 16, 2016

 

Michael (Mike) Covey entered into peaceful rest on January 16, 2016 with family by his side.  Mike is Covey.obit.picsurvived by his lifelong partner and loving wife of 42 years, Kathy Covey; 2 children Michael Covey and Shannon Bunnell; mother and step-father Rose Anne and Bob Lawrence; step-mother Joyce Covey; father-in-law Joe Jorge; brothers Kenny Haren, Ronny Haren and Michael Lawrence; sisters Vicki Covey, Karen Montoya, Patty Vargem and Pam Lawrence and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and countless friends and business associates.  Mike was a proud Papa of 4 amazing granddaughters Lexy Bunnell 17, Alexis Covey 13, Madison Covey-Taylor 11 and Mercedes Covey 9. Mike was born in Oakland, CA in 1953.  He lived in Hayward, CA with his mother and father and graduated from Sunset High in 1971.  In 1972, Mike moved to Virginia to start his career in underground construction with his father.  Mike owned an Exxon station which had 1 Tow Truck that became the start of Pacific Towing.  Over the last 30 years, Pacific Towing has grown into Covey Auto Express Inc., a successful corporation for his family who will continue his legacy.  Outside of Mike’s business legacy his personal interests were classic cars, collecting antiques and playing with his English Bulldogs. Mike will truly be missed.

VISITATION      

   Visitation will be held at Cherokee Funeral Home 831 Industrial Way, Lodi on Jan. 29th from 3-8pm.

SERVICES

Services will be held at Bear Creek Community Church 11171 N. Lower Sacramento Rd, Lodi on Jan. 30th at 11am and a Celebration of Life will be held at Hutchins Street Square 125 S. Hutchins Street, Lodi from 1-5pm.

INTERMENT

Private burial for immediate family only.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Mike.

Michael D. Covey

Michael (Mike) Covey

9/6/1953 - 1/16/2016

Of Acampo

Michael (Mike) Covey entered into peaceful rest on January 16, 2016 with family by his Covey.obit.picside.  Mike is survived by his lifelong partner and loving wife of 42 years, Kathy Covey; 2 children Michael Covey and Shannon Bunnell; mother and step-father Rose Anne and Bob Lawrence; step-mother Joyce Covey; father-in-law Joe Jorge; brothers Kenny Haren, Ronny Haren and Michael Lawrence; sisters Vicki Covey, Karen Montoya, Patty Vargem and Pam Lawrence and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and countless friends and business associates.  Mike was a proud Papa of 4 amazing granddaughters Lexy Bunnell 17, Alexis Covey 13, Madison Covey-Taylor 11 and Mercedes Covey 9.

Mike was born in Oakland, CA in 1953.  He lived in Hayward, CA with his mother and father and graduated from Sunset High in 1971.  In 1972, Mike moved to Virginia to start his career in underground construction with his father.  Mike owned an Exxon station which had 1 Tow Truck that became the start of Pacific Towing.  Over the last 30 years, Pacific Towing has grown into Covey Auto Express Inc., a successful corporation for his family who will continue his legacy.  Outside of Mike’s business legacy his personal interests were classic cars, collecting antiques and playing with his English Bulldogs. Mike will truly be missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Mike.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held at Cherokee Funeral Home 831 Industrial Way, Lodi on Jan. 29th from 3-8pm.

SERVICES

Services will be held at Bear Creek Community Church 11171 N. Lower Sacramento Rd, Lodi on Jan. 30th at 11am and a Celebration of Life will be held at Hutchins Street Square 125 S. Hutchins Street, Lodi from 1-5pm.

INTERMENT

Private burial will be held for immediate family only.

 

Don Churchill

Coach Don Churchill, age 89, peacefully entered into Heaven on Saturday, January 16, 2016. He was born on Friday, June 18,1926, to the late Edward and Iva Churchill in Glendale, California. The family moved to San Diego where he graduated from San Diego High School and received All-City honors while winning the League Championship in basketball. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the Navy to serve his country during World War II.Don Churchill's Pictur

After being honorably discharged, he continued his studies at the University of Redlands where he played basketball and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. In 1953, he began his basketball coaching career where he led the University of Redlands freshman team to a championship. His first assignment in the field of education was teaching history at Coachella Valley High School where upon he was also voted Riverside County League Coach of the Year.

Moving to Stockton in 1956, Don became a member of the inaugural staff at Marshall Jr. High as head of the PE department. At Marshall, he continued coaching where he led the basketball program to six championships with two undefeated seasons. While there, he met and fell in love with Alberta whom he later married in 1962. During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree at the University of the Pacific.

In 1969, he transferred to Franklin High School where he taught PE and continued coaching. His 1975 sophomore team won the Stagg Tournament and finished the season with an SJAA League Championship. He completed his 31 year coaching career in 1984 with Franklin’s Varsity basketball team. Ultimately, he became the chair of the PE department, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1989.

Don was preceded in death by his siblings Allen Churchill and Elaine Paden. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alberta Fedler Churchill, daughter Terilynn, and son Kenneth Scott (Nicole), all of Stockton. Surviving grandchildren are Logan Cade, Kevon Scott, Tristyn Noelle, and Monique Nicole.

The family would like to express its appreciation to Quail Lakes Baptist Church (his church home for over 30 years), the Hampton Windsor Care facility for their many months of compassionate care, and Hospice of San Joaquin for making his last days peaceful.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Franklin Athletic Boosters by contacting Richard Sandoval @ (209) 922-6617.

VISITATION

There will be a viewing Friday, January 22, 2016 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 E. Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240 from 1-8 pm.

SERVICES

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi,CA 95240

INTERMENT

Interment immediately following.

William Woodrow Wilson

William “Bill” “ Woody” Woodrow Wilson, aged 80, passed away on January 15, 2016 at his home in Stockton , California after a battle with cancer. He is survived FB_IMG_1453054233609by wife Debbie, his children Susan, Douglas, Gregory, SkyDawn daughter in law Karla son in law Gilbert, Grandchildren Megan, Michael, Tanner, Benjamin, Lily his Great Granddaughter Lily, Godson Connor, his siblings Barbara, Beatrice, and Edmund. He is predeceased by brothers Robert, Clarence, and Jackie Ray.He found the many visits by family and friends in recent days a great comfort. Born in Dexter, New Mexico to William and Mattie Wilson on February 10, 1935.  The family moved to California while Woody was young and he grew up in Woodlake, California. Following graduation from Woodlake High School he joined the Army and rose to the rank of Sergeant  in the 82nd Airborne Division. Returning to California after his military service he married his first wife Florence and and rose to the rank of Sergeant with the Department of Corrections.  Later he began a distinguished career with the California Highway Patrol. While at the CHP he earned a Bachelor degree from California State University, Chico. He rose to the rank of Sergeant before his retirement in 1983 from the Stockton CHP office.  Following retirement from the CHP Woody could often be found enjoying the activity at various auction yards in the Stockton area.

SERVICES

Memorial services will be held a 1pm on Tuesday January 19th at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church 4910 Claremont Ave. Stockton, CA 95607.A celebration of life will follow in the fellowship hall.

Woody requested no flowers at his service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Woody’s name to the CAHP Widows and Orphans’ Fund www.thecahp.org.

Satoru Tamura

Satoru (Sugar) Tamura 1923-2016

Satoru (Sugar) Tamura passed away on January 14, 2016. Sugar was born in Lodi on September 24, 1923, to Rinkichi and Kiyo Tamura, and resided in Lodi until he and his family were interned at Rowher, Arkansas in 1942. While interned in Rowher, Arkansas, he was drafted to serve in the Army during World War II. By the time he reached Germany, the war ended. He left Rowher in April of 1943, and farmed in Colorado for a short time. He eventually returned to Lodi to resume his passion for farming with his parents and brothers, Shigeo and John. In 1950, he married Ethel Tsutsumi, and they enjoyed 61 wonderful years of marriage.

In 1984, his nephew, Joey, returned back to Lodi to join the Tamura farming operation; and Joey soon became Sugar's right arm and "Best Friend." Up until the day of his passing, Sugar sincerely looked forward to visiting Joey every morning to discuss what was taking place on the farm each day.

Sugar was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel; brothers, Shiego and John; and sister, Mary Matsuoka. He is survived by his two daughter, Libby (Kent) Iwamura, and Linda (Alan) Nakashima; grandchildren, Kendra (Mike) Gee; Lindsay (Brandon) Souza; Keenan (Stephanie) Iwamura; and Lauren Nakashima; and great grandchildren, Kaleb and Kelsie Gee; and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends meant the world to Sugar; and he especially enjoyed and appreciated everyone's visits over the past few years after Ethel's passing.

Sugar was known to all as a kind, caring, and compassionate man; and he will be greatly missed.

SERVICES

A private memorial service will be held at the Lodi Buddhist Church.

James H. Jackson

James H. “Jim” Jackson03/22/1924 – 01/11/2016 of Lodi

James H. (Jim) Jackson passed away on January 11, 2016 at Arbor Nursing Center. He was born in Los Angeles and raised there as well as in Needles, California.Jackson He enlisted in the United States Air Force in early 1942. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operations and was honorably discharged in early 1946. He spent several years as an employee with Standard Oil Company of California. He attended and graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy in 1953. He served in Kern, San Joaquin and Sacramento counties until his retirement due to job incurred injuries in 1973. Jim then worked for Wells Fargo Bank as a Collections Supervisor until his second retirement in 1983. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling, especially along the California and Oregon coasts. He also enjoyed the Great Mojave Desert. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Ruth E. Jackson, his twin daughters, Judith (Burt) Shook and Janis (Scotty) Reiswig, his step children, Richard (Donna) Webb, Catherine Domingo, Cynthia (Mike) Yount, and Michael Webb. He will also be missed by his 3 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, 6 step grandchildren, 5 step great great grandchildren, and 3 step great great grandchildren. Jim loved telling stories and making people laugh. He especially liked to talk about his experiences with the Highway Patrol. He wanted everyone to know that he wore out 4 ½ Harley Davidsons at 50,000 miles apiece. He was a great husband and a wonderful father to his children and his step children. We will miss him very much.

INTERMENT

Internment will be private by family.

SERVICES

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 30, 2016 a Casa de Lodi, 812 E. Turner Rd, Lodi, Ca. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cherokeememorial.com

Norma Jean Vaughn

Norma Jean Vaughn Born in Cascade, Idaho 9/2/1947, Passed away 1/10/2016 in Stockton, California. VISITATION

A visitation will be held on January 17, 2016 Between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Located at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 E. Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240

SERVICES

A Memorial Service will be held January 18, 2016 starting at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Chapel located at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi,CA 95240

INTERMENT

Interment to follow directley after memorial service.

Larry Russell Napier

Larry Russell Napier7/21/1937 – 1/7/2016 Of Laclede, Idaho

Larry Russell Napier, 78, passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at his home in Laclede, Idaho. Larry was born on July 21, 1937 in St. Clair, Missouri to Russell and Linnie Napier. He worked for over 30 years as a supervisor for Certified Western Grocers in Stockton, CA before retiring in 2005. Larry marred Sandra Castagna on March 9, 1995 in Lake Tahoe, NV. They resided in Lodi, CA before making their final home in Laclede. Larry made close special friends as a member of the Laclede Community Church. He also enjoyed his morning meetings with the ROMEO’s (Retired Old Men Eating Out). Larry was very social, enjoyed people, woodworking, and traveling. Larry is survived by his wife Sandra McGrath-Napier of Laclede; four sisters, Peggy, Dorothy, Rita, and Pat; three daughters, Sheryl (Dave) Miller of Galt, CA, Shelly (Bobby) McGrath-Pimentel of Manteca, CA, and Deidra (Greg) Carpenter of Clements, CA; Larry was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss him deeply. He is also survived by his dog, “Jackson” and cat “Bandit” He was preceded in death by his parents and three additional sisters. Funeral services will be held at Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi, California. Memorial donations may be made to Community Cancer Services, 1230 Michigan Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

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.

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