James Busser

February 26, 1938 - August 9, 2022

James (Jim) Willard Busser passed away peacefully on August 9, 2022 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. James was born on February 26, 1938 in Cherokee, Iowa to Claus & Grace Busser. The youngest of 5 siblings, Jim, was known as the “Fun Uncle” to all his nieces and nephews and even the adopted ones too! Jim moved to California his junior year of High School and graduated from Tracey High in 1957. He went on to serve his country in the US Navy as a Pattern Maker.  A few years later he met and married the love of his life, Dorene Rose Schnell and they enjoyed 58 ½ years of wedded bliss.

Jim was a devoted General Mills Skilled Mechanic for 36 years before retiring to fix all the neighbors and friends odds and ends. Jim was known as the “MacGyver” of the family as he could fix or make almost anything.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and brother-in-law, Ron Mehlhaff. Jim is survived by his beautiful bride, Dorene, his sister-in-law Janice, and numerous nieces and nephews.

SERVICES:

There will be a service in the Garden of Flowers Courtyard at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery on Hwy 99 & Harney Lane in Lodi on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 10:00 AM.

A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Jim’s name be made to either Hospice House of San Joaquin County or the charity of your choice.

Shirley Pavon

February 1, 1936 - August 9, 2022

Shirley Kay Pavon passed away on Tuesday August 9th, 2022 at the age of 86. She was loved deeply by her family and friends. Shirley was born in Columbus Ohio on 02/01/1936. At a young age Shirley moved San Francisco Bay Area where she was raised. She planted her roots at Tower Park Lodi, CA. for 34 years. Shirley was married 56 years to Robert T. Pavon who left us in 2008; they shared four children between their love. Shirley was an exceptional hard worker, she worked 30+ years at Nabisco and was a proud member of Teamster Local #856. Shirley enjoyed dancing and spending time with loved ones. She loved playing cards, Bingo and Bunko, and attending church along with bible study. She was a proud member of the Red H"at Society for over 20 years and belonged to the Delta CA Moose Lodge since 2009. Shirley had one of the kindest hearts and made an impact on everyone she encountered.
Shirley is survived by her children Thomas T. Pavon and his wife Margy of Dublin, CA., Debra A. Pavon of Hayward, CA. and Bobby Pavon Jr. and his wife Denise of Lodi, CA. 8 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren.
Shirley is now reunited with her daughter Pamela K. Vargas and will forever be missed!

Donations are preferred to the Leukemia Society

Service
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 at Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Pavon family.

Donald Wimberly

June 15, 1943 - August 8, 2022

Donald W. Wimberly, 79, passed away suddenly on August 8, 2022 at Mother Mary Care Home. He had been suffering for years from cerebral arteriosclerosis, COPD and hypertension. He is finally at peace. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father and friend.

He was born on June 15, 1943 to the late Charleton & Florence Wimberly in Stockton, CA. He was a member of the YMI Band Club in 1960 and graduated from Edison High School in 1961. He married the love of his life, Nancy Hamaker, on August 17, 1963 at Morris Chapel in Stockton. He was a union representative and supervisor at Johns Manville where he was well liked. He loved golf and spent many years marshaling at Mickey’s Grove and Elkhorn Golf Club.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Ellen Marie; his sister Netta Grigsby; his brothers’ Chuck Wimberly; Kenneth Wimberly; and Darrell Wimberly.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, of 59 years, his sister Jake Chacon, and four of his children, Kayleen (Darin) West of Ludlow Falls, OH; Carolyn Tatam of Wylie, TX; Michael Wimberly of Sacramento, CA; and Jennifer ( Randy) Brown of Las Vegas, NV and his beloved dogs Pepper and Rosie. Don is also survived by his six grandchildren, Sage West of Austin, TX, Tim West of Philadelphia, PA, Hailee Flores, of Wylie, TX, Matthew Wimberly of Sacramento, CA, Tyler Wimberly of Elk Grove, CA, Robert Brown of Acampo, CA, and four great grandchildren.

SERVICES:

Family and friends are welcome to attend the funeral at Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 1:00pm in the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Harney Lane at Highway 99, Lodi, California.

Committal service will follow in the Garden of Freedom.

Please make a donation in Donald’s memory to Community Connections Bridging Resources - San Joaquin County

Robert Lopez

March 11, 1939 - August 7, 2022

Robert Benjamin Lopez - 83 years old, passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, August 7, 2022. Robert was born March 11, 1939 in Stockton, California to the late Benjamin and Julia Lopez.

He was married to his long time love Mary Ellen Lopez for 54 years before her passing on April 19, 2016. He was blessed with four daughters; Stephanie, Juliet, Roberta, and Yvette and had two granddaughters, Jenna and Alyssa. In February 2021, he finally got the boy he always dreamed of when he became a great-grandfather for the first time with the birth of his great-grandson, Greyson.

Robert worked as a plant supervisor for Carnation/Nestle Company for many years before his retirement.

Robert with his wife Mary were devoted Catholics and enjoyed attending Mass together every Sunday at St. Bernadette’s Church and having a quiet breakfast together afterwards.

He was always an avid golfer and following retirement could often be found on a golf course two or three times a week. He was the Stockton Chapter President of the Mexican American Golf Association (MAGA) for many years and both he and his wife enjoyed planning and attending the clubs dance events and dancing together all night. They would travel all over California and Nevada to attend MAGA golf tournaments but their two favorite places to visit were always Lake Tahoe and Reno where they loved playing slot machines.

Robert was a faithful 49er fan his entire life and watched all of their games sitting in his favorite recliner at home. Once football season was over, he watched and cheered for the San Francisco Giants and on occasion would attend games in person in San Francisco with his buddy David Goding.

Robert is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Ellen, his daughters Yvette Lopez and Juliet Hanania, his son in law Rudy Pedrosa, his parents Benjamin and Julia Lopez, and his sister Irene Arteago. He is survived by his daughters Stephanie and Roberta (Ron), his granddaughters Alyssa and Jenna (Tommy), and their son Greyson along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

SERVICES:

The visitation and rosary will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm in the Evergreen Chapel located at Cherokee Memorial Park located at Harney Lane and Highway 99 in Lodi, California.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 10:00am at Cathedral of the Annunciation, 400 W. Rose Street in Stockton, California. The graveside service with military honors will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park, Harney Lane and Highway 99 in Lodi, California.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Lopez family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Paul Napier

March 17, 1935 - August 7, 2022

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Thursday, August 18th, 2022 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will follow at 1:00pm on on Thursday, August 18th, 2022 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

GRAVESIDE
A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 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 Napier family.

Anthony (Tony) Nunes

May 24, 1944 - August 5, 2022

Anthony (Tony) Richard Nunes age 78 years old lost his battle with cancer on Friday August 5th 2022. He was born May 24th 1944 in Stockton. Anthony lived in Manteca during his childhood where he attended Manteca schools thru high school.

As a young man he moved to Stockton where he enlisted and served his Country in National Guard for 6 years. His profession as a Gas Serviceman began as a young man and he continued employment for 43 years with PGE until his retirement in 2005. He was respected by many of his peers and loved by his loyal customers.

Tony and his son Michael also enjoyed the sport of Go-Kart Racing where Tony was involved in the club leadership. Both of them met many long time friends through racing at different locations across California. Many years later when he met his wife Colleen, they moved to the outskirts of Galt in the country where they have resided for the past 31 years on a small ranch.

He volunteered as a coach for Special Olympics (Galt) in soccer, basketball and skiing for his bonus son Troy. He had patience of gold and was a mentor to all of these kids especially Troy. He also volunteered time and effort for many years to American Cancer Society Relay for Life Lodi. He was always the guy to help out and lend you a helping hand. He could build or fix absolutely anything. But his all time favorite pastime was that of being a Papa. He shared his wisdom, humor and love to all of them generously. There are many treasured memories of Papa with the grandkids from celebrations of accomplishments to sharing life lessons with all of them. He will be missed by all of his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years Colleen Nunes Galt, his son Michael Nunes (Wife Stacey) Linden, his daughter Nicole Saylor North Carolina , Bonus Son Troy Nunes Galt and Bonus Daughter Aleisa DeNigris (Husband John) Lodi , Brother Robert Nunes (Wife Lynne) Manteca and sister Elizabeth Campbell Manteca. Grandchildren : Jahred Nunes, Andrew Nunes, Julyana Nunes, Austin Nunes, Jake Bras and Matty Saylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Josephine Nunes.

SERVICES:

The Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday August 25th, 2022 at 1:00pm in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckmann Road in Lodi, California.

Reception to follow at St. Joachim Catholic Church, 13392 E. Lockeford Ranch Road in Lockeford, California.

Donations of remembrance can be made to Hospice of San Joaquin Stockton, American Cancer Society, or St. Jude’s for Children.

Ruth J. Boliou

November 6, 1924 – August 5, 2022 

Mrs. Ruth J. Boliou, lovingly referred to as “Oots”, of Lodi, CA, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022 in Fairmont Rehab Hospital at the age of 97.  Ruth was born November 6, 1924 in mason City, Iowa, to Johnny and Louise Weitzel. 

By the age of 5 she was already helping with the chores on the family farm.  In her early teens the family moved to St. Paul Park, Minnesota.  She attended and graduated from St. Paul High School in 1942, and also met her future husband there, Perrie Boliou.

During World War II she installed electronic gear and bombsites in U.S. bombers (Rosie the Riveter).  After Perrie was honorable discharged from the Naval Air Force, they were married on December 27, 1945.  They resided in Newport, MN, building their first home and raised two children Diana (Boliou) Mueller (Brent) of Northfield, MN and David Boliou (Lois) of Lodi, CA.  Perrie went to work at the 1st National Bank of St. Paul and Ruth stayed home as a marvelous housewife, loving and caring mother, and devoted wife.  In 1966 they moved to Mendota Heights, MN, residing there until Perrie’s retirement in 1978.  They then moved to Lodi, CA, where she resided as a loving wife, mother, grandmother of 2, Stacy (Mueller) Tepp and Brett Boliou, and great grandmother of 5, Skylar, Nora, and Annalee Tepp, and Janelle and Zachary Boliou.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Perrie Boliou.

A private service of the family will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi, CA.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Boliou family.

Please leave your condolences below.

David Aguilera

November 18, 1954 - August 5, 2022

David Aguilera was born November 18th 1954 and peacefully went with our heavenly father on August 5th 2022 at the age of 67. With his family by his side. David fought hard for 14 months to have a dignified life while dealing with Pancreatic Cancer.

David always said he was so blessed to have family, friends and co-workers that meant so much to him. He gave everyone 100% of his time, attention or whatever else you needed, he was always there for us. David was a good man with good values, great work ethics, compassionate, funny, he loved deeply, and endless faith in our lord Jesus Christ.

David had faith always! sometimes it was stronger than other times because he just could not understand why something happened but at the end of his wondering why, he said he left it all in God’s hands. David said he would find out why when our Lord would take him home. So I know all David's questions are being answered.

David went home peacefully and will be missed deeply by his boys Raymond (Courtney), Marcus and Nick, grandchildren Nicholas, Benjamin, Olivia, David, Leah, Brooklynn, Maddison and 1 great granddaughter Alaiya.

David is survived by his sister Lena (Louie).

Preceded in death: His Mother Ramona, Brother Ernie.

Brother in laws Richard (Diana) Michael (Elsie) and father in law Ben Rivera. Plus so many friends and co-workers, nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, Aunts i can go on and on about all the lives he touched.

I will miss him beyond any words I can put on paper. My love for him is endless, we had 34 years of marriage and that was to short. David, I love you passionately, my heart just aches to see you and be with you again. I know you are in loving hands and no more pain. I will find comfort in knowing that.

With all my love until I see you again, Debra

SERVICES:

Services for David will take place on Wednesday August 17, 2022 at 1:00pm in the Vineyard Chapel located at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 Beckman Rd in Lodi, California.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE will follow this service at Spanos East Clubhouse 6226 Mokelumne Cir. Stockton California 95219.

John Blotti, Sr.

July 24, 1951 - July 31, 2022

John passed away in Stockton, California at the age of 71. He was born in Duluth, Minnesota in 1951. He grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and graduated from Denfield High. He found the love of his life and moved to Stockton, California in 1976. He was a laborer of Valley Tomato for about 25 years. He was a security guard for about 15 years. He was a lumber worker for about 2 years. He is survived by his wife Nora Blotti, 4 children Shelly Blotti, Sandra Vann, John Blotti Jr. and Mark Blotti, 15 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. He also has 1 living sister who lives in Wisconsin and 2 brothers who live in Minnesota. His happiness came from God and his whole family.

Services: Viewing Tuesday 16th at 10:00am, with the service starting at 1:00pm at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi, California.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Blotti family.

Judy Bender

October 21, 1940 - July 30, 2022

Judy Veda Bender was born October 21, 1940 in Stockton, California to George and Alice McPherson. While attending Stockton College High School, she met the love of her life, Frank Bender.

Judy loved traveling across the United States, reading books, journal writing, genealogy, gardening, and her numerous dogs that she named “Sam”.

Judy is predeceased by her parents George and Alice McPherson, brother Ronald McPherson, husband Frank Bender, and son Frank Bender Jr. She is survived by her daughter Janet Jefferson (John) and grandchildren: Jennifer Lee (Albert), Joshua Jefferson (Heather), Jason Bender (Krysta), Joanne Johnson (Michael), Daniel Touchstone (Kendra), and Cody Kavanaugh (Krysta). She has 13 great grandchildren.

 SERVICES:

The visitation for Judy will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 11:00am – 12:00pm at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, in Lodi, California.

 A graveside service will follow on August 19, 2022, at 12:00pm at Cherokee Memorial Park.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Bender family.

John ‘Jack’ Cowan

August 30, 1932 - July 27, 2022

Jack Cowan lived a full and amazing life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. In the 1950’s Jack joined the Marine Corps where he fought on the front lines in two major battles in Korea.

Jack had an extensive career as well, working in the plumbing industry as a young man, and later taking on construction and land development for nearly 20 years. He finally settled as a farmer, when he purchased 60 acres of land in Morada, CA where he built his family home and would go on to farm 58 acres of Bing cherries until the last year of his life.

Jack’s hobbies included fishing and hunting. He owned 3 different commercial fishing boats which he operated out of his favorite place: Fort Bragg, CA. Jack was also an avid hunter – hunting deer, elk, moose, and various fowl.

Jack is survived by his wife Barbara, his daughter Kathi, and his 2 grandchildren William and Alexa.

He will be missed dearly by the family and friends he leaves behind.

SERVICES:

Services for Jack will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 1:00pm in the Vineyard Chapel located at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 Beckman Rd. in Lodi, California.

His celebration of life to follow.

Mary Kooyman

August 11, 1932 - July 24, 2022

Mary Ellen entered Heaven on July 24, 2022.  She was born August 11, 1932 in Weaverville, CA to Alton and Ella Jack.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband Barney Kooyman, sons Eric (Eva) Lobaugh and Dr. Mark Lobaugh (Jeannie), sister Shirley Phelan, sister-in-law Jean Rauser, grandchildren: Christa Lobaugh Cordova, Elizabeth Lobaugh, Kurt Lobaugh, Christoper Manginelli, Andrew Manginelli, and Cassidy Lobaugh.  She was predeceased by her first husband, Kurt Jeffrey Lobaugh, daughter Caryn Manginelli, and brothers Dale Jack and Ellis Jack.

Mary Ellen graduated from Reno High School in 1950, and from San Francisco State University in 1954 with a B.A. in Music.  She then earned her teaching credential from U.O.P in 1955.  Her family settled in Lodi California in 1961.  While raising her three children, she also impacted many other children who came to her for private piano lessons.

Mary Ellen began teaching full-time in 1969 at Oak View School in Acampo, CA.  She retired in 1994.  During her tenure she taught all grades, K – 8.  The San Joaquin County Office of Education recognized her as an excellent teacher and honored her with the John R. Williams award in 1989.

Mary Ellen was a devout member of the Grace Presbyterian Church since its inagural year in 1961.  Over the years she served as a sunday school teacher, choir director, organist/pianist, and as an elder.

Her love of music landed her in the Stockton Chorale from 1980 – 1993 where she traveled throughout Europe on three different concert tours.  They also toured through Australia and New Zealand.

Mary Ellen remarried in 1994 to her new soul mate and best friend, Barney Kooyman.  They too loved to travel, hitting such far-flung places as Russia, Poland, Argentina, Chile and the Faukland Islands.

Mary Ellen was a member of many civic organizations including the Iota Beta Chapter of SigmaPhi, Lodi Music Teachers Association (president-1966), Chapter 150 Order of Eastern Star and the Lodi New Comers Club.

SERVICES:

All friends and family are invited to attend Mary Ellen’s Memorial service to be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 11, 2022. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in her name, to her favorite charity, Jerusalem Prayer Team International or to the charity of your choice.

 

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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