Obituaries for November 27, 2002
Edna Michel
Edna Michel of Galt passed away from a brief battle with lung cancer on Nov. 17. She was 71.
She was born Edna Johnson on Oct. 8, 1931 on Puget Island in Washington. She was raised in Cathlamet, WA. She was a resident of the Galt area for more than 40 years.
She was a loving mother and housewife who loved to care for her seven children, 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She also loved to cook and to take care of her plants and African Violets.
She is survived by her children, Ronald Michel, Donna Woolstrum and Joseph Michel of Galt, Alfred McInturf of Portland, Oregon, Laurie White of Lodi and Thomas Michel of Brentwood.
She was preceded in death by her husband William Michel, her brother Arrnold Johnson, her father Alfred Johnson, and her mother Laura Johnson.
Services will be private.
Ronald Ullrich
Ronald F. Ullrich of Galt passed away suddenly, from natural causes, in his home on Oct. 13. He was 53.
A life-long resident of the Galt area, he was born on Sept. 29, 1949. He was employed by General Mills in Lodi for 29 years and was a member of the Lutheran faith. He liked hunting and deep sea fishing.
He was preceded in death by his mother Vesta Ullrich in 1996.
He is survived by his sons, Ronald Jr. and Aaron Ullrich of Lodi; a sister, Karen Whittington of Eagle Point, Oregon; brothers, John Ullrich of Galt and Kevin Ullrich of Acampo; and his father, Fred. W. Ullrich of Lodi.
Funeral services were held Nov. 19 at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church with committal following at the Galt Cemetery.
Obituaries for March 19, 2003
Sabrina Dahnke
Kevin Dahnke
Funeral services took place March 14 for Sabrina and Kevin Dahnke, who both died suddenly March 9, 2003 in Lodi.
Sabrina Dahnke was born March 2, 1979 in Stockton, and had lived in Elk Grove for seven years before moving to Lodi. She was employed by Farmers and Merchants Bank at both the Galt and Lodi branches. Hobbies included camping, swimming and shopping.
She is survived by her parents, Mary Ellen and Mauricio Escobar; brothers, Mauricio and Daniel; sisters, Brenda, Rebecca, Ana, Gabby and Michelle, all of Elk Grove; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kevin Dahnke, a native and lifelong resident of Lodi, was born Aug. 30, 1979. He was a forklift operator for Galt Glass Co., and enjoyed wrestling, kick boxing and camping.
He is survived by his parents, Sam Dahnke and Kim Rogers; grandparents, Kay and Paul Rogers and Buster and Alice Dahnke; uncles, Marty Galindo and Ron Dahnke; and aunts, Sheri Galindo, Cindy Dahnke and Wanda Dahnke, all of this area.
Services were held in St. Christopher's Parish, Galt, followed by interment in the Galt Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Ben Salas Funeral Home, Galt.
Gene Donahue
Eugene Allen "Gene" Donahue died Feb. 8, 2003 at Lodi Memorial Hospital of cardiac arrest due to complications of diabetes. He was a native Californian who was born Dec. 1, 1934 in San Francisco.
He was raised in South San Francisco and graduated in 1953 from South San Francisco High School. He lived in that city until he retired to Galt in 1991. He worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 30 years.
Since March of 1999, he was a jovial resident of The Royal Oaks Convalescent Hospital in Galt, sharing his sense of humor with one and all. He will be missed by his family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by son Michael Donahue ( May 31, 1970 to August 15, 1998).
He is survived by son John Donahue and (ex-wife and good friend) Ann Donahue, both of Newark; brother Robert Donahue of Antioch, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service was held.
Donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Meriam Fontelar
Meriam Fontelar of Galt passed away in her home from natural causes on March 13, 2003. She was 75.
Born Meriam Espera on Feb. 26, 1928 in San Francisco, she then lived in the Philippines from age 12 until 1977. She was a resident of the Galt area for 25 years.
She was a homemaker who attend St. Christopher's Catholic Church and enjoyed watching sports.
She is survived by her husband, Carlos Fontelar of Galt; siblings, Henry Espera, Ruth Trillo and Alma Dela Cruz of Galt, Horace Espera and Bebe Paulino of San Francisco, and June Espera, Herbert Espera, and Beth Danglen of the Philippines; children, Elbert Espera Fontelar and Eva Cornilla of Galt, Edward Espera Fontelar of Washington, and Elizabeth F. Click of Pennsylvania and ten grandchildren.
A Mass was held on March 18, 2003 at St. Christopher's Catholic Church with committal following at the Galt Cemetery.
Eliseo N. Molina Sr.
Eliseo N. Molina, Sr. of Galt passed away from a prolonged illness on March 14, 2003. He was 77.
He was born in Dexter, New Mexico on Aug. 13, 1925 where he was raised. He worked as a steel worker for nearly 30 years with Local 790. He moved to Galt with his wife 22 years ago, and he was a veteran of the United States Army.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Molina of Galt; his daughter, Diana Molina of Galt; sons, Eliseo "Bobby" Molina and Raymond Molina of Galt, Richard Molina of Modesto and Stephen Molina of San Jose; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sisters, Lisa Molina, Rebecca Martinez, Arcinia Molina, Virginia Rehibeque and Arcelia Rivera; and brothers, Tomaseo and Roger Molina.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Estaguio and Eloy Molina.
Graveside services will be held on March 19 at 11 a.m. at the Galt Cemetery. Pastor Gilbert Rehibeque will officiate, and military honors will be observed by American Legion Ed Stewart Post 3803 from Stockton. Committal will immediately follow the service.
Constance L. Starr
Constance Lyon Starr of Galt passed away due to complications from diabetes on March 13, 2003. She was 54.
She was born Constance Starr in Akron, Ohio on Feb. 15, 1949. She lived 40 years in Fremont, four years in Manteca and two years in Galt.
She is survived by her brother, William Starr; sisters, Peggy-Starr Anguiano and Lucille Fuentes; daughters, Tammy Swickard and Gina Romero; son, Gene Swickward; six grandchildren and 11 nieces and nephews.
Services will be private.
Neil Mekeel Jr.
Neil Mekeel Jr. passed away March 14, 2003 after a short illness at the age of 68. He was born in Robbins and attended school in Stockton and Ft. Bragg, California.
Neil joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed at the Pearl Harbor Sub-base in Hawaii. He returned to Lodi in 1957 and met Barbara Wagner. They later married and made their home in Lodi.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara; daughters and sons-in-law Debbie and Lyle Gossett, Teri and Bill Crisp; son and wife David and Gina; eight loving grandchildren, Kim Gossett, Ashlyn Didawick, Naomi Miller, Jamie Gossett, Jacob Miller, Briana Gent, and Dylan and Derek Mekeel; his mother, Ida Cowell of Galt; sisters and brother-in-law Fran and Frank Staderoli of Stockton and Wilma Blair of Modesto. Missing him will be two special friends, Misty and Cinders. His father, Neil Mekeel of Ft. Bragg, predeceased him.
Neil enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid black bass fisherman and had belonged to the Manteca Bassin' Buddies. He was involved in 4-H many years as project leader of swine and woodworking. Neil and Barbara belonged to the Boots N Bonnets square dance club in which they made many lifelong friends.
Upon retirement from the California Highway Patrol, Neil and Barbara bought the motorhome of their dreams. They traveled with friends and enjoyed playing cards, dominoes and golfing. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
There will be a memorial service and gathering of friends and family on Friday, March 21, at 1 p.m. The service will be held at the Lodi Elks Lodge #1900 in Woodbridge on Lower Sacramento Road. Call 369-3291 for directions.
Remembrances may be sent to the American Cancer Society or Animal Friends Connection.
Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Obituaries for May 12, 2004
Wauneta Bowen
Wauneta Bowen of Galt passed away from natural causes on May 2, 2004. She was 89.
She was born Wauneta Banks in St. Joseph, Missouri on June 23, 1914. She was a resident of the Galt area for 38 years.
She was a cannery worker and a homemaker who enjoyed needlework and crafts. She also enjoyed shopping and loved family gatherings.
Surviving her are daughters Carol Bowen of Galt and Sandra Bowen of Lodi; son Robert Bowen of Galt; 12 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Lorenzo Bowen; a daughter, Doty Gilbert; and two granddaughters.
A church service was held on May 7 at Big Valley Church. Gene Wilburn officiated.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sutter Hospice, 2800 L Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95816.
Randall L. McComas
Randall L. McComas of Galt passed away from natural causes on May 5, 2004. He was 82. He was born in Dedham, Iowa on July 26, 1921.
He lived in Iowa for 54 years, in Wisconsin for 10 years, and Florida for two years. He was a resident of the Galt area since 1987.
He was a self-employed, retired retail meat processor. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in the local Knight chapter. He was lay distributor of Holy Communion with St. Christopher's Church.
Surviving him are his sons, Marshall McComas of Folsom, Roger McComas of Orland, Patrick McComas of Milpitas; daughters, Deborah McComas of Stevens Point Wisconsin and Mary Jansson of San Francisco; sisters, Maureen Rocha of Manteca, Janis Genovese of Des Moines, Iowa, Rita Pantano of Lockport, Illinois and Donna Olson of Perry, Louisiana; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Viewing is at Ben Salas Funeral Home in Galt on Wednesday, May 12, from 2-5 p.m., followed by an additional 6 p.m. viewing and vigil at St. Christopher's Catholic Church. There will be a mass on Thursday, May 13 at 10 a.m. Fr. Jerry Ryle will officiate.
Committal will follow at Galt Cemetery.
Obituaries for September 29, 2004
Jose Cervantez
Jose Cervantez of Galt, formerly of Lodi, passed away from a lengthy illness on Sept. 20, 2004. He was 65.
He was born on June 11, 1939 in Mexico and lived in the Galt/Lodi area for 30 years. He was a farm laborer who enjoyed his family. He was also a trophy-winning pool player.
Surviving him are his children, Santiago Cervantez of Galt, Jose Jr. and Amalia Cervantez of Mexico; and grandchildren, Maggie, Jessica, Juan and Chago Cervantez.
A memorial service was held Sept. 27 at St. Christopher Catholic Church. Inurnment was private.
Jill Diane Gibbs
Jill Diane Gibbs of Galt passed away following a lengthy illness on Sept. 21, 2004. She was 41.
She was born in Bakersfield on July 29, 1963. She was a Galt High School majorette and graduate. She also volunteered as a kindergarten teacher at Fairsite Elementary School. She loved to make people laugh. She had an original dance for the Galt Festival, called the "Betty Lou" dance.
Surviving her are her husband, Ike Gibbs of Galt; sons, Darl and Dale Skelton of Ione; and sister, Gail, who has been missing since Sept. 26, 1980.
Her father, Kenneth Skelton, preceded her in death in 2000.
A memorial service was held Sept. 25 at the Ben Salas Funeral Home. Committal was private.
Obituaries for September 20, 2006
Kimberly L. Meidinger Heins
Kimberly Lynn Meidinger Heins (41) died Sept. 8, 2006 in Lodi. She was born Feb. 14, 1965.
Her early years were spent as a nurse, where she loved working with the elderly. She worked in a nursing home from the time she was 17, then moved on to work at a mental hospital in Oregon, as well as doctors' offices and a hospital up until 1996.
Surviving are her daughters, Brittany and Micala; mother Antonia; stepfather Mike from Oregon, and stepfather Ed; brother, Michael; and her grandmother.
Her grandfather, Horace, preceded her in death.
A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends of the family only.
Rudy Corrales
Rudy (Beak) Corrales (62) of Galt died Sept. 13, 2006. He was born on Jan. 17, 1944 in Blythe.
Rudy enjoyed fishing, camping and gardening, as well as barbecuing for family and friends. He loved to tell stories of his travels and experience with a lot of excitement and joy. He retired from Proctor & Gamble of Sacramento and the U.S. Army after serving in Desert Storm.
Rudy is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Irene Corrales; sons, Michael, Paul and Joseph Corrales of Sacramento. He is the son of Angelina Corrales and son-in-law of Lupe Montoya; brother of Victor, Larry and Steve Corrales, David Martinez, Margie Tomlinson, Rita Heptnar, Christy Acosta, Stella Nicacio and Alice Bain.
His sister, Gloria Meedel, preceded him in death.
A memorial service was held for Rudy on Sept. 16 at the family residence in Galt. In lieu of flowers, the family requests outdoor plants, trees and wind chimes.
Galt Funeral Home made arrangements. To sign the online guest book, go to www.galtfuneralhome.com.
Angel M. Wombaugh
Angel M. Wombaugh (35) of Lodi passed away unexpectedly Sept. 15, 2006 in a Lodi hospital. She was born Feb. 6, 1971 in San Bernardino to Dennis and Auguste Wombaugh.
Ms. Wombaugh worked as an administration assistant for West Asset Collection Agency in Stockton for the past nine years. She attended and graduated from Lodi High School Class of 1989 and had also attended and graduated from San Joaquin Delta College. She enjoyed making crafts, listening to music, and mostly spending time with her family and friends.
Surviving her are a son, Eric Wombaugh of Lodi; daughter, Antonia Romero of Lodi; companion, Alfred Romero of Lodi; parents, Dennis and Auguste Wombaugh of Lodi; and brother, Dennis Wombaugh, Jr. of Mobile, Ala.
A rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20 at Lodi Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday, 12-8 p.m., at the funeral home.
A chapel service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 at Lodi Funeral Home.
A virtual register book can be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com where memories may be shared.
Francisco L. Vitoria
Francisco L. Vitoria (50) of Galt and former resident of Lodi passed away Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006 at his residence. He was born Dec. 6, 1955 in Terceira, Azores to Francisco and Maria Vitoria.
Francisco owned and operated Vitoria Brother's Dairy in Lodi for many years before retiring in 2002. He was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church and was an avid soccer and San Francisco 49'er fan. He also enjoyed gardening, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He will best be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, brother and son.
Surviving him are his loving wife of 26 years, Bernadette Vitoria of Galt; father, Francisco Vitoria of Galt; brother, Jose (and Teresa) Vitoria of Galt; sister, Lina (and John) Ferreira of Galt; four nephews and one niece.
His mother, Maria Vitoria, preceded him in death in 2003.
A rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Lodi Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 25 at St. Anne's Catholic Church, followed by interment at Cherokee Memorial Park Cemetery.
