Judith McOwen

November 04, 1943 - October 20, 2020

McOwen, Judith Ann (nee Bierce) of Stockton, California passed away on October 20, 2020.

Judy was a beloved mother to Michele and Joseph Ward of Concord, CA; Michael and Joyce McOwen of Ramsey, NJ; Kevin and Mary McOwen of Broomfield, CO. She was a special and dear grandmother to Bryan Webb; Sean, Kelsey and Robert McOwen; Casey and Olivia McOwen; and one great grandson Cole Webb. She is survived by her sister Pamela Wiese and nieces Karen Ewing and Wendy Pierce. She is predeceased by her parents, Duane and Margaret Bierce.

Judy was born November 4, 1943 in Washington, D.C. into a military family during World War II. Her father Duane (Bud), a Chief Warrant Officer in the Navy, had the family on the go as they traveled from place to place and country to country. She attended high school in Japan for several years before coming to Stockton to finish her schooling.

At 17, she met a Navy enlisted man from the East Coast and at 18 eloped to Nevada. They would stay married for 34 years and raise the three children that followed. Judy dedicated her life to her children and their many endeavors were never without her cheerleading and support. She was an amazing and caring mom and put her needs and desires second in many aspects. She always knew the right thing to say, or not to say, as she guided her grateful children through their formative years.

To know Judy was to love her; she was a socially vivacious spirit and could spark a conversation with anyone at any time. Leaving Stockton for Mahwah, NJ in the mid 1970’s; leaving many friends was simply a chance to expand her social circles to include yet more life-long friendships, now on both coasts.

Moving back to Stockton in the mid 1980’s, Judy again reconnected with her old friends and created new ones. She retired from IBM in 2000 and spent her time traveling to see her grandchildren and to spend time with her many friends in such activities as Concerts in the Park, Trivial Pursuit, Bridge and many more.

A classy and creative woman, with a great laugh and smile, there was almost nothing Judy was not good at; stained glass, quilting, sewing, cooking, and interior decorating are just a few of the amazing gifts she possessed.

One of Judy’s favorite things to do after retirement was quilting. Thanks to her many friends in the Stockton Quilting Guild, her passion and skill quickly blossomed. She loved showing quilts at quilt shows and spending time with her quilting friends.

She will be immensely missed, and forever in the hearts of her children and grandchildren who cherished the time spent with her and the gift of her presence.

A commitment of ashes service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery on March 13, 2021 at 11:00am.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the McOwen family.



David John Moitoza

December 13, 1956 - October 18, 2020

On Sunday, October 18, 2020, David John Moitoza, loving husband and father, passed away at age 63.

David was born on December 13, 1956 at Oakland Kaiser to Raymond and Therese Moitoza. His childhood was spent exploring the hills and creeks near his home, vacationing with his many beloved family members and playing football. He graduated from Pinole Valley High School in 1975, followed by
the University of California Davis, where he attained a Bachelor of Science with a major in the Biological Sciences with highest honors. During his time at Davis, he spent a trimester at the Bodega Marine Lab where his research was published, and later displayed at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Although he had a profound love for Marine Life, he dedicated his life’s work to making a difference through medicine. He graduated in 1983 from Washington University School of Medicine with honors. While completing his internship at San Joaquin General Hospital, he met his wife Sydney. He did his
residency and fellowships at USC/LAC Medical Center and worked with the Permanente Medical Group as a Diagnostic Radiologist for 28 years.

Dave loved nature, whether he was SCUBA diving, hunting, skiing, camping, and adventuring; he found much solace in sharing and making memories outdoors.

He is survived by his wife Sydney; children, Franklin & Andria; father, Raymond; siblings James, Steven (Elizabeth), and Ann (David) Seltzer; nieces, Jennifer Johnson, Amy Funari, and Ana Moitoza. He will join his mother Therese in Heaven.

A Rosary Service will be held October 29, 2020 at 3:00 pm at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

A graveside funeral will be held October 30, 2020 at 11:30 am at Cherokee Memorial Park in the Old Park Section located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in his memory to the Monterey Bay Aquarium https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/join-give/ways-to-give/honor-a-loved-one.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Moitoza family.


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Wanda Williams

May 17, 1930 - October 16, 2020

It is with great sadness that the family of Wanda June Williams announce her passing on October 16th, 2020. She was 90 years old.

Wanda was born in Albion, Oklahoma and moved to Stockton when she was 18, where she lived the remainder of her life. She married John Stewart Williams, her high school sweetheart, the same year.
Wanda was a dedicated and loving mother and friend. She worked seasonally for Tri Valley Growers in the lab for many years. She became an enrolled agent and owned Wanda Williams Tax Service. She was a well-respected business woman in the local tax community.

Wanda is survived by her children Melinda (Bob) Nash, Ronald (Julie) Williams, Dianna (Jim) Stein, Jerald (Valerie) Williams, and Timothy (Ginger) Williams, along with many grandchildren and nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her husband John, sons Larry and John, Jr., and sister Joanna Shaw.

There will be a private graveside service and a celebration of life in the future. The family would like to thank the staff at the Commons on Thornton for the care of our mother and give our heartfelt thanks to Hospice, who made the end of her life peaceful.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Williams family.

Leo Del Carlo, Jr.

November 5, 1940 - October 13, 2020

Leo Del Carlo, Jr. of Stockton, California passed away today October 13th, 2020 of natural causes. Originally from Placerville, he was 79 years old at his passing and was surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years Carolyn Del Carlo and his three children Leo Del Carlo III, Maria Mallett (Dave Mallett) and Tina Tilton (Wes Tilton). His greatest legacy is his 6 grandchildren; Robyn Ham (Cody), Rachel Nowak, Katelyn Del Carlo, Kyle and Abigail Mallett and Cody Heald and his three great grandchildren; Kylee, Everett, and Oliver Ham.

Leo was proud of his service in the Army National Guard. He loved his family and the San Francisco 49ers football, hunting, fishing, camping, a good cigar and a cold beer. He was generous and kind to all people he met. He was a story teller who loved to make people laugh with a good joke and quick wit. He will be deeply missed by all his extended family and friends.

SERVICE

Services will be held at Cherokee Memorial will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, you may make a charitable donation to the Church of the Presentation of the BVM at 6715 Leesburg Pl, Stockton CA 95207 or Veterans Affairs at Volunteer.VA.gov.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Del Carlo family.

Please leave your condolences below.

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Joanie Harmon

December 18, 1940 - October 13, 2020

Joan Carol (Bischel) Harmon, 79 years of age, passed away peacefully at Lodi Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. She was born on December 18, 1940, in Lodi, CA. She attended Lockeford Grammar school in her early years and spent her high school years at Lodi Union High School where she graduated in 1958. Her senior year, she was a cheerleader at Lodi High. She was surprised and very honored when she was voted most popular senior girl. She felt the same way when she and her good friends, Cecelia Spanos, Judy Zimbleman, and Toni Gaudet won at the song leader tryouts. She was also the first runner up of the Grape Festival Queen contest. Sharon Antrim won the title of Queen. 

After graduation from Lodi High, Joanie attended Stockton College (now Delta College) and was a football queen there. After one year in college, she worked as a waitress in a few restaurants, including Happy Steak and El Pajaro. She then later worked in sales and in advertising at Lodi Life and Times Newspaper, which was her favorite job, as well as a statewide representative for Green Bay Marketing Corporation. Due to a disability later on and to be with her son, she was unable to work full time so she became a part time Avon sales representative. 

Joanie had a love for dancing and she enjoyed being with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren, Mia and Logan Harmon and Katie Quaschnick. Joanie is survived by her three sons, Jim Quaschnick and his wife Lisa and her daughter Andi, Rob Quaschnick and his wife Grace and daughter Katie and Randy Harmon and his daughter Mia and son Logan. She is also survived by her sister Gloria Kretschmann and her husband John and many cousins, including Donna Bellamy (Banks) and Maralyn (Blewett Rieger) Messer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tatie and Henry Bischel and her brother Hank Bischel. 

Joanie made her life in Lodi, with the exception of the five years she spent living in Sacramento. Her family wishes to thank Lodi Nursing Home and Rehabilitation for helping to care for Joanie. She loved being there because everyone was so nice and she made a lot of friends while she was there. As her final wish, her family has selected cremation and as such there will not be a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Harmon family.

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Jeffery Loudon

September 10, 1958 - October 13, 2020

Jeffery Charles Loudon was born September 10,1958. He died peacefully at home at the age of 62 on October 13, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents Bryce and Joan Loudon. He is survived by his loving wife, Julie Loudon of 30 years, his daughters Amber Loudon and Dawn Marchini, son in-law Matt Marchini, his grandchildren Ayden Cordaro and Lorelai Marchini, his brother Randy Loudon and sister Cindy Estes.

Jeff was born in Lodi, CA. He grew up in Central CA and lived many of his adult years in Stockton, where he retired. Jeff was a 3rd generation glazier and ran a residential glass shop, Wilson Way Glass, for over 32 years. He was a fun loving guy who enjoyed making people laugh. He would often share his many stories with others. He loved listening to Elvis. Jeff enjoyed impersonating Elvis while performing in front of a crowd at his bar, The Midnight Club. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life in Jeff's honor will be held on Saturday November 14, 2020 from 12:00opm - 3:00pm at the Lodi Moose Lodge 3824 E Woodbridge Rd, Acampo Ca 95220.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Loudon family.

Dawn Zimmerman

May 08, 1919 - October 12, 202

Dawn Zimmerman May 8, 1919 - October 12, 2020 Our beloved Mother, Dawn Zimmerman, entered into eternal rest on October 12, 2020, of natural causes at the age of 101.

A native of Pennfield, Michigan, Dawn later relocated to California, where she met and married the love of her life, Captain Ervin Zimmerman of the United States Army in the Fall of 1948. Dawn and Ervin lived a rich military life overseas including Japan, Germany and France. In addition to Europe, the two of our parents called the states of New York and Washington their home, until settling in Stockton, California, where Dawn remained after Ervin passed away in 1974.

Our Mother cherished her Native American Heritage, and her strength was evident after losing her son David to the Vietnam War in 1970, and her second son, Rick in 2006. After the passing of her husband, Dawn became active in the Women of the Moose Organization in Stockton. She was eventually elected as the "Senior Regent" of the group, and her family was extremely proud of her accomplishments while she held the position. Dawn made wonderful friends during her membership in the Women of the Moose, and once again traveled to many conventions all over the U.S. Dawn's family meant the world to her. She was a wonderful cook, and not only were her dishes delicious, she made them beautiful. Her Christmas Fruitcake was like no other, along with so many signature dishes like her Macaroni & Cheese Casserole to mouthwatering Birthday cakes she proudly made every year for her children as we grew up.

Nothing made her happier than having her entire family around her, including her 6 daughters; Priscilla Rodrique (Jerry), Patricia White, Linda Bollengier, Cindy Harvey, Marcy Rogers and Robin Carruesco (Dennis). Along with her immediate family, Dawn was a loving Grandmother to Sabrina Kelly, Todd Kelly (Rhonda), Lisa Kelly, Dale White (Dani), Brian White (Alison), Lori Swanson (Doug), Patrick White, Michael Harvey (Kelly), Megan Harvey (Bill), Dawn Rogers, Amanda Rogers (Karthik), Lindsay Carruesco and Chelsea Carruesco. In addition Dawn was Great Grandmother to 16, and Great, Great Grandmother to 1.

Dawn will forever remain in our hearts, as we honor her memory with dignity, grace and most of all Love.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Graveside services will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park, on Sunday, October 25th at 1pm. Location is directly in front of the mausoleum carved with "The Last Supper"

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Zimmerman family.

Elia Ochs

January 22, 1929 - October 12, 2020

Ella C. Ochs (Dietz) passed away on October 12, 2020 in Lodi, CA at the age of 91. Ella was born on January 22, 1929 in North Dakota to Albert and Karolina Dietz. She was a bank teller at Bank of America in downtown Lodi for many years.

She was married to Dorrance (Don) Ochs until his passing in 2007. Ella was a long-time worshipper at Century Assembly, (formerly 1st Assembly of God) and attended Faith Fellowship prior to that.

Ella is survived by her son, Les (Debbie) Love; grandson, Joshua Love; and great granddaughter, Hailey Love.

Donations may be made to Vitas.com in her honor.

SERVICE

A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday October 27, 2020 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 Ochs family.

William J. Mitzel

June 11, 1936 - October 11, 2020

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Dr. William “Bill” Mitzel, having spent a lifetime refining the art of doing what he pleased, died the way he wanted on October 11, 2020: in his sleep, at home. Despite a predilection for good beer, sausage, speck, and naps, Bill lived a long and adventurous life, surprising himself and all who knew him by making it to the age of 84.

Bill was born in Bismarck, North Dakota on June 11, 1936 and was raised in Napoleon, ND, where as a youngster he played baseball, helped out on his grandparents’ homestead, and worked in his father’s garage. He served in the U.S. Army for two years after high school, where he became a champion Morse coder thanks to his sense of rhythm. He was the first in his family to go to a 4-year college, receiving a BA in Music with help from the G.I. Bill. He briefly taught high school band in North Dakota and Vermont before resigning “for the good of the students.” For a time, he toured with a “Drunk and Bungle Corps” (aka Drum and Bugle Corps), playing baritone saxophone.

Fulfilling his father’s wish that he pursue a graduate degree, Bill earned an MA in Education and later a PhD in Psychology. He served as a teacher and guidance counselor in Monterey, CA, and in Department of Defense schools in England, the Philippines, the Azores, and Turkey.

While in Turkey, he met his wife Barbara, who was teaching primary school at the air base. Their courtship included rides in his Corvette Stingray and a hair-raising flight in a Cessna, which Bill piloted over a militarized zone. Despite this, Bill and Barbara were married in 1968 in Lodi, CA. They lived in Aschaffenburg, Germany, and in the Philippines (again) before returning stateside, where daughters Kara and Nicole were born.

For a time, Bill provided counseling to Vietnam veterans at a VA Hospital in Ohio. He then became an administrator of education, training, and doctrine for the U.S. Navy and later the U.S. Army, taking the family to Florida, Washington, Korea, and Virginia (serving at both Fort Myer and Fort Monroe). He worked on projects such as nuclear submarine development, downsizing the Army, and as a military liaison to Congress. He received many commendations and retired in 1997 with a civilian rank of GS15. Bill and Barbara’s adventures continued in retirement, road-tripping in an RV and later living in Texas, North Carolina, and California.

Bill Mitzel had a natural propensity for adventure and mischief. Whether making a harrowing border crossing, visiting remote villages, or picking off leeches after a jungle hike, if you were with Bill you were either going to live it or hear about it over a good beer – probably more than once – whether you were friend or stranger.

Bill leaves behind his wife, Barbara Mitzel, daughters Kara Mitzel and Nicole Gardner, son-in-law John Gardner, grandchildren Mila, Natasha, and Willa, brother and sister-in-law John and Diane Mitzel, and many cousins and life-long friends. All will remember him for his kindness, humor, and the ever-present mischievous twinkle in his eye. He always rooted for the underdog and never let unkind people (he would use a more colorful term) get him down. He demonstrated an altruistic desire for a more just world, and a lifelong commitment to public service.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks you to consider donating time or money in a way that gives a leg up to your neighbors in a time of need. This could include your local food bank, the scholarship fund at your alma mater or local college, the ACLU, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust, or your local SPCA, among others. A memorial for Bill will be held at a later date.

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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