Elmo Alexander

May 03, 1918 - January 08, 2021

Elmo W. "Alex" Alexander, a long-time resident of Lodi, died at the age of 102 on January 7, 2021, at Brookdale Senior Living in Lodi. He was born in rural Kansas in 1918, the seventh child of nine children born to George and Lena Mae Alexander. His family struggled to survive as tenant farmers during the Great Depression, and learned the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and gratitude. Alex lost his mother before he turned four, and his father at the age of 18. He worked his way through college where he earned his pilot's license and a teaching degree in Industrial Arts. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program. A year later, the U.S. entered into World War II. After completing two years of intensive training, Alex commanded a B-29 bomber that was stationed in Saipan, flying eleven long distant missions over Japan. After the war, Alex and his wife, Jeane Johnson, whom he married in 1942, settled down in Stockton, where they raised four daughters. For thirty years, he taught industrial arts and drivers training at A.A. Stagg High School and Franklin High School. In his spare time Alex used his wide range of skills to construct 3 houses, 2 sports cars, cabinetry, stringed instruments and numerous other projects. Upon retirement he began a new career repairing watches and clocks. Then he met and married his second wife Edith Rugolo Wilburn in 1972. Together they combined their musical talents to entertain many senior citizens in convalescent homes and assisted living facilities in the Lodi area. They also enjoyed golfing and dancing. After Edie passed away in 2007, Alex continued to compose songs, play guitar and sing for his fellow residents at Brookdale.
Elmo Alexander leaves behind four loving daughters: Deborah (Doug) Moore, Denise (Frank) Cantrell, Deidre (James) Dilg, and Dawn (Frank) Ortiz; stepdaughter, Marlowe (Dennis) Fischer; stepson, Roy (Cathy) Wilburn, Jr.; grandchildren: Erica (Daniel) Kenney, John (Amy) Maynard, Jared (Susanna) Dilg, James (Elizabeth) Dilg, Jonathan Dilg, Joseph (Jana) Dilg, Jordan Dilg, Julia (Aaron) Mossgrove, Natalie (Brent) Cole, Angela Ortiz, Jerrod (Christina) Fischer, Karla (Colin) O'Connell, and Roy "Harry" Wilburn III; and 19 great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his wife, Edie; his brothers, Harold, Harry, Kenneth, Otto, and Albert; his sisters, Flossie, Velma, and Helen. He dearly loved all of the above named and their children! Alex's family has been blessed to have had such a wonderful, kind, and compassionate brother, father, stepfather, and grandfather for over 100 years! We will miss his beautiful voice, his silly jokes, his wealth of family history, his funny stories, and his tender heart.

Funeral arrangements are pending. A military graveside service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi. A celebration of life is planned for the spring.

Alex's family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to all those who comforted and cared for him in his final months during the current pandemic, particularly the staff at Brookdale Senior Living, and the wonderful caregivers from Vitas Healthcare.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Alexander family.

David Slaughter

December 16, 1952 - January 8, 2021

David Michael Slaughter, age 69, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2021.  He was born December 16, 1952 to Thomas and Barbara Slaughter.  He served in the United States Army for 7 years before being honorably discharged.  While in the service, he met his wife Aldona (Dodie) Slaughter.  They were married July 22, 1979 in Colorado.  His first daughter, Joyce, was born in California in 1982.  After moving to Tampa, Florida; David worked for the United States Postal Service.  While living in Florida, David loved deep sea fish and coaching tee-ball for his daughter’s team.  His second daughter, Sara, was born in 1989.  Shortly after, the family moved to California where he did some odds and ends jobs until retiring as a Disabled Veteran.  In his free time, David loved playing video Keno, watching his favorite shows, and eating his favorite foods/snacks.  David truly loved music, Jimmy Hendrix, was one of his all  time favorites.  He was a true hippie at heart that loved telling about his early years of adventures. His unique humor will be truly missed. David was a loving husband, devoted father, and dedicated papa.

David is survived by his wife Dodie, daughters: Joyce and Sara, son in laws: Sammy and Ricky, brother Gary Slaughter, and his grandchildren:  Thomas, Isaiah, Aniyah, Natalia, and Aaliyah. 

SERVICES:

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate his life on January 22, 2021 at Cherokee Memorial in Lodi.

The family thanks everyone for their prayers.

Bonnie Geurin

February 8, 1935 - January 7, 2021

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 12:00pm on Wednesday January 27, 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

 SERVICE

The graveside service will be held at 12:30pm on Wednesday January 27, 2021 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 Geurin family.

Elisie Liskewicz

Elsie was born and spent her 96 years in Stockton, CA.  She was a descendant of pioneer families (Grupe/Holman) and joined The Ladies Auxiliary to California Pioneers in her 80’s.  When told of Elsie’s passing, family remembered that Elsie died on the very date of her mother’s birth, January 7th.

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Both Elsie and her mother were founding members of The Unity Church in Stockton for more than 90 years serving as a Sunday School teacher, leader for Bible Study, and member of the Board of Directors.  She attended church every Sunday with her husband Arthur Liskewicz, Sr. until his passing in 1997.  In 1996, Elsie and Art renewed their vows on their 50th Anniversary at a Sunday Service.  She continued to be an active participant with the help of other church members who provided transportation into her nineties.  Although Elsie was not the church soloist, her voice could be heard praising God above all others at services.

She met the love of her life, Arthur, in 1944 when he was on leave from his PT Boat undergoing service at the Stockton Shipyards.  He would frequent Mrs. Holman’s restaurant where he first met his future wife Elsie.  They married in New York in 1946 where Elsie could meet Art’s family and honeymoon.  They returned to Stockton and briefly lived in Sacramento where Art attended Watchmaker School. He became a jeweler and watchmaker.  He owned Art Jewelers on Yosemite Street located on the same block as the famous restaurant where he met his wife.

She was a great homemaker, cook, and supporter of her husband.  When they moved to Summer Place in their new home, she was very active in the homeowner’s association.  Together with Art, they spent years as members of Port Stockton Boaters water skiing and especially social events.  Art and Elsie’s stew was always a hit for annual July 4th celebrations on the island in the Delta.

Elsie loved being part of family celebrations over the years including her 80th, 90th and 95th parties.  Cruising Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and rafting down rapids in Whistler, British Columbia were memorable moments. 

In Early 2019, she unfortunately fell at home suffering a fractured hip.  She moved to Livermore for rehab and to be closer to family.  She remained at Avondale Villa until her passing on January 7, 2021.

 

Elsie was dedicated to her family, friends, and church.  She will be missed.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: 

Unity Church of Stockton www.unityofstockton.org

Or

Eden United Church of Christ—Comida Para Cherryland

21455 Birch St. Hayward, CA. 94541

https://edenucc.churchcenter.com/giving Elsie Liskewicz Memorial Fund

Haruko Okazaki Onishi

May 19, 1937 - January 7, 2021

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Haruko (Haru) was born in Lodi to Teruichi and Teruko Iwamiya on May 19, 1937 and passed peacefully on January 7th.  She was the 6th of 7 children and after returning from wartime internment in Rohwer Ark, she continued attending local schools, enjoying a simple yet happy childhood in the Lodi area and graduated from Lodi High School. 

In 1958, Haru married Henry Okazaki.  She tirelessly devoted herself to supporting family, friends and church, ever eager to volunteer or drive the carpool.  Whenever asked, she would modestly call herself a housewife, but this failed to describe the care she gave to the family businesses, the never-ending activities of her children and the lifelong care of her mother-in-law Yoshi.  Scrapbooking and crafts were favorite leisure activities, but if she didn’t understand something, she dove in and learned it.  While Mom was terribly prone to seasickness, she didn’t like seeing Dad having to fish alone, so she often gathered up Angel and learned to fish.  Trout and Stripers were her specialty, and more than once she ended the year with family honors for the biggest fish.  Watching Corey play football terrified her until she learned that not all of the players were out just to maim him.  As she gained an understanding of the more subtle nuances, she became an avid fan, not only of Corey and Kelly’s sporting endeavors, but also of the 49ers and Kings.

Through Dad’s illness and passing in 1986, Mom summoned a strength and determination previously unseen.  She took on stewardship of the family businesses, continued leadership positions in the Buddhist Women’s Association, continued to care for her mother in law, loved her dog Angel and made sure that she never missed a minute of Emily, Erica, or Colton’s activities.

In 1996 Haruko married Sus (Bob) Onishi and together the two of them enjoyed retirement, traveling the US and the World.  Family vacations to Kauai with Kelly and Corey’s families were favorites, but they also enjoyed many trips with friends from Asia to Alaska and many points across the country.

Beneath Mom’s calm exterior beat the heart of a competitor, and she loved to win.  Card games, checkers, sports of any kind, you name it and she was in.  For more than 50 years, Haruko was a respected bowler who competed in local leagues, as well as city, state and national tournaments.  She won numerous Stockton City Tournament Titles, Nisei Bowling Association Tournament Events and recorded podium finishes in JANBA and USBC tournaments.  Because she always put family first, Haruko likely never fully developed her game but she loved to bowl against the best, men or women, it didn’t matter.  Rolling a perfect 300 game at the age of 66 and years ago defeating Hall of Fame Bowler Betty Morris in a local exhibition were definitely part of her personal highlight reel.

One can only imagine the pride of immigrant parents in seeing all of their children enjoy successes in their lives that were beyond their wildest imagination.  While portions of her life were marred by wartime injustice, the hardships that came with rural life on a working ranch, and heartbreak from the loss of loved ones, with great dignity and grace she lived a life that embodied the American Dream.  In the end while Alzheimer’s may have ravaged her recent memory, she never lost her love of family, friends and warm sense of humor. 

Haruko was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Henry Okazaki, son in-law Christopher Yamane, brother Shig Iwamiya, sister Wendy Nagao (Hank), her late husband Sus Onishi, mother-in law Yoshi Okazaki, her late Sister-in-laws and spouses Miyo Matsuno (Jim), Helen Nishizaki (Eugene), Jane Watanabe (Kazuto) and Yuri Iwasa (Sus),.  She is survived by her daughter Kelly Yamane, son Corey Okazaki (Lisa), grandchildren Emily, Erica and Colton, sister Cindy Nishimoto (late husband Julius), brothers George (Christine), Tom (Gracie), Dickie (late wife Nadine), sister-in-laws Naomi Iwamiya, Grace Watanabe (Sach) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the heroes who gave tireless and compassionate care to Mom at Lodi Memorial and Brookdale Assisted Living during these trying times.  In lieu of Koden or flowers, the family would like you to consider a memorial donation in Haruko’s name to the Buddhist Church of Lodi or The Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Maria Legaspi

January 21, 1967 - January 06, 2021.

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 1:00pm - 4:00pm on Sunday January 17, 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

The memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Monday January 18, 2021 at at Cathedral of Annunciation.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

The graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday January 20, 2021 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 Legaspi family.

Frank Toloy

June 04, 1932 - January 05, 2021

Frank Toloy unexpectedly passed away on January 5, 2021. He was born June 4, 1932 in Knippa, TX to Maria Ortiz and Robert Toloy. He graduated from Calipatria High School, and attended San Joaquin Delta College on the GI Bill. He married Lupe Toloy on May 13, 1956 and lived in Lodi for many years at the Soltice Senior Living Residence. Frank’s beloved Lupe passed away August 6, 2012.

He worked for several years for the City of Stockton and retired 1991 at 58 yrs. old after 31 years as a Civil Servant employee Maintenance Engineer at the City Corporation Yard. Frank enjoyed playing poker, boxing, bingo, dancing, an avid gardener, coached softball, small motor mechanics, garage sale hunting with Lupe, and entertaining friends with conversations of history. Many knew him as “Frankie” a lively dancer to Cajun Zydeco music. He loved attending his son in law’s karate events and became an active part of Tibon’s Goju Ryu Fighting Arts as everybody’s Grandpare. He cheered and supported all our students competing all over the country and watched their training over the years and became immensely proud of their many accomplishments. He wore the Tibon’s Goju Ryu Karate t-shirts and hat with pride and always promoted the dojo. He became friends with many of the different martial arts master’s and on April 24, 2015 was even given a Special Honorary Masters Hall of Fame medal at the Masters Hall of Fame awards banquet at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, Ca. several years ago. He was so proud of that medal. Frank served in the Military and received Nat’l Defense Service Medal in the Army Airforce at Edwards Airforce Base home of the Air Force Flight Test Center, and the Air Force Materiel Command Center of excellence for conducting and supporting research and development of flight, as well as testing and evaluation of aerospace systems for concept to combat. He was enormously proud of being a Veteran, he transitioned to the Army Reserves for a total of 8 years military service.

Frank is survived by daughters Rosanna (David) Lemos, Yvonne (Gene) Tibon, Jeanette (Terry)Fernandez, and Anna Marie (Martin) Fregoso. His grandchildren Gino (Nicole) Tibon, Adam (Danielle) Tibon, Yolanda and Corinna Garduno (Antwaine), Jennifer Lemos, Frances (Pat) Boco, Terra and Sarah Fernandez, and Matt and Mikayla Fregoso; as well as 22 great-grandchildren, and 6 great- great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend an outdoor grave site service due to Covid 19, we ask for social distancing and facemasks at Cherokee Memorial Park on January 21, 2021 at 2:00pm, located at Highway 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi, CA. There will not be a before or after gathering. Due to Frank was afflicted with Covid 19 we want to keep everybody safe.

Thank you for your kindness, friendship, and support

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Toloy family.

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Debra Clark

November 22, 1961 - January 05, 2021

Sadly, we lost our beloved Debra Ann Clark, of Lodi, on January 5, 2021 at the age of 59. Debra was born November 22, 1961 in Sacramento, California to Jack and Darlene Clark. She graduated from Casa Roble High School in 1979 and then obtained a degree from Heald Business College. Debra enjoyed her career as a dedicated legal secretary. She was a member of the Stockton- San Joaquin Legal Secretaries Association, holding many positions including President. She attended St. Anne’s Catholic Church and remained faithful throughout her life.

Debra was proceeded in death by her parents, Jack and Darlene Clark, grandparents, her beloved aunt, Diana Kirsten, and her unborn son. She is survived by her children, Tiffany Timmerman, Jacob Timmerman (Ashley), Laci Clark (Tony), and Elisha Lower (Eric). She was a devoted Mimi to Ethan, Anna Joy, Violet Skye, TJ, Tony, Evan, Devin, and Kailani. Debra was the beloved sister to Don Clark (Anne Marie), Maryann LaGrande (Brent), Tara Clark, and Todd Clark (Deana). She was the treasured aunt to Logan LaGrande (Lauren), Katrina LaGrande, and Tyler Clark. Debra will be greatly missed by her partner, Doug Smith.

Debra was the life of the party. Always in stilettos, Debra loved to sing, dance, and gamble. She lived life to the fullest and in doing so, brought joy, light and laughter to all that were blessed to know her. She made many lifelong friendships and will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors that treated Debra with dignity and grace during her final days. Additionally, the family will be forever grateful for the love, support, and friendship that Randy and Julie Thomas have always shown Debra.

The family will hold a private memorial. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Debra’s memory to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1388, Lodi, California 95241.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Clark family.

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William Morrison

November 02, 1931 - January 04, 2021

William "Bill" Morrison of Lodi, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021 at the age of 89.

William was born on November 2, 1931 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was raised in Ohio where he met and married his wife Merian J. Morrison on October 16, 1954. They were married for 58 years until her passing in June of 2013.

He served ten years in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was a Radar Tech in the Strategic Air Command and flew most often in a B36 Bomber, he also flew in B29s and B52s. After being discharged in April of 1961, he moved his family to the Sacramento area of California, then to Lodi in 1968 where he remained until his passing.

He retired after 30+ years from Southern Pacific Pipeline (Kinder-Morgan). After his wife's passing in 2013, he volunteered with the Lodi Police Department's Partner Program for five years. His other passions were fishing, camping, and spending time with his family.

William is survived by his children, Mindy Morrison, Bill Jr., and Shelly Morrison and family, Joyce and Leonard Partika and family; five grandchildren, Jamie, Ricky, Jessica, Samantha, and Kyle; and four great grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service to be announced in the near future.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Morrison family.

Marilyn Yu

March 10, 1943 - January 03, 2021

Marilyn L. Yu peacefully went with our Lord on Jan. 3, 2021 with her son Ricky and niece Dory Landero by her side in LMH ICU. She was born to Pelagio P. Landero and Esther Panes on March 10, 1943 in Koronadal So. Cot. Philippines. She came to Lodi in 1991 and worked as a CNA in Fairmont and Delta Conx. Hospital in which she was awarded as employee of the year.

She visited her sister Madeline in Australia and the Philippines a couple of times. Marilyn was a good Samaritan. She was a loving and healthy person until Covid-19 hit her.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Ernesto S. Yu; children, Lilebeth Malong and Richard Yu in the Philippines, Lalaine L. Yu and daughter Angel of Dubai, and Ricky; brothers, Atty. Johnny Landero and Samuel; sisters, Madeline Sokolov, Erlinda McPherson and Daisy L. Solis; as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her body will be flown to Surallah So. Cot. Philippines to be with her parents and siblings.

Marilyn, you will be missed. We love you.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Yu family.

Jeffrey Robinson

September 23, 1939 - January 3, 2021 

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Born September 23, 1939 in Portland, OR – passed away peacefully in Sacramento, CA on Sunday, January 3 at the age of 81.

Jeff was a longtime resident of Stockton, CA but raised in San Francisco. There he attended St. John's Lutheran Church and School.

Jeff shared his love for nature and road trips with his family. He and his loving wife Betty enjoyed countless road trips throughout beautiful California and the West. Their daughters Linda and Diane cherish precious memories of fun adventures and family camping that Jeff was sure to make happen frequently during their youth.

Jeff was content with simple pleasures: reminiscing about bike rides with friends from 17th street (SF), swimming at the Sutro Baths, exploring Playland at the Beach, watching his favorite Westerns and football teams, going to the gym, buying and selling cars, and expounding about war history.

Jeff is survived by his daughters Linda (Brad) and Diane (Jack), his sister Pam (Bill), along with members of the Robinson and Rodrigues families.

Predeceased by his wife Betty, father Sidney, mother Jacquie, stepmother Lillie, who loved and cared for Jeff as her own, sister Nancy and brother Tom.

 

Due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, there will be no service – the family will celebrate Jeff's life privately.

In memory of Jeff’s heart for the homeless, gifts can be made to the Haven of Peace (French Camp, CA); Gospel Center Rescue Mission (Stockton, CA); or a charity of your choice.

Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home (Lodi, CA) is in charge of arrangements.

 Please leave your condolences below.

Arturo Tovar

November 13, 1944 - January 01, 2021

Arturo Tovar of Woodbridge passed away January 1, 2021 in Sacramento California.

Arturo was born November 13, 1944 in Eagle Pass Texas to Sostenes and Rosa Tovar. Arturo loved the Lord with all his heart, he was a gentle soul and spirit he will be dearly missed and will always be cherished by countless friends and family.

Arturo was a hard worker and heartfelt Christian with total dedication and compassion for his family, friends, and belief in God. He was an active member of Bethel Open Bible Church. Whenever a family member or friend was in need of prayer, Art was the first one to go and pray with that person. At family gatherings Art was always asked to say the blessing before the food was served.

Art married Rose Marie "Rosie" the love of this life in March of 1963 and were together until Rosie passed away in 2018. Together they built their life and had 5 children, Art Tovar Jr., Tracy Tovar, Angela Sarmento (John), Gabriel Tovar and Alex Tovar. They have seven grandchildren, James, Dominic, Diana-Rose, Janelle, Colleen, Joshua and Arianna and two great grandchildren, Bellissima-Renee and Donntel Jr. who are the heart and soul of his family.

Art is also survived by his siblings, Ernest Tovar (Gloria), Rudy Tovar (Lupe), Sostenes Tovar Jr. (Yolanda), John Tovar, Robert Tovar, Maria (Liz) Hernandez (Abel), Dora Hernandez (Eli), Esther Claramo, Tomas (Tommie) Gamez, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Art enjoyed hunting and fishing, tinkering with his hands and watching classic cowboy movies. Texan at heart often times you would see him all decked out in his cowboy hat, bolo tie and cowboy boots.

Arturo is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Rosie Tovar; parents, Sostenes and Rosa Tovar; and grandson, Gabriel D. Tovar Jr.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the numerous caregivers who assisted Arturo through these past several weeks and supported him in his final days.

Arturo will be honored with a graveside celebration of life outdoors under the canopies Tuesday January 12, 2021 at 12 p.m. noon at Cherokee Memorial Park Cemetery 13951 Beckman Road, Lodi Ca. 95240 with Pastor Jim Pluimer officiating. Please wear your masks and social distancing would be appreciated!

SERVICE

A graveside service will be held on Monday January 11, 2021 at 12:00pm 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 Tovar family.

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Dennie Toschi

January 05, 1946 - January 01, 2021

Dennis Paul Toschi was born in Sacramento, Ca. on January 5, 1946 and passed away in Lodi, Ca. on January 1, 2021.

He was raised in Walnut Grove, Ca. where he attended school, and remained there until moving to Lodi in 1964. He went to work for Del Monte Corporation and retired after 45 years. Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, estate sales, cooking and enjoyed many wonderful years on the Sacramento River at Greening's Ko-Ket resort.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dominic and Tina Toschi; and son, Matthew Paul Toschi. He is survived by his son, Scott (Robin) Toschi; daughter, Susan (Mike) Walker; grandchildren, Justin Toschi, Tyler Toschi, Lexie Walker, Cole Walker, Brett Toschi and Michael Toschi; great grandson, Ashton Toschi; and his cousins, Sally Gribaudo and Shelley Cowley.

At his request, there will be no services.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Toschi family.