Howard Joseph Willett Jr.

Howard Joseph Willett, Jr.
December 2, 1939 - December 21, 2024

Howard “Joe” Willett passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024. Born in Tucson, Arizona, on December 2, 1939, to Howard Sr. and Francis, Joe was the beloved brother of Barbara, Sharon, and Debbie.

Joe embraced life with a child-like wonder, always filled with laughter and joy. His deep quest for understanding the Bible led him to learn Hebrew, travel to the Holy Land, and trace the footsteps of Paul while creating a study guide for the Book of Revelation.

Joe cherished his family deeply. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Jane. He is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Marty (Christina) and Timothy (Angela). Joe was a proud and loving “Grandpa Joe” to his six grandsons: AJ, Levi, Corbin, Micah, Barrett, and Ethan.

Joe had a passion for traveling, walking, photography, and birdwatching. His love for teaching and learning was evident in his career as a math teacher at St. Mary’s High School and as a leader of Bible study classes at St. Peter Lutheran Church. He was also an active participant in multiple men’s Bible study groups throughout the week.

Special thanks to Monica, whose companionship brought excitement and joy to Joe’s last year of life. 

Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, located at 2400 Oxford Way, Lodi, at 11:30AM on January 20, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Peter Lutheran Church in Joe’s memory.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Willett family

Teresa Mueller

January 8, 1947 - December 21, 2024

Teresa Lorraine "Sam" Mueller passed away on December 21, 2024, in Stockton, CA. at the age of 77.  Born on January 8, 1947, in Stockton CA, Sam attended Franklin High School and San Joaquin Delta College. Sam started her career as a hairstylist later taking a break to take on the hardest profession as a wife and mother.  Sam later returned to work as the secretary in the rectory office of St. Lukes Catholic church for over 15 years. Sam had a one-of-a-kind personality and a sense of humor second to none.  Sam had many hurdles during her life but always put others in front of herself. Her family and friends were the most important to her and she was always there for advice or just a good conversation.  Sam will be missed but her memory will continue with the effect she had on so many.  

Sam was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Lee Mueller.  She is survived by William Mueller (Son) Carrie Mueller (Daughter in law), Isabella Mueller (Granddaughter), Michael Singer (Brother), Ramona Singer (Sister-in-Law) and numerous nieces and nephews.   

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, January 9th, 2025 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 Mueller family.

Armida Arenas

September 22, 1933 - December 21, 2024

Armida Amelia Arenas passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91 on December 21, 2024, at her home in Sacramento, following complications from cancer and other health issues. Born on September 22, 1933, in Phoenix, AZ, she led a full and fun-filled life.

A cherished lifelong resident of Stockton, Armida attended Edison High School. She worked in the Stockton area’s agriculture fields during the summers and fall, including the Cherry Sheds as a quality control officer. For 20 years, she worked for Diamond Walnut Growers, first as a sorter and later promoted to oversee Quality Control. Her commitment to labor rights was demonstrated in 1991 when she joined the Teamsters strike and participated in a national strike tour, passionately advocating for workers’ rights across several states, including Washington, D.C., Tennessee, Iowa, and Arizona. One of the highlights of that tour was taking a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.

In retirement, she continued to give back as a Foster Grandparent with the California Youth Authority, providing academic support and mentorship to incarcerated youth for over five years.

Armida was a vibrant member of her community. Armida enjoyed bowling with the Mexican American Bowling League from 1978-1980. She was a BIG S.F. Giants baseball fan as well as a “Black Hole” fan for the Oakland Raiders. She was an active member of the booster club for Los Caballos Baseball team in Stockton for nearly a decade.

Armida also had a fondness for visiting Tahoe casinos, Thunder Valley Casino, and Jackson Rancheria Casino. Lady Luck often seemed to be on her side at Native American casinos, where she enjoyed playing the machines.

An avid singer and dancer, Armida enjoyed music throughout her life. During the 1960’s, she and then-husband, Rejino “Kino” Marquez even performed on the radio. They were also in demand at parties, where she would sing to his guitar accompaniment.

Armida’s life was rich with family connections. She is survived by her daughters, Cynthia R. Oliver (John) and Patricia Marquez; grandchildren Louis Perez, Jesus Regino (Gino) Oliver, Ernesto (Neto) Oliver, and Jazzmin Medina; and great-grandson, Ernesto Kino Oliver. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernesto and Josephine Ramirez; her husband of over 30 years, Daniel Arenas; her sister, Virginia Ramirez; her brother, Ernest Ramirez; her son, Xavier Rudolfo (Rudy) Valles; and her first grandchild, Xavier Andreas Marquez.

SERVICE
 A memorial service to celebrate Armida’s life will be held on January 8, 2024, at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Lodi, CA. The day will begin with a private family viewing at 8:30 am, followed by a public viewing starting at 9:00 am. A Rosary and Service will commence at noon, with burial at 2 pm.

Armida Amelia Arenas will be remembered for her spirited personality, dedication to her community, and the profound love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Arenas family.

Jesus "Jesse" Ibarra

May 29, 1963 - December 19, 2024

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing Jesus Ibarra “Jesse” He was born in Stockton California on May 29, 1963. He passed away on December 19, 2024 after battling cancer.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Pizano and son Alexander Nicholas. Siblings: Berta Marquez, Ramon Ibarra Jr (Camerina), Raul Ibarra (Esther) and Veronica Avalos (Hector).

He is preceded in death by his parents Ramon and Socorro Ibarra (+2018); sister Olivia Lopez (+2018) and brother Alfredo Ibarra (+2020).

Jesse was raised in Lodi, California. He attended Terminous Elementary School, Lodi Middle and graduated from Tokay High School Class of 1981. He then attended San Joaquin Delta College with an AA degree in Business Administration.

He was employed as a computer program sales representative at Page Up. He was intelligent, fiercely independent, and self-motivated. His honorable work ethic and dedication was to be admired. He loved technology and was always up on the latest technology on TVs, computers and iPhones. He was an avid football and baseball fan. He enjoyed watching the 49ers, Raiders and the Dodgers.

Jesse valued family and enjoyed spending time with them. His family was a high priority in his life. He provided for and cared for his wife and son. Jesse set an admirable example of a husband and a father. He cherished quality time with those around him, always trying to make others laugh and smile.

We will miss his humorous character and kind caring soul. His legacy will live through his wife and son and those that love him.

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 3:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
Mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, January 3rd, 2025 at St. Anne's Catholic Church  located at 215 W. Walnut St Lodi, CA 95240.  

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ibarra family.

Cesar Luna-Hernandez

October 10, 1978 - December 19, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 3:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting 6:00pm on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
Mass will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 at St. Anne's Catholic Church  located at 215 W. Walnut St Lodi, CA 95240.  

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Luna-Hernandez family.

Antonio Mendoza Rodriguez

July 10, 1949 - December 19, 2024

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 5:00pm - 8:00pm on Monday, January 13th, 2025 a rosary starting at 6:30pm at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
Mass will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, located at 5882 N. Ashley Lane, Stockton, CA 95215.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Mendoza Rodriguez family.

Paz Fernandez

December 21, 1937 - December 16, 2024

MASS
Mass will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, May 2nd, 2025 at St. George's Church, located at 120 W 5th St, Stockton, CA 95206.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 2:30pm on Friday, May 2nd, 2025 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 Fernandez family.

Nicole Fox

October 19, 1978 - December 16, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm on Friday, January 17th, 2025 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 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 Fox family.

Sachio "Sach" Watanabe

Sachio “Sach” Watanabe, 94, died peacefully December 14, 2024. Sach was born on July 9, 1930 in Inglewood, CA. During WWII he was interned in Rohwer, Arkansas. He attended Lodi Union High School and graduated in 1948. In 1959 he married Grace Okazaki. Sach was employed for many years in the car business. He was very active in the Lodi Buddhist Church, the Lodi Lions Club and he enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing and traveling. Sach is survived by his wife, Grace, his daughter Pam (Kurt), son Scott (Kari), grandson, William and many nieces and nephews. Sach was preceded in death by his parents, Kazuichi and Iwako Watanabe, brothers Kazuyuki, Kazuto and Mitsuo, sister Chiyeko.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sach for January 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Buddhist Church of Lodi. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Lodi Buddhist Church or to the American Lung Association.

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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