October 2, 1931 - January 1, 2023
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 10:00am - 12:00pm noon on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 12:00pm noon on Tuesday January 17th, 2023 in 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 Kappos family.
November 16, 1922 – January 1, 2023
Edith “Dee” Nelson, longtime Stockton resident and fulltime inspiration to family and friends, died peacefully in her home on Jan. 1, 2023, at the age of 100. Dee was a cartographer during World War II – she drew maps for naval pilots – and was the beloved wife of Gaylord “Ace” Nelson, longtime superintendent of San Joaquin County schools. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, homemaker, gardening enthusiast, travel buff, domino whiz and fine example of a life well lived.
Dee was born Edith Elizabeth Payne on Nov. 16, 1922, in Regina, Canada, to Albert “Bert” Payne and Ellen “Nellie” Lenson Payne, who were both born and raised in England. Her brother, Art, was 2 when Dee was born. The family moved to Oakland, California, in 1923 to look for work and live closer to Nellie’s parents and sisters who had settled in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dee grew up during the Great Depression, but she had fond memories of those tough times. Like so many parents, Nellie and Bert struggled to keep food on the table, but they got by with perseverance, resourcefulness and a little help from their friends. The lesson was not lost on Dee.
“I learned that life is what you make it,” Dee once recalled. “At the time, my parents never let on how hard things were. All our friends and neighbors were in the same boat, so we never felt poor. I had a happy childhood.”
Dee was a beautiful singer with the Brookside Baptist Choir, a promising art student at Fremont High School in Oakland and a good friend to many, including a kid named Ace Nelson, who palled around with Art. “Ace and I never really dated in those early years,” Dee used to say. “He was just always around the house.”
Dee and Ace became a couple after high school while Ace pursued advanced degrees in education at the University of California at Berkeley and Dee took classes there in mechanical drawing. Then World War II intervened. Ace was drafted into the Army Air Corps in spring of 1942 and was eventually sent to Guam, the Philippines and the South Pacific.
Meanwhile, Dee decided to wear stars and stripes of her own. She was working as a draftsman for a company in Oakland that designed ships in 1942 when she and a colleague said, “Wouldn’t it be fun to draw maps for the Navy?” A few weeks later, they were sworn in as Waves. Dee was stationed at the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office in Bethesda, Maryland, where she did map work for wartime pilots. And because she had perfect pitch, she landed a coveted spot in the Waves Singing Platoon.
“We had the time of our lives,” Dee often said. “We performed all over the country in amazing theaters singing songs like ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ on stages that would rise up and move right into the audience.”
After the war ended in 1945, Dee and Ace found their way back to each other. They married in August 1947. They had three children – Nancy, Gary and Diane – and landed in Stockton in 1957 when Ace was hired as a consultant for the San Joaquin County Office of Education.
Dee continued to work, now as a wife and mother. She used her mechanical drawing skills to help the kids with school projects. In the early years, she sewed almost everything the children wore. She nursed her family and various pets as they recovered from illness, cuts and broken bones. She provided charitable work for both Omega Nu and the March of Dimes.
Ace became superintendent of the county schools in 1963. With Dee’s support and partnership, Ace was reelected every four years until his death in 1990.
Dee never left Stockton. After her husband’s sudden death, she found a way to rebuild a full life. She traveled with friends. She played golf. She volunteered at Stockton’s Haggin Museum. She visited her children and grandchildren as they pursued schooling, work and love in communities throughout the state, nation and world. She hosted reunions when they all gathered at the family home.
Even at 100 years old, Dee still walked around the neighborhood where she had lived for 62 years, inspiring people 30 years younger to do the same. Like everyone, she had aches, pains and disappointments, but her remedy was to say a prayer, eat right, keep her mind active and exercise.
“You got to keep moving, and keep a positive attitude,” Dee often advised. “As Ace always said, ‘The joy is in the journey.’”
Dee is survived by her children, Nancy Pratt and her husband Doug Pratt; son Gary Nelson and his wife Gretchen Seelinger; daughter Diane Nelson and her husband Steve Elliott; grandchildren Erik Pratt and his wife Anna Pratt, Gina Garland and her husband Ben Wilde, Frankie Garland and his wife Jessica Pelliciotta, David Pratt and his fiancé Brittany Reavis, Karl Nelson, Lea Pratt, Nick Nelson and his wife Taylor Bradley; great grandchildren, Sofia Wilde, Lucas Wilde, Frankie Pelliciotta Garland and Josephine Pratt; step great granddaughter Adelyn Reavis.
Besides her husband, parents, brother and many friends, Dee was preceded in death by her great granddaughter Ellie Rose Pratt.
SERVICES:
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the Hospice Foundation of America.
June 22, 1971 - December 31, 2022
SERVICE
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Greenlee family.
May 22, 1957 - December 23, 2022
Funeral Announcement:
It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the loss of our beloved father and husband, Anacleto P. Celino Jr.
May 22, 1957-December 23, 2022
Survived by his wife Erlinda Celino, father of Roseann Celino and Ben Celino, grandfather of Julián Garcia and Kaizen Celino. He will be forever in our hearts.
The friends and acquaintances of the Celino family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral services of ANACLETO P. CELINO JR. We are requesting the honor of your presence at the funeral details listed below.
Memorial Viewing -
Date: January 9, 2023
Viewing Time: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Location: Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home - Evergreen Chapel
Address: 14165 N Beckman Rd Lodi, CA 95240
Contact: (209) 334-9613
Funeral Service & Burial -
Date: January 10, 2023
Funeral Service Time: 10:00 am
Final Viewing Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home - Evergreen Chapel
Address: 14165 N Beckman Rd Lodi, CA 95240
Contact: (209) 334-9613
Final Resting Place -
Date: January 10, 2023
Committal Time: 2:00 pm
Committal Location: Cedar Lawn Memorial Park - Himlayan Garden
Address: 48800 Warm Springs Blvd
Fremont, CA 94539
Contact: (408) 263-2868
January 4, 1931 - December 30, 2022
SERVICE
A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, March 3rd, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Claveran family.
February 10, 1926 - December 29, 2022
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 9:30am - 12:30pm on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 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 Yoneda family.
Ben Geringer was a native of Lodi, California, born November 13, 1929. He graduated from Lodi Union High School in 1947. After a semester at Stockton Junior College, Ben applied for a job at the newly opened Lodi General Mills plant. He was hired and worked there for over 45 years, retiring in 1993. In 1950 he met DeLores Bender, who had just moved to Lodi from North Dakota. A year later they were married at the Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church, where they met.
After his retirement, Ben and DeLores traveled to the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Alaska, Washington D.C., New York, Florida, and North Dakota. Ben and DeLores celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on December 2nd, 2022.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gottlieb and Emilie Brockel Geringer, his two sisters, Marie Engel of Clements and Martha Bitter of Fresno, and his two brothers, Dan of Lodi and John of Bakersfield. He is survived by his wife, DeLores, nieces and nephews, and his church family at Vinewood Community Church, where they are members.
At the age of 18, Ben accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He knew from the Bible that “to be absent from the body was to be present with the Lord.”
SERVICES:
On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, there will be visitation at 11:00 am, followed by a graveside service at 12:00 pm for family at Cherokee Memorial, Lodi.
There will be a Celebration of Life service honoring Ben on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 11:00 am at Vinewood Community Church, Lodi, followed by a reception at the church.
Contributions can be made to Vinewood Community Church or the charity of your choice.
Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
June 5, 1953 - December 28, 2022
SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, January 19th, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Neak family.
September 16, 1941 - December 26, 2022
Lester Charles Poulsen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and proud veteran passed away peacefully December 26, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was 81 years young and lived a happy fulfilling life.
Lester was born in French Camp, CA to Mary and Marvin Poulsen on September 16, 1941. He was the third of 5 children. He was preceeded in death by his parents and sister Frances Hill and is survived by brothers Stewart (Paulette), Richard (Teresa) and Lyle (Diane).
Lester grew up in Stockton and graduated from Edison High School in 1959. He worked at his father’s garage before enlisting in the Air Force as an aviation mechanic from 1961-1965. He received orders he’d be stationed in Morocco, North Africa for 18 months. So before leaving, Lester married the love of his life, Diane Jacopetti on February 18, 1962. He had very fond memories of his time in Morocco learning the culture and some of the Arabic language, which he talked of frequently. His time in the Air Force also had Lester and Diane living in Lincoln, Nebraska and Marysville, California.
Lester and Diane were blessed with 2 children, Lester Poulsen II in 1968 and Melissa Poulsen in 1971. Lester felt blessed to be married to his “Sweed” for 60 years.
Lester was a diesel marine mechanic working at Colberg Shipyard in Stockton and Fulton Shipyard in Antioch for 19 years. He was also a mechanic, truck driver and automation clerk at the Post Office in Stockton for a total of 26 years before retiring in 2010.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gambling, golfing, listening to old time country music, watching cowboy movies, and being with family. Dad always said, “I was born a hundred years too late.” He was a true cowboy in heart and mind. In his later years, he was a member of the Elks Lodge and The Moose where he and his “Sweed” enjoyed singing karaoke, eating dinner and visiting with friends.
Lester is survived by his devoted wife, Diane, of 60 years and his children Lester Poulsen II (Yolanda) and Melissa Romero (Tony) and 4 grandchildren: Vincent, Joseph and Jasmyne Poulsen and Madilyn Romero. He is also survived by his kitty Coco and dog Daisy.
A Celebration of Life is being held on Monday, January 16, 2023 10:00am @ The Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA. A reception is immediately following at The Elks Lodge 8900 Thornton Road, Stockton, CA.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Poulsen family.
November 16, 1947 - December 25, 2022
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, February 16th, 2023 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 Hill family.
December 28, 1959 - December 25, 2022
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Horn family.
July 17, 1949 - December 25, 2022
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 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 Adams family.
April 9, 1941 - December 25, 2022
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, January 8th 2023 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 Wittmer family.
Jose “Joe” G Castaneda
July 8th , 1934- December 23rd , 2022
The Lord took Joe G Castaneda at the age of 88 years old up to his kingdom on 12/23/2022. Joe passed surrounded by his family at home in his sleep. He was a loving husband of 61 years to Pauline Castaneda. Born and raised in Donna Texas, served his country in the Army, and then moved to California to start a family. He became an onion farmer in the 70’s and worked with the Otas. He loved to work very hard and settled in at Ace Tomato in Manteca and continued to work there his whole life and finally retired in 2019. After retirement he enjoyed mowing the lawn multiple times a week and making sure the squirrels and doves in the yard were fat and happy. He enjoyed the great grandkids visiting and filling their pockets with candy. Joe loved taking Pauline around California testing out their luck at casinos and enjoying that time spent together, they were truly in love until the second he passed and will be cherished forever.
Father of Hope Castaneda, Joe Luis Castaneda (Marilyn), and Leticia Hernandez. Grandfather to Joe Luis Jr (Joe x2), Pete (Alicia), Louis (Laura), Clarissa (Taylor), Marilyn Jr (Jorge). and Paula (Austin). Great Grandfather to Nathan, Zayden, Carter, Pete Jr, and Taylor Jr. Brother of Rodolfo (Magdalena), Ramiro, Esequil, Rosendo (Herlinda), Fidel (Lorenza), Amelia (Andres), Abelia (Herman), Ofelia (David), Olga (Armando).
He will live in our hearts forever.
We would be honored if you helped us memorialize Joe’s life by joining us in a memorial service on 12/29/2022 at 10am at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home at 14165 N Beckman Rd. Lodi, CA. All are welcome to attend and Celebrate Joe’s life.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Castaneda family.
Jennifer Marie Willette
1983 – 2022
It is with extreme sorrow we announce the sudden death of our daughter.
“Jen” to all who really knew her, left us on December 23, 2022. She was born at Santa Clara Kaiser and lived with her family in Mountain View and Los Altos until moving to Lodi in 1993.
Jen attended Live Oak Elementary and then Tokay High School. She participated in Choir and Band where she developed her love of music which she passed on to her son Leland.
Jen worked for Darden Industries/Red Lobster in several locations. She worked her way up through the ranks, being able to perform nearly all positions of the restaurant business. She was rewarded with the promotion of General Manager. In order to spend more time with her son, Jen left Red Lobster to begin a new career as Event Coordinator for Delta Diamond Farms. She absolutely loved this job! Jen was a people person and she excelled at this position; she made hundreds of friends over her 10 years. She guided, calmed, and instilled excitement into all of her clients and events.
Jen is preceded in death by her brother Chris.
She is survived by her son Leland, her partner Ted Montano, her parents Jim and Marie Willette, her sister in law Christy Tarditi, best friends Sheena and Shannon, and an enormous amount of friends and family.
Her smile, laughter, and kindness will be missed by all who knew her.
Services for Jennifer will be private, a celebration of life will be held in the spring this year.
If you wish to be informed, please email mariewillette@me.com for information.
December 2, 1938 - December 23, 2022
SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, January 3rd 2023 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 Fitzsimmons family.
September 14, 1939 - December 20, 2022
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 12:00pm noon on Friday, January 6th, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, January 6th, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Embry family
May 8, 1951 - December 19, 2022
Rosie passed away December 19th after a long courageous battle with cancer at her home surrounded by her family.
Rosie was a great person and left a large hole in the hearts of all who knew her. She loved her cats (rescued many), her dogs, and especially her family and her grandchildren brought her great joy.
Rosie was born in Reno, Nevada and settled in Linden, California with her husband Jeff. She began her career working for George’s Drive In, Gemco, and she worked for the Linden Unified School District. She loved skiing, trips to the ocean, camping, running in the wharf to wharf, shopping, and gardening. She also loved hosting her friends.
Rosie is survived by her husband Jeff; her children Jeffrey, Jennifer (Ochoa), son in law Richard; grandchildren Arabella and Angelo; her sister Maryann (Mark) Merritt; nephews Brian (Edna) and Daniel (Tiffany) Merritt, and Kenny (Amber) Judson; as well as the rest of the family.
Services for Roseanna will be held on Friday January 27, 2022 at 10:00am in the Vineyard Chapel located in Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd in Lodi, California.
The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and friends for their incredible support.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hospice of San Joaquin.
We will miss her very much, God gained an angel.
January 20, 1947 - December 19, 2022
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 10:30pm on Wednesday, January 25th 2023 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 Penner family.
William "Skeeter" Nelson age 76, passed away in Stockton, California on Monday, December 19, 2022.
Skeeter served in the United States Army. He went on to become a truck driver, until he followed his dream and opened his bar, "Skeeter's Place".
Skeeter was happily involved with his truck club, Boggs Tract Truck Club, that afforded him the opportunities to fulfill his hobbies of camping, fishing and traveling with friends and family.
Skeeter is survived by his wife, Albertha, his children, Raymond, William Jr., Stefanie, Christal, Steven and Anthony. Skeeter has multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
He preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.
Funeral services will take place at Cherokee Memorial at 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi, California 95240, on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 10:00 am. A Celebration of Life will take place at the VFW Hall located at 513 N. Center St., Stockton, California, 95202, following the Service.
Flowers can be sent to Cherokee Memorial.
April 24, 1946 - December 19, 2022
SERVICE
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Monday, January 9th, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Nelson family.
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