Irene Hampton

June 7, 1926 - December 28, 2025

Irene Hampton (Stroing), 99, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, in Stockton, California. She was one of the first babies born at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento to Ted and May Stroing (Peacock). Irene had one brother, Ed Stroing. She lived a full life, from sitting on the steps of the bank with her father at the start of the Great Depression, to moving to Stockton and witnessing a world transformed by modern technology. Always busy, she lived a life firmly rooted in her family, faith, and service to others.

She took great joy in her marriage to Art Hampton (passed 2008). Art was a Navy veteran, Irene’s lifelong partner of 62 years, and owner of the neighborhood meat market. Irene and Art attended Stockton High School together, where she was a majorette for the band. They married in 1946, shortly after returning from the war. During World War II, Irene worked at the Navy Annex, where she tracked the ship movements of her future husband. Later, Art and Irene worked together at the market on Waterloo Road until their retirement. Up until her passing, Irene continued to wear her wedding ring and would still run into former customers who recalled going into the meat market as children and getting their free hot dog.

 Irene was a beloved mother and is survived by her three children: Linda Housley, Bob Hampton (Lori Podesta), and Jack Hampton. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She showed her love and caring nature through thoughtful, handmade greeting cards for her family for every season and occasion. Her grandchildren still remember the special birthday parties Grandma created just for them. She cherished Christmases shared with the whole family and loved decorating her home for all the holidays.

 Irene loved gardening and could never pass a garden shop without stopping in. Always busy, she enjoyed crafting, cake decorating, knitting, needlepoint, and ceramics—all of which supported her time as a schoolroom mom and scout leader. In her later years, she continued to care for others and was deeply grateful to be cared for by incredible caregivers and friends. She loved Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, baseball, and always cheering on the New York Yankees for her hometown hero, Aaron Judge.

 She is deeply loved and honored for a full life of dedicated help, support, care, and love.

 Funeral services were held at Cherokee Memorial in Lodi, California

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hampton family.

Noah Juan Auburn Tracy

October 31, 2008 - December 28, 2025

Obituary

Noah Juan Auburn Tracy was born 10/31/2008, our Halloween baby whose first outfit was a ghost onesie. Noah loved his birthday from the time he was old enough to understand what everyone was doing. He loved dressing up and walking from house to house asking for candy. He once believed all the children were dressing up just for him, because it was his birthday. Growing up he loved Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ben 10, and Spiderman. However, once he discovered his love for basketball around the age of 7, he was instantly hooked! He loved spending hours practicing, shooting baskets, imitating his favorite players (Derrick Rose, James Harden, Steph Curry, Damien Lillard and Ja Morant among others) and playing horse. He played basketball for many teams during his time with the YMCA winning countless medals, growing as an athlete, and scoring many many points with his signature three point shot. Noah was a kind, loving, funny, quiet yet friendly young man. "Nowie" was always making his mother laugh with his jokes and funny sayings. Noah was also an excellent student who earned straight "A"s. Beyond his academic and athletic achievements, Noah also dedicated his time working with the youth at the Seifert Community Center where he once attended. Noah always wanted to help his family and friends if he could. He was a sweet boy and respectful to everyone he met. Noah also loved music, playing video games online with friends, and dressing to impress! He never left the house (even for the smallest task) without looking his absolute best. He was a constant perfectionist when it came to his appearance as he would spend hours getting ready. He was always sure to keep up with the latest fashion. He cleaned his favorite sneakers often, and always had his hair styled immaculately. Noah will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his legacy will live on in our hearts. The memories he shared with all of us will forever be cherished. Noah brought joy to everyone who was lucky enough to have known him. His impact on the world was short but powerful and his memory will forever live on within many. He is loved and remembered by his mother Breanna Vinson; father Bobby Tracy Jr., grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and several cousins.

Service

Private service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Contact family for details.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Tracy family.

Marvin D. Riley

Marvin Dean Riley
September 4, 1935 - December 26, 2025

Marvin Riley passed away peacefully at home in Lodi on December 26th at the age of 90. He was born on September 4, 1935 in Maywood, Nebraska to Mildred and Wendell Riley, and grew up on a farm near Gering.

At Gering High School, Marvin played football (before face masks - with the scar to prove it), basketball, and baseball. He first enrolled in shop and metalwork classes, until his father marched him back to school to sign up for college-prep classes instead. In 1953, he attended the University of Nebraska to study vocational agriculture and even tried out for the football team until it became clear that he wouldn’t make the team as a 170-pound center.

Marvin began his career teaching vocational agriculture, chemistry, and physics at a high school in Lagrange, Wyoming and then as a chemistry teacher in Cheyenne. While teaching, he earned a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Wyoming. In 1965, he was honored as Wyoming’s Top Educator and received the award at the White House from President Lyndon B. Johnson. With support from a National Defense Education Act grant, he went on to earn his PhD in Chemistry from the University of South Dakota.

In 1969, Marvin moved his family from Vermillion, South Dakota, to Stockton, California, where he joined the chemistry faculty at San Joaquin Delta College. He spent the next 33 years doing what he loved most – teaching and mentoring students.

Marvin enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, and golf, and was a proud member of the Woodbridge Country Club for 34 years. He also proudly served as the Little League coach for his two sons for many years and was an active member of the Clements-Lockeford Lyons Club, where he served a term as Club President.

His path to ninety years was not without challenges as he narrowly survived the great blizzard of 1949, emergency brain surgery, and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma twice. In June of 2019 his doctor, not accounting for the toughness of a Nebraska farm boy, told Marvin he had only four to six months to live. Clearly, Marv had other plans.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years, Gayle; his children Lynndee Riley, Ken Riley (Gayle), and Kevin Riley (Jennifer); his stepdaughter Jennifer Fancher (Gary); eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his younger brother, Melvin. Marvin was preceded in death by his older brother, Marion.

SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Hospice of San Joaquin.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Riley family.

Rachel G. Vera

February 25, 1939 - December 24, 2025

Rachel was a devoted wife to David for nearly 68 years and dearly loved her family of four children, nine grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.

A person of strength and clarity, she had little patience for the trivial and taught her children the value of purpose, responsibility, and integrity. To those who knew her best, she was sophisticated, generous, and deeply devoted.

Her faith in God was constant -- she spoke of it often, believed He was her strength and hope, and now is fully restored in the loving arms of Jesus. 

"Hubiera yo desmayado, si no creyese que be de ver la bondad de Jehova en la tierra de los vivientes."  Psalm 27:13 KJV

VISITATION

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 11:30am - 1:15pm Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A graveside service will be held on January 8, 2026 at 1:30pm at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Vera family.

Please leave your condolences below. 

Gary Brienza

Gary Louis Brienza

April 12, 1948 - December 24, 2025

OBITUARY

Gary Louis Brienza (77), passed away on December 24, 2025, in Stockton, California. Born on April 12,

1948, Gary lived a life marked by service, dedication, and deep love for his family.

From 1968 to 1973, Gary proudly served in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he built a

career in fire protection engineering, contributing to the safety and well-being of countless communities

through his work.

Gary was known for his friendly nature, generous spirit, and quick wit. He had a gift for making others

feel welcomed and valued. A social and altruistic soul, he found joy in connecting with people and

giving back whenever he could.

He especially cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren. Whether fishing by the water’s

edge or camping under the stars, Gary embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories with

those he loved most.

He is survived by his daughter Emily Brienza-Larsen; son Evan Brienza; grandchildren Clara

Brienza-Larsen, Carter Brienza-Larsen, and Connor Brienza-Larsen; and sisters Mary Ann Biddle

(John Unsinn), Kathy Luciano (Larry Luciano), and Connie Brienza (Chris Woods). He was preceded in

death by his mother Frances Brienza and father, Johnny Brienza, as well as his twin brother Larry

Brienza.

A memorial service will be held at Central United Methodist Church in Stockton, CA on January 31st at

3:00pm.

Gary’s warmth and generosity touched many lives. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew

him.


Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Brienza family.

Please leave your condolences below.

 

Veronica Sabrina Segura

January 19, 1977 - December 24, 2025

SERVICE
 A memorial service will be held at 9:30am on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Lighthouse of the Valley, located at 4368 N Sutter St Stockton, CA 95204. A reception will follow at the J Charles Irwin Reception Center 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 Segura family.

Marguerite "Peggy" Genasci

Marguerite “Peggy” Genasci

November 1, 1923 - December 23, 2025

Marguerite “Peggy” Genasci, age 102, passed away peacefully at her home on December 23, 2025.

Peggy was born on November 1, 1923, in Alexandria, Minnesota, to Edward Hall and Elvera Hall. When she was two years old, her family moved to Galt, California, where she was raised and built a life rooted in learning, faith, and service. She graduated from Galt High School in 1941 and went on to earn her degree from the College of the Pacific in 1946.

In March of 1948, Peggy married Richard Genasci. Together they had four children. When the marriage ended in divorce, Peggy returned to college and completed her teaching credential, counseling credential and masters degree while raising her 4 children .

Education was one of Peggy’s greatest passions. Her career spanned decades, beginning as a substitute teacher and progressing to elementary school teacher, elementary school counselor, and ultimately high school counselor at Edison High School where she retired at 70 years old. She cared deeply for her students and colleagues, always going the extra mile to support, encourage, and advocate for young people. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Peggy was also deeply committed to her faith and church community. She was a devoted member of Central United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, where she found fellowship, purpose, and joy.

She is survived by her brother, Gary Hall of Florida; her children, Kathy Erbez of Stockton, California; Claudia Howell (Van) of Windsor, Colorado; Lori Rosales (Cris) of Lodi, California; and Rick Genasci (Kathy) of Salinas, California; as well as 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and happiness

.

Visitation

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 from 5 to 8 PM at Cherokee Memorial Park located at 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi, California. 

Service

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 1:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, located at 3700 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California, with a reception to follow in the church Fellowship Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Peggy’s memory to Central United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place ; Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

The family would like to thank her loving caregivers who allowed her to remain at home during the last two months of her life. Thank you Sandra, Maria, Noel and Pacific Hospice.

Peggy will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to education, her unwavering faith, and the love she shared so generously with her family and all who knew her.


Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Genasci family.

Please leave your condolences below.

 

Virgil Suess

Virgil Raymond Suess
January 13, 1931 - December 22, 2026

Virgil Raymond Suess was born on January 13, 1931 and went to be with the Lord on December 22, 2025 at the age of 94 years. Virgil was born and lived the first twelve years of life on a small farm near Three Hills, Alberta, Canada. Virgil, his six siblings and parents relocated to Lodi, California where he lived most of his life. He attended Needham School, graduated from Lodi High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife Verla Suess; parents Edwin and Freda Suess; four brothers - Forrest, Leroy, Reuben and Ivan; one sister, Ramona Ottman; and grandson Aaron Morris. Virgil is survived by his son Skip Suess and wife Denise; daughter Wendy Morris and husband Don; brother Kelly Suess; grandchildren Kendra Morris; Cameron Morris; Ryan Suess; Rachel Davidson; Rebecca Suess; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Virgil met and began dating Verla Hochhalter when he was 18 and she was 15 and were engaged when Verla started her senior year of high school. Upon her graduation from high school, off she went, by herself, to England, where Virgil was stationed and the two were married. After his discharge from the service, the couple moved back to Lodi. Virgil began a lifelong career working for his father-in-law Ted Hochhalter at Lodi Nut Company and later became owner with his brother Kelly. Together they ran the business overseeing employees and plant operations. Virgil and Kelly later started ShellPro, a walnut shell grinding business. After selling Lodi Nut Company and retiring in 2011, his wife Verla died unexpectedly. Virgil soon moved to St. Petersburg, Florida to live closer to his daughter Wendy and lived there until his death.

Virgil was a hard worker and respected leader, boss, and businessman. While working at the Lodi Nut Company, Virgil took on night classes at Humphrey College in Stockton, CA, completing his Associate Arts degree in business. He prided himself in saying “he was a jack of all skills and master of none!” He was self-taught in electrical work, welding, carpentry, mechanic work and was able to do whatever needed to be done to keep machinery working and the plant operational.

Virgil loved traveling and vacationing with Verla, both abroad and visiting their daughter’s family in Florida and their son’s family in Washington. Family was a very important part of his life and he was loved deeply by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Virgil had a deep personal faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He served the Lord faithfully as choir director, Sunday School teacher, deacon and held numerous church leadership positions. He was active and enjoyed his involvement in the Lodi Rotary Club and served a term as club president. He had a lifelong love for music, singing in the church choir and playing the baritone in the Lodi Community Band until moving to Florida.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday February 13, 2026 at 1 pm at Vinewood Community Church 1900 W. Vine St. Lodi, CA.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Suess family.

Please leave your condolences below. 

Robert H. Martinez

Robert H. Martinez
April 3, 1958 - December 21, 2025

Robert was born on April 3, 1958, in El Centro, California, the firstborn of Rosa Heraz and Roberto Martinez. From the beginning, he carried a quiet strength and a deep sense of purpose. In his early twenties, Robert found God—an experience that transformed his life and set him on a path of deep devotion. His faith became his foundation, guiding his choices, shaping his character, and inspiring a lifetime committed to service.

Throughout his life, Robert was a loyal member of many church organizations and communities. Most recently, he found a spiritual home at LifeSong here in Stockton, California. Robert formed strong friendships with pastors, participated in countless church activities, and was known as someone who was always ready to lend a hand. He didn’t simply attend church; he lived his faith in action—openly, generously, and consistently.

Robert’s heart for service extended far beyond Sunday mornings. With more than twenty years of experience as a substance abuse counselor, he dedicated his life to walking alongside those fighting for recovery. His work took him across the United States and to the Philippines, where his compassion and belief in human dignity touched countless lives. With his own remarkable 46 years of sobriety, Robert offered a unique blend of wisdom, understanding, and hope.

Even in his spare time, Robert chose to serve. He volunteered at local prisons, counseling recovering addicts and offering them the same encouragement and belief that had guided his own journey. He understood the struggles people carried, and he met them with patience, dignity, and unwavering hope. For many, he was not just a counselor—he was a light in the darkness, a reminder that change was possible, and a voice that said, “You are not alone.”

Robert also pursued personal passions with the same dedication he brought to his service. Among them was Kung Fu, a discipline through which he earned a black belt and became an instructor. His commitment to martial arts reflected his character—disciplined, patient, and always striving to grow.

And yet, of all the roles he held, none meant more to Robert than being a family man. His love for his family ran deep and true. He celebrated their joys, supported their struggles, and carried an unshakable pride in each of them. His family was his heart, his peace, and his greatest blessing.

Robert leaves behind a legacy defined by faith, service, and love. He lifted people when they felt lost, offered hope when they felt broken, and showed us all what it means to live a life of purpose. Though we feel the weight of his absence, we carry with us the light of his example—an example that will continue to guide us.

May we honor Robert by living with the same compassion, strength, and unwavering faith that he carried throughout his life. May his memory be a blessing and his legacy a beacon for all who knew him.

Robert, thank you for the lives you touched, the burdens you lifted, and the faith you lived so fully. May you rest in peace, embraced by the God you served so faithfully.

Robert is survived by his wife, Adelina Indoy Martinez; children: Honey Mae Martinez, Apple Marie Martinez, Maritza Maldonado, Kendel Magnone, Jorden Magnone and Erasmo Maldonado (son-in-law); grandchildren: Tamara Maldonado, Isabela Rose Maldonado, and Ashley Maldonado; great grandchildren: Carson, Everly Stewart, and Bella Johnson. He is also survived by his siblings: John Heraz, Mario Martinez, Alicia Heraz, Sandra Martinez, Sarah Heraz, Cathy Martinez, Wally Jackson, Robert Haros Martinez, Paul Lewenthal, Diana Lewenthal, Angela Martinez, and Glenda Mabel Martinez.

He is preceded in death by his parents Roberto A. Martinez and Rosa M. Heraz; previous wife Pamala Martinez, and siblings Salvador Heraz and Guadalupe Heraz Jackson.

Robert, thank you for the lives you touched, the burdens you lifted, and the faith you lived so fully. May you rest in peace, embraced by the God you served so faithfully.

SERVICE
 A memorial service will be held at 12:30pm on Friday, January 16th, 2026 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Martinez family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Gloria Rocha Caldera

Gloria Rocha Caldera, 2025
May 1, 1963 - December 20, 2025

Visitation
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 5:00pm-8:00pm Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Rosary
Rosary will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 6:00pm Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Service
Service will be help Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Joachim Catholic Church 13392 E Lockeford Ranch Rd, Lockeford, CA 95237.

Graveside to follow  Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Caldera family.

Please leave your condolences below.

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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