Masako Bertroch

January 9, 1932 - December 13, 2020

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On Sunday, December 13, 2020, Masako Bertroch, loving mother and grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 88.

Masako was born on January 9, 1932 in Japan. She met her husband, Dewey Bertroch while working as a civilian on the United States Air Force Base in Japan. They raised four children, Victoria, Dennis, Dale, and Patricia (Gerardo).

Masako worked for Tri Valley Growers in Thornton, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey, and her son, Dale. She is survived by her children, Victoria, Dennis, and Patricia (Gerardo), and her five grandchildren, Matthew, Christopher, Joseph, Sara, and Marcos, her sister, Chieko and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

SERVICES:

Private services will be held at Cherokee Memorial in Lodi, CA on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Bertroch family.

Please leave your condolences below.


Peter Omlansky

July 31, 1943 - December 12, 2020

Peter Oliver Omlansky was born on July 31, 1943 in Pueblo, Colorado to Paul and Nettie Lou Omlansky. He died on December 12, 2020 at St Joseph's Medical Center in Stockton, of complications from COVID-19.

Pete led a rich life. He was fortunate that his father was a civil servant, which allowed him to spend 8 of his junior and high school years in France and Japan. Pete graduated from Narimasu High School in Tokyo in 1961. He starred as the schools football running back. After returning to the United States, the family settled in Stockton, CA. He graduated from the University of California Berkeley at the top of his class, with a degree in mathematics. In college, he played the lead role of Bo in the play, Bus Stop.

His career started as a computer programmer for Lawrence Radiation Lab in the Bay Area, followed by Boeing Aerospace in Washington State. He moved to Ohio where he began accepting contracting positions throughout the United States. In the 1990's, he returned to Stockton to help care for his mother, and was employed as a computer programmer at Aerojet General in Sacramento. He rode his motorcycle to work everyday.

Sadly, about the time he returned to Stockton, he began showing symptoms of early onset Parkinson's. After several years, he could no longer work or safely drive his motorcycle, and he retired. In 2008, Pete's disease had progressed to the point where he could no longer care for himself, and he became a resident at Creekside Care Center in Stockton. Pete adapted well to living in Creekside becoming the Patient Advocate for several years. He participated in all of the activities including, Bingo, arts and crafts, coffee hour, and so much more. He grew up playing Cribbage with his father and brothers and continued to play up until Parkinson's prevented him from enjoying the game. He also enjoyed playing Chess, and his cousin, Mitchell Smith would often go to Creekside to play chess with him. Everyone at Creekside loved Pete, and his sense of humor.

There are many great memories of Pete. He was the one who was responsible for his two youngest brothers learning to play golf. When Pete was a young adult, he often took his little brothers to the drive-in movie. He loved to read, and memorize and write poetry.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Nettie Lou Omlansky. He is survived by two sons and two grandchildren. He is also survived by his three younger brothers, Paul (Janet), Greg, and Mike (Frances).

Pete's passing will leave a big hole in the hearts of many. Due to COVID-19, there will be no services at this time.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Omlansky family.

Lee Johnson

March 30, 1933 - December 11, 2020

Lee (Bud) Johnson age 87, passed away in Stockton, Ca on December 11, 2020 after a short illness.

Born in Stillwell, OK to the late Ada Burse and Roy Johnson. Bud moved to California at the age of 4.
Employed by Johns Manville for 35 years. He joined the US Navy at the age of 17 & served 4 years during the Korean Campaign. He was also a 32 degree Mason.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman with his buddy Dave Kidwell.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Carleen Johnson, his daughter Terri Serrano (Rudy) and son Randy Johnson (Allison), grandchildren Nicolas Serrano, Kristi Serrano & Christopher Johnson and his great-granddaughter who was the twinkle of his eye Olivia Serrano.

SERVICE
A graveside Services will be held Wednesday December 23rd, 2020 at 1:00pm at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

He was lovingly known by (Pops) to many of his family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Veterans organization of your choice.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Johnson family.

Esther Brockney

April 7, 1920 - December 11, 2020

With great sadness I'm announcing that my mother Esther Brockney has passed away in her sleep December 11, 2020. She was 100 years old and very proud of her age. She lived in Lodi for the last 41 years.

Esther was born in Bismarck, North Dakota April 7, 1920. She was one of 9 brothers and sisters. They moved to Victor, Ca. in 1923 and went to Lodi schools to the 10th grade, and then went to work.

Esther was the widow of Alvin Brockney he passed away May 1985 after 49 years of marriage.

Esther worked in many of the cannerys in the area and worked her final years at Tri Valley Growers until retiring; she traveled with family to Mexico and enjoyed running a bridge group for 16 years at Loel center with her friends.

Esther is survived by her son Lyle, daughter in law Debbie - Granddaughters Lisa and Angie - Great grand children Krieg -Amber - Alex - Mikie - Bobby and Great Great grand daughter Lilli Ana and many neices and nephews.

 

Services will be Private Due to the Covid 19.

Celebration of life will follow when it is safe from the Covid 19

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a contribution on Esther's behalf to: 

The Village: Adult Day & Community Center 25 E. Pine St. Lodi, 95240 - 501c3# 82-1583486

Loel Senior Center 105 S. Washington St. Lodi, Ca. 95240, or your favorite charity.

Daniel Menor

January 3, 1936 - December 11, 2020

Visitation
A visitation will be held on Monday, January 4th, 2021 from 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi CA, 95240.

Service
A graveside service will take place afterwards on Monday, January 4th, 2021 at 1:00p.m. 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 Menor family.

Marilyn Ann Wylie

Marilyn Ann Wylie, educator, arts advocate, wife, and mother, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020, following a months’ long illness. She was 84.

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Mrs. Wylie, a resident of the Morada community, had a distinguished career as a public schools’ teacher in Southern California, Northern Virginia, Texas, and at Stockton’s Edison High School from which she retired in 2007. She taught home economics at Edison but much of her teaching career was devoted to arts education, serving as a teacher and an arts and grants administrator.

Her professional achievements in art education were recognized by the Texas State Art Education Association who named her Texas State Art Educator of the Year in 1996. The National Art Education Association subsequently named her Art Teacher of the Year for the western states.

She helped establish a new arts magnet school in Houston that was recognized by the Annenberg Foundation as one of the top 10 innovative schools in Houston, designated a “Beacon School for the 21st Century.” She was responsible for developing and implementing the school’s arts curriculum.

While teaching in Northern Virginia’s Fairfax County School System, she and a colleague obtained two grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities that enabled them to introduce a new schools curriculum celebrating colonial arts in a “Sheep to Shawl” program. Students learned to spin, dye and weave fabric through which they were introduced to Virginia’s colonial history.

When Mrs. Wylie returned to California and settled in Stockton in 1999, she joined community organizations and became an activist for gender equality. She was legislative chair for the Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), the retired teachers’ sorority, and public policy chair for the American Association of University Women – Stockton Branch (AAUW). She was also a member of the League of Women Voters, a docent at the Haggin Museum, and is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her community activism earned her the Susan B. Anthony Medal in 2017 from the San Joaquin County Commission on the Status of Women.

In the year 2000, she was elected a vice president and director of Park Bixby Tower, Inc., a non-profit corporation aiding the elderly.  Mrs. Wylie established the organization’s first grants program. The Haggin Museum was a major beneficiary with grants helping to modernize and improve its collections, particularly in ways that would benefit seniors. In addition, she obtained grants supporting literacy programs sponsored by AAUW and DKG.

As part of her corporate philanthropic work, she established a senior wellness program in 2007 with California State University Long Beach benefitting community seniors. At the same time, she led efforts leading to the University’s decision to locate and operate a senior university -- Osher Life-Long Learning Institute (OLLI) -- off campus in the central business district of Long Beach and nearer to the city’s senior population. 

Mrs. Wylie was born and grew up in Glendale, CA, the daughter of Curtis and Annabell George. She is a 1958 graduate of UCLA with a Bachelor of Science degree. She later earned a Master of Arts degree from Sam Houston State University near Houston.

In 1959 she married Russell Lee Wylie whom she met at UCLA through involvement in student activities. Last year they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. At UCLA she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority, a class vice president, a member of then UC Presidents Robert Gordon Sproul’s and later President Clark Kerr’s student advisory Cal Club, and was named an outstanding graduate for class year 1958.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons Matthew Lee Wylie of Alexandria VA and his wife Katherine Ong Wylie, and Michael Curtis Wylie of Long Beach, CA, and his wife Lora Kermode Wylie, and two grandsons, David Lee Wylie and Edward Madison (Ted) Wylie, both of Alexandria; sister-in-law Nancy Wylie Hathcock and Jeff Hathcock of Long Beach; and niece Allyson Oplinger and husband Robert Oplinger, of Phoenix, AZ. Her brother Ronald George predeceased her in 2006.


George Stoller

January 10, 1934 - December 07, 2020

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George entered Everlasting Life after a sudden illness on December 7, 2020 in the presence of his beloved wife, Bobbie at his bedside. He was born January 10, 1934 to John and Christine Stoller in Hazelton, North Dakota. He was one of 10 children. He was preceded in death by seven brothers, one sister, and a previous wife Arlene Stoller.

George proudly served in the US Navy onboard the USS Aggressive-class Minesweeper during the Korean War. After the war, he returned to his home in Hazelton. He then moved to San Francisco, California where he worked many years at Metropolitan Life Insurance. George later moved to Lodi, California and became a business owner/operator of the Rainbow Club, G.Js and Harold Club Card Room until his retirement.

George was an avid fisherman, billiards player, card player, and sports fan of the Kings, San Francisco Giants, and San Francisco 49ers. He was a smart, kind, and witty man with a never ending sense of humor. He was generous in his giving and rarely asked for assistance. He would tell stories of his childhood that were followed by great laughter from all who were listening. He would visit relatives frequently and was a great friend to have.

George is survived by his wife Bobbie, son Brian (Shelley) Stoller of Elk Grove, California, daughter Paige (Ray) Patenaude of Tega Cay, South Carolina, 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, sister Caroline Kalstrom, sister-in-law Jeanne (Walter) Stoller, and many nieces and nephews who shared an unique, adoring relationship with their Uncle George.

SERVICES:

A celebration of George’s Life will be planned for friends and family after the Pandemic. George’s family wants to extend their gratitude and thanks for all the kind words, support, and love given to them during this difficult time. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, to purchase/plant a plant for your home in his memory. We will share George’s smile with all of you at his Celebration of Life.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Stoller family.

Thomas Gates

October 26, 1933 - December 07, 2020

“Tommy”, as he was lovingly known by many, joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 7, 2020. He was born October 26, 1933 in Hastings, Nebraska to Clarence and Mary Graham Gates. Tom’s family which included his twin brother, John Gates, moved to Lodi, CA when they were seven and he continued to reside in the San Joaquin area for the balance of his life. He graduated from Lodi Union High School and then from Sacramento State College whereupon he immediately went to work for New York Life and continued there until his retirement 33 years later. While at New York Life he obtained his Series 7 license and ChFC designation.

Tommy’s love for tennis started in high school and he continued to be an avid player until a few months prior to his passing. He also enjoyed dancing and reconnected with his loving wife of 37 years, Rosalie (Tortorelli), on the dance floor at a high school reunion. They were married a year later. His many other pleasures included socializing and traveling with dear friends and sharing a glass or two of Cabernet. His home in Stockton was the “gathering place” for holidays, birthday celebrations and impromptu parties.

Tommy never had a harsh ord for anyone and when speaking with you he made you feel as though you were the most important person in the room. Tom was a faithful and active member of The Church of the Presentation, a prior President of Quail Village Homeowners Association and served on the board of the Quail Lakes Lakefront Association for many years.

Tom is survived by his wife, Rosalie; his twin brother John (Norma); his two daughters Suzanne (Bill) MacDonald and Kathy (Bill) Pursell; his stepchildren Robert (Nina) Kickhofel, Michele Kickhofel, Kim (Michael) Morrill; and his ten grandchildren Samantha, Robert (Shanley), Krystal, Kenneth, Steven, Ross, Madisen, Spencer, Stephanie and Brant. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

An outdoor mass will be held on Wednesday, December 16th at 10 am at Church of The Presentation, 6715 Leesburg Place, Stockton (bring a chair) and viewing will be held on Thursday, December 17th from 10:30 to 11:30 am at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi. All COVID precautions will be enforced and due to restrictions, the graveside burial/internment is limited to family. There is an online condolence book on the Cherokee Memorial Park website at https://www.cherokeememorial. com/services-obituaries-main. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to local food banks and distribution.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gates family.

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Elsie Philippi

February 16, 1929 - December 06, 2020

Elsie was born February 16, 1929 in British Guiana, South America. She traveled extensively and obtained her U.S. citizenship in 1958. She worked for the Veteran's Administration in Washington, D.C. and retired from San Joaquin Human Services Department after 28 years of employment. Elsie was an active member of the Stockton Central Seventh-Day-Adventist Church serving in several capacities.

She enjoyed reading, playing the piano and singing. She was always quick with a kind word for everyone she met.

Elsie was preceded in death by Marvin, her husband of 50 years. She was loving mother to Lee Philippi (Karen) of Stockton, Barbara Pinch (Rod) of Stillwater, Minnesota and Molly Mills (Gene) of Santa Rosa. Devoted grandmother to six children. She is also survived by her sisters Anne Burns of Placerville and Enid Durant of Castaic, CA.

Elsie will be interred at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi CA.

Donations can be made in her memory to the Stockton Central S.D.A. Women's Ministeries.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Phillippi family.

Loi Nguyen

January 15, 1937 - December 06, 2020

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 1:00pm - 4:00pm on Friday December 18, 2020 at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE

The graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday December 19, 2020 at the Garden of Grace at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Nguyen 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.

CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday
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Weekends by Appointment
*Staff available 24/7
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