Hong Kong
August 12, 1946 - April 3, 2026
VISITATION
Visitation from 12:00pm-1:00pm will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
Service will be held at 1:00pm on April 26, 2026 in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Kong family.
Please leave your condolences below.
October 9, 1958 - April 2, 2026
We are mournful to announce the passing of Carlos Medrano. Born October 9th 1958 - Died April 2nd 2026 Carlos lived for 67 years and touched the hearts of many. He left wonderful memories with family and friends alike. He was the pillar of his family, some might say he was also a pillar in their lives. He enjoyed cooking, working, and spending time with his family.
A brave soul who graced our lives with compassion and benevolence, Carlos’s presence will surely be missed, his absence will be felt. Carlos may have passed on, but his spirit lives on in our hearts forever & always. When you take the time reflect on what kind of person Carlos was you could always count on him to show up for you .
As we bid goodbye to you papa, all of your “monstrous” would like to say thank you for always supporting us, thank you for giving us this wonderful life, and thank you for teaching us to remain true to who we are in this world full of pain and deceit, there couldn’t be a better example of someone who is genuinely courageous . We will cherish the memories of us laughing together, the hugs, and the “stupid MFs”. We love you so much.
Remembered by his children & grandchildren Kiara, Angela, Darius, Jeremy, Jazzaray, Elias, Amaya, Aona’liah, Jour’nee, Jayden, Mauraya, Malia
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 12:00pm-1:00pm on April 14, 2026 in 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 April 14, 2026 at 1:00pm in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Medrano family.
Richard Bernstein
October 28, 1944 - October 28, 2025
OBITUARY
Richard was born on October 28, 1944, in Vallejo. He passed away peacefully at home on October 28, 2025, in Florence—his 81st birthday.
Throughout his life, Richard was an avid artist and cartoonist, expressing his creativity through his work and leaving behind a lasting impression on those who knew him. A presentation of his artwork will be shared via PowerPoint in the reception hall prior to the graveside memorial.
Richard will be laid to rest on April 10, 2026, at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240 , where he will be buried alongside his parents.
He is survived by his brother, Larry, as well as four nieces and two nephews, all of whom will carry forward his memory.
Richard lived in Newark, Arnold, and Florence, and will be remembered for his artistic spirit and the joy he brought to others.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Bernstein family.
Please leave your condolences below.
December 26, 1953 - April 2, 2026
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Burke family.
Roger Edward Lutzow
August 22, 1946 - April 1, 2026
OBITUARY
Longtime Stockton resident, father, grandfather, and respected business owner Roger E. Lutzow passed away on April 1, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by his children.
Roger was born August 22, 1946, in Altadena, California, the youngest of five children to Jessie Carl Lutzow and Martell Elizabeth Nelson. After the loss of his father at the age of seven, his family relocated to Shasta County, where he spent much of his youth. He loved playing baseball and working at the service station and attended Central Valley High School before enlisting in the United States Navy. He proudly served aboard the USS Midway during the Vietnam War.
Following his service, Roger married and had two children, Angela and Robert who have remained the center of his life and greatest source of pride.
Roger was a fixture in Stockton’s fire sprinkler industry, dedicating more than 50 years to building and operating his businesses. His work helped shape the safety and development of the community he called home.
Beyond his professional life, Roger embraced life fully. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, watching the Giants and 49ers, and attending local crab feeds with friends and family—simple pleasures that brought him great joy and connection with others.
Deeply committed to giving back, Roger generously supported numerous community events throughout the years. He was an active member of local service organizations, including the 20-30 Club, Kiwanis, and the Elks Lodge.
He is survived by his significant other, Rita Adams; his children, Angie (Jarrett) Houser and Rob (Ashley) Lutzow; and his beloved grandchildren, Tristan, Karina, Grant, and Hayes.
Roger will be remembered for his generous and friendly nature, quick wit, unwavering optimism, and the wisdom he shared with all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and community spirit.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Elkhorn Golf Club in Stockton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Mary Graham Hall Foster Scholarship Program at marygrahamfoundation.org
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Lutzow family.
Please leave your condolences below.
July 6, 1945 - March 31, 2026
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ouch family.
Freddie Visperas Dumaoal
February 8, 1942 - March 31 2026
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a Rosary starting at 6:00pm on Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Dumaoal family.
Please leave your condolences below.
Alva Willis Brown Sr.
November 17, 1934 - March 31, 2026
ALVA WILLIS BROWN SR. WAS BORN ON NOVEMBER 17, 1934, TO JOSEPHINE BROWN AND ALVA WILLIS SHAW IN MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA. HE WOULD BE THEIR ONLY CHILD. HE GREW UP WITH HIS YOUNGER BROTHER GUS BROWN AND WOULD EVENTUALLY MEET HIS OTHER SIBLINGS KENNETH AND WANDA SHAW DECADES LATER. DURING HIS EARLY YEARS, ALVA WAS RAISED BY HIS GRANDMOTHER, FLORENCE COBB, WHOM HE AFFECTIONATELY CALLED "MOAN." MOAN HAD ALVA READING SCRIPTURES TO HER FROM THE BIBLE BY THE TIME HE TURNED FOUR YEARS OLD.
GROWING UP IN RURAL OKLAHOMA, ALVA’S FAMILY WORKED AS SHARECROPPERS. BECAUSE HE WAS SMALL IN STATURE AND NOT AS FAST AT PICKING COTTON, HE WAS ALLOWED TO STAY BACK IN THE HOUSE. WITH SO MUCH TIME ON HIS HANDS, HE HAPPILY LIKED TO REMIND PEOPLE THAT HE HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO STEAL THE NEIGHBOR'S DOG USING DONUTS AS BRIBERY. KNOWN FOR HIS BEAUTIFUL, SILKY STRAIGHT HAIR AND SMOOTH, RUDDY INDIAN COMPLEXION, HE EARNED THE NICKNAME "SWEET THANG."
AT THE AGE OF SIXTEEN, ALVA LEFT OKLAHOMA WHEN HIS UNCLE, ROOSEVELT COBB, SENT FOR HIM TO COME TO CALIFORNIA. WITH JUST $16 TO HIS NAME, HE MADE THE TREK TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, WHERE HE WOULD PUT DOWN ROOTS FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE. HE WORKED MANY JOBS BUT ULTIMATELY, BUILT A CAREER AS A LONGSHOREMAN, WORKING THE DOCKS FOR MANY YEARS UNTIL HIS RETIREMENT.
IN JUNE 1955, HE MARRIED HIS FIRST WIFE, CARRIE BELL BROWN (GUMS). TOGETHER, THEY HAD SEVEN BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN AND RAISED THEIR LARGE FAMILY ON THE EAST SIDE OF OAKLAND FOR MANY YEARS. HE WOULD LATER REMARRY AFTER MEETING HIS SECOND WIFE, PARIS ELAINE LONG, AND RELOCATE TO STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA.
UNFORTUNATELY, CIRCUMSTANCES NECESSITATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO DROP OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL DUE TO FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES. HOWEVER, ALVA POSSESSED A BRILLIANT MIND AND A KNACK FOR WORKING WITH HIS HANDS. HE LEARNED AND EXECUTED VARIOUS TRADES, INCLUDING CARPENTRY, PLUMBING, INSTALLING SATELLITE DISHES, AND REPAIRING TELEVISIONS, CARS, AND COMPUTERS. HE ALWAYS CREDITED GOD WITH GIFTING HIM WITH THESE NATURAL ABILITIES.
ALWAYS THE LIFE OF THE PARTY, ALVA LOVED SHARING THE WORDS OF WISDOM HE HAD LEARNED FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER AND UNCLE. HE WOULD EVENTUALLY DEVELOP HIS OWN TRADEMARK PHRASES. ON ANY GIVEN DAY, IF YOU CALLED TO ASK HOW HE WAS DOING, HE’D CHEERFULLY REPLY, “BOY, I’LL TELL YA, IF I HAD ANOTHER DOLLAR, I’D BE ALRIGHT.” AND ALWAYS READY TO HELP ANYONE IN NEED, HE WOULD OFTEN SAY, “IF YOU NEED ANY HELP, DON’T FROWN, CALL BROWN.”
ABOVE ALL, ALVA HAD A PROFOUND LOVE FOR GOD THAT HE SHARED WITH EVERYONE. ONE OF HIS FAVORITE HOBBIES WAS LEADING BIBLE STUDIES. HE WOULD METICULOUSLY RESEARCH SCRIPTURES, CREATE PROJECTOR SLIDES, DELIVER PRESENTATIONS, AND EVEN PREACH THE OCCASIONAL SERMON. ALVA ALWAYS MAINTAINED THAT HIS GREATEST JOY WAS HELPING AND SERVING OTHERS, BUT MOST OF ALL, HE LOVED SERVING THE LORD.
HE LOVED HIS FAMILY IMMENSELY AND MADE IT A PRIORITY TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH HIS CHILDREN ON A REGULAR BASIS. IN HIS LATER YEARS, ALVA BECAME A DOTING GRANDFATHER WHO LOVED TO SPOIL HIS GRANDCHILDREN. HE SPENT HIS SUMMERS MAKING CHERISHED MEMORIES WITH THEM, “SHOOTIN’ DUCKS” , WATCHING WWE, AND SWIMMING IN THE POOL HE BUILT HIMSELF IN HIS BACKYARD. HE WOULD SNEAK THEM CANDY, AND WITH HIS GREAT LOVE OF FOOD, ON ANY GIVEN DAY YOU COULD FIND THEM ALL ENJOYING A MEAL TOGETHER AT HOMETOWN BUFFET, AND EVENTUALLY, SIZZLER.
GOD BLESSED ALVA TO SEE 91 YEARS OF LIFE, AND HE REMAINED STRONG-WILLED UNTIL THE VERY END. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED, AND ALTHOUGH HE IS GONE, HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. THERE ARE SIMPLY TOO MANY STORIES TO TELL, AND TOO MANY LAUGHS SHARED TO EVER FORGET THE LIGHT HE BROUGHT TO THIS WORLD.
HE WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HIS PARENTS, JOSEPHINE BROWN AND ALVA WILLIS SHAW; THE MOTHER OF HIS CHILDREN, CARRIE BELL BROWN; HIS BROTHERS, GUS BROWN AND KENNETH SHAW; HIS SON ALVA WILLIS BROWN AND SON-IN- LAW LUERAY GUSTIN JR. HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE OF 41 YEARS, PARIS ELAINE BROWN, TIA PRESTON NORTH (DEJUAN); RANDY PRESTON (JESSICA); HIS CHILDREN, MONA LISA RUFF; ALLEN BROWN, ALEX BROWN(YOLANDA), SABRINA GUSTIN, APRIL IRVIN (GARY), GRACE JOHNSON (EPHRIAM), HIS SISTER WANDA, SEVERAL GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN AS WELL AS A HOST OF RELATIVES AND FRIENDS.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Brown family.
Please leave your condolences below.
July 4, 1931 - March 30, 2026
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 10:00am - 1:00pm on Friday, April 17th, 2026 in the Merlot Room in Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, April 17th, 2026 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 Luis family.
Jesus Villarreal Carrazco
April 15, 1940 - March 30, 2026
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 3:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Sunday, April 19th, 2026 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 Monday, April 20th, 2026 at St. Anne's Catholic Church located at 215 W. Walnut St Lodi, CA 95240.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Villerreal Carrazco family.
Please leave your condolences below.
June 29, 1933 - March 30, 2026
Pauline Rodriguez Castaneda’s, 92, of Lodi, CA, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026. Born on June 29, 1933 to Hermelinda Reyes-Rodriguez and Ramon Rodriguez in Harlingen, Texas. Pauline worked for American Standard as an inspector, and after retiring she worked at Heinz (seasonal job).
Pauline enjoyed listening to her Mexican music on her amplifier speaker while watching her daily wrestling at the same time. This was her daily ritual. She loved being surrounded by flowers and balloons in her living room. She loved going to the Casinos every month.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose G. Castaneda. Survived by her siblings: Joe Rodriguez, Lupe Roman, Lola Carr (her husband Rudy Carr), Evarista Navarro, and Isabel Branscum, three children: Hope Castaneda, Joe Luis Castaneda(Marilyn Jackson Castaneda), and Leticia Castaneda Hernandez. She had six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Thursday, April 9th, 2026 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 Thursday, April 9th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240. A reception will follow at the J Charles Irwin Reception Center, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.
Click here for the live stream link to the service
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Castaneda family.
Sandra Wilson Rawlins
May 12th, 1947 - March 30th, 2026
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 10:00am on Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at the 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 Rawlins family.
Rafael Torrez Gutierrez
July 16, 1931 - March 30, 2026
Rafael T. Gutierrez, 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 30, 2026, at his home in Lodi, California. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Rafael’s hearty laugh and deep love for his family will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Rafael was born on July 16, 1931, in Mountain View, California, to Eulogio and Emilia Torres Gutierrez. He was the eldest of eight children. At the age of 2 Rafael moved to La Capilla, Jalisco, Mexico, where he was raised until he returned to California at 19, settling in South San Francisco in 1950. There, he began his lifelong career as a dedicated meat cutter, a profession he held with pride for over 34 years in San Francisco and Stockton.
Rafael met the love of his life, Maria Teresa, in a chance encounter on a city bus in San Francisco. Though they first noticed each other in passing, it wasn’t until weeks later, when fate reunited them at a ballroom dance, that their love story truly began. Their connection was instant and enduring—they married just one year later and shared 73 beautiful years of marriage filled with laughter, dancing, and unwavering devotion.
Known affectionately as Dad, Pops, Grandpa, and Lito, Rafael will be remembered for his strong commitment to family, tireless work ethic, and easygoing spirit. He found great joy in hosting family barbecues, where his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered to share laughter and love. He enjoyed late nights playing slot machines at the casino, savoring tacos de cabeza, and indulging his sweet tooth.
Rafael took immense pride in his garden and found happiness in sharing its harvest with family, neighbors, and anyone who stopped by. His generosity and warmth touched many lives.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Teresa; his daughter Ana and son-in-law Art; his son Ralph and daughter-in-law Bonnie; and his son Orlando and daughter-in-law Stephanie. He also leaves behind six grandchildren—Steve, Linda, Britney, Jessica, Alex, and Anthony—and ten great-grandchildren: Ella, Taylor, Jaxson, Zayden, Jayce, Elliana, Aubriella, Evander, Ace, and Aylani.
Rafael’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gutierrez family.
Please leave your condolences below.
September 11, 1939 - March 30, 2026
Vaefa Salanoa Seiuli Su’a Faatai, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and woman of great faith, was born on September 11, 1939, in Fagasa, American Samoa. She peacefully entered eternal rest on March 30, 2026, in Tracy, California.
Rooted deeply in her Samoan heritage, Vaefa lived a life defined by love, service, and unwavering devotion to both her family and God. In her early years as a mother, she worked diligently at the Van Camp Tuna Factory, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to providing for her family. She was honored with the matai (chief) title of “Su’a,” chosen to represent her family—a reflection of the respect, trust, and leadership she carried with grace and humility.
Vaefa was a devoted mother and grandmother whose home was filled with love, wisdom, and warmth. She was known for her kindness, her strength, and her ability to uplift and care for everyone around her. A true prayer warrior and worshiper, she loved to sing praises unto the Lord and lived a life fully surrendered to Him. She served faithfully for many years at the Alleluia Samoan Assembly of God Church in East Palo Alto, California, where she was one of the pioneers. Her faith never wavered, and she was known as a woman after God’s own heart.
Her legacy of faith continues through her children, all of whom are serving faithfully in ministry as pastors, deacons, worship leaders, and ministers. Her greatest encouragement to all was to always put God first—“Muamua Le Atua”—reminding everyone that when God is at the center, everything else will follow.
She is lovingly survived by her five sons, one daughter, twenty-four grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her legacy of faith, love, and strength.
Vaefa leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on through her family and all who knew her. She will forever be remembered, cherished, and deeply missed.
“One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” — Psalm 145:4
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Faatai family.
David Alan Lewis
June 17, 1959 - March 28, 2026
Dave was born in San Bernardino on June 17th, 1959 to Fred and Jeanne Lewis. He is the youngest of four siblings. The family moved to Salinas in 1966, then onto Lodi in 1970. He graduated from Lodi High in 1977. He has done a lot in his life, from being a part of family businesses, such as Baskin Robins and Taco Bells, to dedicating his time at St. Peter school as a fun yard duty teacher! The kids loved him! Riding motorcycles was a huge passion for him. Rain or shine! He also loved wood working, making projects for family and friends. He will be remembered for his big heart, smile, and joyful attitude. He will be dearly missed by many!
David is survived by his children: daughter Reannan and son Garrett, his brothers Dan and Gary Lewis and his sister Debbie Fine.
David is preceded in death by his parents Fred Lewis Jr. and Jeanne Lewis and close friends Kerry Janke and Rocky Ballard.
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, April 13th, 2026 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 Lewis family.
Margaret Lorraine Katzakian
August 13, 1920 - March 28, 2026
Our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother passed away peacefully, at the age of 105, on March 28, 2026. She was surrounded by many of her family members as she slipped the bonds of this world to join her Heavenly Father.
Lorraine Katzakian started in this world on August 13, 1920, born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. She came to Lodi with her family in 1938. As a resident of Lodi, she met and married Bozant “Bo” Katzakian in 1942. This marriage was the beginning of her family, including three sons and one daughter. Together with Bo, she started a life of service to her new community, Lodi.
Lorraine belonged to, and participated in, many fraternal organizations over the years. The one that stands out was her membership in The Lodi Eagles Auxiliary Club #848. She was the last surviving Charter Member of that organization. A membership that should not have happened as members needed to be married to a member of The Eagles. This requirement was waived due to her engagement and up coming wedding to Bo who was an Eagle.
Among other notable actions was participating in the creation of The Lodi Boys and Girls Club Bozant and L Katzakian Charitable Foundation. Lorraine was also involved with The Woman’s Club of Lodi, and volunteered for many years as a Pink Lady for Lodi Memorial Hospital.
Lorraine had various hobbies over the years. As a knitter and seamstress, she would make soft caps for the newborn babies at the hospital. She also knitted many beautiful items for her family and friends. Another hobby was to cast and paint ceramic figures that were displayed around her house and yard. She was also an active bridge player and only stopped during her last couple of years.
She is survived by her sons; Ron (Kris) of Jackson, CA, Terry (Lori) of Clinton, WA, Reggie (Cyndi) of Lodi, CA, seven grandchildren, seven great grand children, and one great-great grand child. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bo, and her daughter, Jennifer.
The Katzakian family wishes to thank those special people who assisted our mother while she was living in her home of 64 years, and those who befriended her during her time at Brookdale. Thank you.
There will be a private family service for her burial. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to The Lodi Eagles Auxiliary. In Memory of Lorraine Katzakian donations can be mailed to Lodi Eagles Auxiliary #848, Barbara Meidinger 600 Sturla Street, Lodi, CA 95240.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Katzakian family
Please leave your condolences below
November 26, 1939 - March 28, 2026
RECEPTION
A reception will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at the J Charles Irwin Reception Center, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Goode family.
Bruce A. ‘Hide’ Wilkinson
March 28, 1938 – March 27, 2026
OBITUARY
Bruce Allen Wilkinson, a long-time resident of the Niles District of Fremont, Calif. and a resident of Lodi since 2018, died unexpectedly on March 27, a day before his 88th birthday.
He was born March 28, 1938, in South Bend, Ind. He met Judy Torch Marshall in Niles, Mich. when they were 13 years old. On their “first date,” a walk home from school, Torch promised to teach Bruce to play tennis. He won their first match. Bruce was an all-around athlete excelling at football and basketball. He also became an excellent mechanic and loved working on cars his whole life.
He and Torch continued to date through high school and married Dec. 8, 1956. Their marriage lasted 69 years. When Bruce sought better work in California, he found it, coincidentally, in Niles, Calif. where his brother Stewart lived. He and Torch made it their permanent home in 1960.
Bruce immediately became a volunteer firefighter in Niles and was soon driving trucks, which became his career for most of his life. When the CB radio craze began, Bruce was hauling cattle for the Berchem Meat Company and he acquired the CB handle “Rawhide,” soon shortened to “Hide” — nicknames that stuck with him his entire life. He eventually bought his own truck and hauled commodities under contract for Jess’s Trucking. His pride of ownership gleamed in having the “shiniest chrome on the road.” After driving trucks, he worked for 20 years for the Alameda County Public Works Department.
He kept a boat on Bethel Island, where he enjoyed many years of water skiing and camping with family and friends. In retirement, he restored and owned classic vehicles, earning awards and proudly seeing one of them featured on a calendar and a car show T-shirt. His last car was a 1940 Ford like the one he drove in high school.
An accomplished cowboy, Bruce loved traditional country music and was rarely seen without his signature boots. After retirement, he and his horses, Flash and Nikki, helped his friend Jim Coehlo brand and round up cattle in the hills above Fremont, Calif. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and a pair of boots that can never truly be filled.
Bruce is survived by his wife Torch; his children, Jim Wilkinson (Lisa) and Julie Crivelli (Steve); four grandchildren: Stephanie Wilkinson; Shauna Smith (Seth); Erin Johnson (Chris); and Scott Crivelli (Becca). He is also survived by five great grandchildren: Norah and Maggie Smith; and Mileena, Callum and Demetria Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Norwood and Beulah Wilkinson, brothers Stewart and Gary Wilkinson and sister Joyce Krause.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Friends can give donations in Bruce’s memory to the American Steel Car Club, PO Box 2043, Lodi, CA 95241 or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Bruce was known for his wit and quick rejoinders. Most aren’t suitable for publication, but as we tell Bruce “See you later,” we’re sure he’d shoot back: “Thanks for the warning.”
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Wilkinson family.
December 14, 1990 - March 27, 2026
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Friday, May 8th, 2026 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 Saturday, May 9th, 2026 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 De La Torre family.
September 8, 1976 - March 27, 2026
Edward Sanchez, 49 of Stockton, CA passed away on March 27, 2026. Edward was born in Chicago, IL to Edward and Linda Sanchez on September 8, 1976.
The family moved to Lodi in 1984. Edward attended L. Nicols Elementary School, Tokay, and graduated from Liberty High School.
Edward has two children with Cynthia Duat, Edward III and Ashlee L. Sanchez. Edward worked at Pepsi, General Mills, and the Cannery.
Edward is survived by his parents Edward and Linda, his children Edward III and Ashlee. His brothers Michael (Adrienne) children MJ, Tiger, Mila, and James (Tina) child JJ. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
SERVICE
A memorial service will be held at 9:00am on Sunday, April 19th, 2026 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 Sanchez family.
CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday Closed
Mausoleums Daily
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
FUNERAL HOME OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Weekends by Appointment
*Staff available 24/7
for immediate need
