Kathleen Love

January 9, 1952 - January 20, 2020

On Monday, January 20, 2020 at the age of 68 Kathleen Ann Love passed away peacefully in her home with her loving husband James Love by her side. In her final hours she was surrounded by her four children and their families.

Kathy was born on January 9th in Belleville, Illinois to Virginia Ann McGuire and Joseph Dean Chandler. As a young child,Kathy along with her brother Jerico Chandler and sister Barbara Nestal moved to Oakland, CA. where they were raised by their mother. Kathy grew up in Oakland, or as she referred to it "the Hood" where she attended grade school through high school. Along the way she met many lifelong friends. While in high school, she found her true passion of being a hair dresser and made it her life's work to make the world better one haircut at a time.

Kathy settled in Lodi, Ca in the early 1980's where she established herself as a great friend, confidant, mentor, counselor and surrogate to many. She touched many lives and impacted each of those deeply. She loved to laugh, cook, entertain, redecorate, always down for a good craft, was an absolute warrior, was "Strong like Bull" and lived life by the mantra "feel the fear and do it anyway."

She was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia and father, Joseph. She is survived by her adoring husband, James Love; her children, Dawn (Phillip) Seelenbacher, Amber (Darren) Stewart, Tim (Amber) Litton, Emily Kinderman (John McGrath); grandchildren, Madison, Harlie, Katelin and Eliza Litton, Wyatt and Tatum Seelenbacher, Penelope and Henry Stewart; and her eleven siblings, Jerry, Barb, Connie, Greg, Clay, Cindy, Bobby, Judy, Missy, Richard, Cynthia and Todd. She was a loving wife, mother, sibling, aunt, and friend to whoever crossed her path and will be missed dearly.

Everyone knows how Kathy loved to have a good time with her family and friends. Her wishes for an end of life celebration would be just that. She wanted everyone to grieve, heal and wait until the weather warms and the calla lilies bloom to gather and celebrate her. We will share dates and times with everyone as we start to carry out her plan.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Love family.

Richard Vargo

December 31, 1941 - January 20, 2020

Richard (Dick) Joseph Vargo passed away in the early hours of January 20, 2020, at Stanford Hospital. He was born to Mary Pysh Vargo and Joseph Vargo on December 31, 1941, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1959, Dick went on to get his BA from Marietta College in Ohio, where he played baseball. After receiving an MBA from Ohio University, he moved to the University of Washington, where he earned his Ph.D. in business. It was there he met his future wife, Melinda Thompson. They married on Nov. 21, 1967 and were married for 52 years. Dick went on to teach at University of Southern California, William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia, and University of Texas at Arlington. He found his home at University of the Pacific, where he taught for over 30 years. During his career he wrote and co-wrote 14 texts for accounting, financial planning, and church accounting. A highlight of his academic life was his experience in Poland as a university professor helping businesses and entrepreneurs make the transition to capitalism. He received recognition from Lech Walesa for his contributions to Poland’s transition. Dick loved life. His passion for baseball continued after his college playing. He especially loved watching his grandsons play. He loved traveling with Melinda and visiting friends and relatives around the world, fishing, and participating in Lodi’s wine community - as a taster and as an early member of Lodi Amateur Vintners Association. He loved playing and coaching soccer and was the faculty advisor for the soccer team at UOP. One of his greatest passions, shared with Melinda, was following the Blues, especially seeing local artists and, best of all, taking 14 Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruises. But his greatest joy came from being with his family and especially his grandsons - to watch their games, to play catch or kick a soccer ball around, to read or watch sports on tv. One trip he put together that was especially meaningful to him was when he and Melinda took R.J. and Blaine to the east coast, where they visited Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Dick is preceded in death by his mother, Mary, his father, Joseph, and his sister, Roberta. He is survived by his wife, Melinda, and their three sons, Matthew Joseph, Blaine Alan, and Michael Tyler, and by Matt’s wife Dana and their two sons, Ross Joseph and Blaine Deleray. He is also survived by many cousins by blood and by marriage on both sides of the country and in Europe.

A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be announced later and will probably be held in March.

Donations are welcome in his name at PALS Animal Rescue, 1040 W. Kettleman Lane, Suite 379, Lodi, CA 95240 or to The Environmental Defense Fund, c/o Gift Processing, 257 Park Ave. South, 17th Floor, New
York, NY 10010.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Vargo family.

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Stephen Martin

January 14, 1944 - January 19, 2020

VISITATION
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6th, 2020 from 2:00p.m. till 4:30p.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi CA, 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held the following day on Friday, February 7th, 2020 at 1:00p.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi CA, 95240. The service will then conclude at a graveside in 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 Martin family.

Lavern Schmidt

August 31, 1929 - January 17, 2020

Lavern has completed the mission entrusted to her by her Savior, Jesus Christ, and is now rejoicing in the presence of her Lord. She entered into the world on August 31, 1929, in Frohna, Missouri. She married Harold H. Schmidt on February 6, 1949 and she and Harold had just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last year. Her loving family includes Wayne and his wife, Gail; Debra and her husband, Mike Haas; Diane and David; along with five grandchildren, Erika Kambra, Matthew, BethAnn and Deanna; and three great-granddaughters, Riley, Blakely and Emma.

After a life-threatening illness in 1969, Lavern decided to pursue a career in nursing. She graduated in 1973 having earned an RN degree with honors. She was an RN Supervisor at Lodi Memorial Hospital for 30 years. Her love and compassion impacted the lives of both patients and staff.

Lavern felt a need for a small group Bible Study in her church. She and her dear friend, Denise Muhly, developed the LIFELIGHT in depth Bible Study program which is now used internationally and has sold over one million copies. Lavern's faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, was an example and model to her family and all people who were blessed to know and love her. The legacy she leaves is that her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren walk with the Lord and are awaiting the reuniting in Heaven eternally with Lavern.

SERVICE
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15th, 2020 at 11:00a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, located at 2400 Oxford Way, Lodi CA, 95242.

There will be a reception in St. Peter's gym following the service.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Schmidt family.

LaVerna Simpfenderfer

July 18, 1924 - January 16, 2020

La Verna Evelyn Simpfenderfer passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 16, 2020, in Lodi. She was 95. La Verna was born in Hosmer, South Dakota on July 18, 1924, to Reinhold and Lydia Goehring Sr.
She attended country school as a child and later graduated from Armour High School, Armour, SD in 1942.
She met her husband, Arthur Simpfenderfer in Tripp, SD and they were married on February 20, 1949. They moved to Lodi, CA where she worked at F&M Bank. Over the years they moved back and forth between Delmont, SD and Lodi, CA holding various jobs.

La Verna was a member of the Women's American Legion, The Women's Sewing Circle at Ebenezer Congregational Church Lodi, CA and a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Lodi, CA. La Verna enjoyed quilting, hand embroidery, playing Pinochle cooking and baking family recipes. In her later years, she enjoyed going to breakfast after church, mainly for the piece of chocolate pie and coffee.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Joelyn Orchard, Lodi, CA, Kendal Simpfenderfer, Lodi, CA, Terry Simpfenderfer, Lodi, CA; daughter-in-law, Connie Simpfenderfer, Lodi, CA; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren with one due in February; brother, Jerald (Donna) Goehring, Dakota Dunes, SD; and sister, Arvilla Reich, Tracy, CA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reinhold Sr. and Lydia; her husband, Art; her brothers, Reinhold Jr., LeRoy Goehring; sister, LuCilla Dewald; and her son, Duane Simpfenderfer Sr.

Memorial service will follow at Zion Lutheran Church (105 S Ham Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.)

VISITATION
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 28th, 2020 from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi CA, 95240.

SERVICE
A graveside service will be held the following day on Wednesday, January 29th, 2020 at 10:00a.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240. A memorial service will follow at Zion Lutheran Church (105 S Ham Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Simpfenderfer family.

Michael Vukovich

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February 18, 1943 - January 13, 2020

Visitation
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 24th, 2020 from 2:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi CA, 95240.

Service
A graveside service will be held the following day on Saturday, January 25th, 2020 at 12:00p.m. noon 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 Vukovich family.

Rosemarie Basi

May 24, 1979 - January 13, 2020

VISITATION
A visitation for Rosemarie will be held from 1:00pm - 8:00pm on Saturday January 18th, 2020 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held the following day at 10:00am on Sunday, January 19, 2020 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 Basi family.

Allan Jory

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Allan Berger Jory
January 31, 1938 – January 12, 2020

Allan Berger Jory, 81, of Stockton, passed away on Sunday, January 12 after complications from surgery. He and his twin brother, Hugh were born at St. Joseph’s Hospital to Evelyn and David Jory on January 31, 1938. He was a fourth generation Californian along with his three brothers: Pete, Hugh and Mark. Allan grew up near Highway 99 and Morada Lane on a ranch farmed by his father, David B. Jory. His mother, Evelyn had her hands full raising their four sons. Allan graduated from Lodi High School in 1955. Allan acquired a private pilot license along with serving in the National Guard for 8 years. With an inclination towards business, he bought a franchise and operated the A and W Root Beer Drive-in in Corcoran, CA during the
1970’s. His business sense was well used, when he went to work for AAA Insurance Agency Claims Adjuster in Ukiah and later transferring to Lakeport where he was well respected and highly regarded by hi
fellow employees. He retired after 35 years with AAA. Hugh describes Allan by saying, “If you didn’t like Allan, you didn’t like yourself.” Allan was a sun worshiper who loved boating and water sports,
especially at Lake Tahoe, Clearlake, Bay of Concepcion in Baja, CA and Lake Havasu, AZ. He loved to winter in Baja and Havasu where he built homes. Those who knew him said that he had sand in his shoes. His other passions include hosting family gatherings, RVing in his motorhome, and watching the 49ers and the SF Giants. Allan is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Pete and survived by his brothers Hugh and Mark. He is the loving father of Allan Jory, Jr., Lisa Mesa, and his stepdaughter, Pam Jones. Allan is the grandfather of Ashley Gaspar, Adam Jory, Lauren and Michael Mesa, and the great-grandfather of Brayden Gaspar. Nieces and nephews Susan, Keith, Ron, Nicolas, Andrew, Julian, Julie and Ward, will miss their uncle. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 30 at 11:30 am at the Waterloo Banquet Hall at 10403 Waterloo Road, Stockton 95215. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or to the San Joaquin Historical Society at 11793 North Mickie Grove Road, Lodi 95240. A special thanks to Joann Weaver Freeman for the special love she shared with Allan of the last 7½ years of his life.

Per the request of the family, services for Allan will be held privately through Cherokee Memorial.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Jory family.