Francis Koenig

January 5, 1953 - May 29, 2020

Beloved Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Friend, and Coworker. Always described as someone who “knows a lot about a lot”.

Born January 5, 1953, in Stockton, California to Francis and Anna Koenig.  Fran spent his formative years in Stockton, graduating from St. Mary’s High School. Soon after, Francis, lovingly known to the family as Bubby, graduated from Humphrey’s College. Beginning his career with the City of Stockton Corporation Yard, he settled in to become a lifelong citizen of Stockton. His career of 37 years in the Traffic Signal and Street Light Shop quickly made him an expert in the field bringing along many friends and experiences into his life. His work took him all around the city, creating exciting moments when spotted up on an aerial truck repairing traffic lights. Described as a “walking encyclopedia”, many came to him for answers and direction. If he didn't have the answer, he would quickly go find out. His attitude for precision made him a kind teacher and mentor to many, reminding his coworkers and friends to always be the best that they could be. 

Francis was a quiet, quick-witted man with a big heart and an unwavering love for all those in his life. A long-time friend of the family describes Francis as “one of the best friends EVER, always available to help.” With his background in electronics, he soon became the go-to guy for all questions and needs. When he wasn't working on someone's vacuum or air conditioning unit, he collected and restored antique radios, often listening to some rock or blues tunes as he did so. He was also an avid car enthusiast, collecting many classic cars to tinker on. His impressive collection of cars won him multiple awards including, 1st Place Imported 1960 to Present at the 9th Annual Asparagus Festival, 1st Place Sports Car Concours Autumn Classic in Santa Cruz, 1st Place Capital City British Car Day in Sacramento 1990-1993 & 1995, 2nd Place Imported 1960 to Present at the 11th Annual Asparagus Festival, and 2nd Place Court Sutter Sportscar Show with IOF Foresters, to name a few.

 On any given day, Francis could be found in his Shop at home restoring a vintage radio, on his recliner watching a crime thriller, listening to Janis Joplin or Joan Jett on his elaborate sound system or travelling to break bread with his family and friends afar.

Being an adventurous foodie, Francis would travel far and wide for something as simple as a hotdog. Monterey and San Francisco became his favorite food hubs. Daily lunch excursions would find him with coworkers and friends at their favorite spots in Stockton. 

Francis welcomed his daughter, Cameron Wilson in 2006, and as a doting father, he is described as, “a hidden gem in his quietness, a steadfast dad, knowledgeable beyond many in understanding”.   He was an active father - attending Cameron's ballet recitals, going on adventures in the mountains, taking her out for meals, and was easily captured laughing in photos with her.

Francis was a cancer survivor, powering through anything that came his way with a quiet strength and with support from those who cared so deeply for him.

He passed peacefully, at home on May 29. He is beloved by many, and will be missed by all who knew him. 

Surviving family members include his daughter Cameron Willow Wilson and her mother, Elissa Lynn Wilson.  His brother Mark George Koenig, sister-in-law Diane Sprake Koenig, and nieces Lissa Jenat Koenig, Julee Simone Koenig, and Sharyl Marie Koenig.  Preceded in death by father, Francis Joseph Koenig and mother, Anna Ana (Papazian) Koenig. 

Family and friends are invited to attend Visitation on Monday, June 8th, 11-3pm.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home in the Vineyard Chapel located at Hwy 99 and E. Harney Lane in Lodi, CA. 

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, please come prepared with face masks and observe social distancing rules for your safety and that of others.

In lieu of flowers and for Memorial Donations: Saint Joseph’s Foundation of San Joaquin - Saint Joseph’s Cancer Institute.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Koenig family.



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Virginia Evinger

October 19, 1920 - May 27, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Virginia Evinger (Lodi, California), who passed away on May 27, 2020, at the age of 99, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Evinger family.

Debra Erevia

March 6, 1955 - May 26, 2020

Debra Erevia passed away at St. Joseph’s Medical Center May 26th,  She was married to Salvador Erevia. 

She was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico March 5, 1955 to the late George C. and Wanneta F. Kerr and was the sister to Roy O. Kerr of Suisun City, California and the late George A. Kerr.

She is survived by her husband Salvador and two daughters-Christine (Phil) Horton and Tina (Steve) Jutras, her four grandchildren-Brianna Green, Chastina Jutras, P.J. Horton, and Zoey Horton.  She is Gigi to two great-grandchildren- Emily FayeAnn Green and Tyler Lee Green.  She is also survived by her two nieces-Kayla Tomaszewski and Alexandria Sawin, and her two great-grandnieces Peyton Reeh and Isabelle Sawin.

No funeral services will be held per her request.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Erevia family.

Please leave your condolences below.

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Earl Gilford

December 29, 1941 - May 25, 2020

He served in Vietnam on the Bon Homme Richard. Earl worked for S.J.C Public Works, as an Analyst. Earl is survived by Robyn, sister Noreen (Stan), sons Lee (Michelle), Brian (Deydra), and Louis (Silvina) and sweet grandkids, and Prince too. Rest in peace in heaven my love.

Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gilford family.

Brenda D. Smith

May 3, 1939 - May 24, 2020

 Jesus took his angel home on May 24th 2020 where she passed away peacefully at UC Davis Hospital.
Brenda Diane Smith, 81, was born on May 3rd 1939 in Stockton, Ca to parents Herschel Grady and Maradean Carpenter Burson. She was proceeded in death by her brother David.

Survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Kenneth Raymond Smith; three loving children, Vicki Heckenlaible (Dwayne), Gregory (Lydia), and Scott (Teresa); five grandchildren, Ryan, Eddie, Ashley, Monique, and Morgan; great granddaughter, Aaliyah; as well as her brother, Reed; two nieces and one nephew.
Brenda was a kindhearted gentle soul who was loved by many. She was raised in Lodi where she enjoyed being a Camp Fire and Rainbow Girl in her youth.
She attended Lodi Union High in 1957 she graduated and married the love of her life, Ken (AKA Bunny).
Brenda cheerfully raised her children and dedicated her time to teaching Sunday school and attending all the events of her children and grandchildren. Brenda had a 37 year career with Ray Enterprises.
Brenda's passions in life were her husband, family and traveling with her closest friends. She loved the ocean and was an avid seashell collector. Brenda and Ken were like two doves; the symbol of eternal love. "She is my Angel and He is my Hero".

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Salvation Army located at 622 N. Sacramento St. Lodi 95240 in memory of Brenda's favorite charity.

Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Smith 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.

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