Obituaries for March 10, 2004
Monte Neider
Stevenson (Monte) F. Neider, 68, died Feb. 26 in Lodi after a lengthy illness. He was born in Torrington, Wyoming on April 12, 1935.
He has lived in the Galt area 15 years. He also lived in Yuma, Arizona and Fairbanks, Alaska. He retired 10 years ago from sales. He had worked for Nampa Auto Parts for Northern California and Alaska and also for the fair circuit.
Mr. Neider enjoyed music, singing and playing his guitar. He loved the outdoors, hiking, camping and gold panning.
Surviving him are his son, Michael (Neider) Witt of Walnut Grove and daughter, Marilee (Neider) Witt, of Rancho Cordova; stepdaughter, Tracey Witt, and two grandchildren; brothers, Russell Neider of Galt, Loren Schmier of Galt and Loyd Neider of Oklahoma; sisters, Edwina Harrison of Linden and Wanda Roberts of Galt.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Naomi Schmier, stepfather Edward Schmier, and father, Robert Neider.
No visitation is planned, and services are private.
Obituaries for July 14, 2004
Judith A. Nitschke
Judith Ann Nitschke of Lodi passed away from cancer at the age of 54 on July 3, 2004.
She was born Judith Ann Klipfel on April 5, 1950 in Ellendale, ND. She lived in Alaska and Washington and was a resident of the Lodi area for 40 years.
She attended both Lodi and Galt schools, and she was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, shopping, movies and her family.
Her brothers, Marvin and Larry Klipfel, preceded her in death.
Surviving her are her companion, Dave Galindo of Lodi; sons, Frank Courtnier and Jim Courtnier of Lodi and Chris Courtnier of Idaho Falls, Idaho; two grandchildren; brothers, Dennis Klipfel and Gary Klipfel of Lodi, and Sheila Klipfel of Las Vegas; stepbrothers, Brian and Blain Boschee, both of Lodi; and stepfather, Fred Boschee of the Philippines.
A memorial service will be held at the Galt Cemetery on July 17 at 11 a.m. Chaplain Berry will officiate.
Melvin J. Johnson
Melvin Joe Johnson of Galt passed away at his home from natural causes on July 4, 2004. He was 87.
He was born in Okalahoma on Dec. 13, 1916 and moved to California in 1945. He has lived in the Galt area for 50 years.
He worked at Lodi Super Mold for 25 years and had a dairy in Galt. He also operated Johnson's Board and Care Home. He was a board member of the Glory Bound Street Ministry and Full Gospel Community Church in Elk Grove. He enjoyed handling, raising and riding horses. He was an excellent shot. He also enjoyed talking to anybody and everybody, and helping people.
Surviving him are his wife of 21 years, June Johnson of Galt; son, David Johnson and daughter, Yvonne Baldridge, both of Galt; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; his sister, Christine Walker of Galt; stepchildren, Linda Spera of Sacramento, Patricia Linn of Los Molinas, Donald Drebaum of Massachusetts and Joel Dreabaum of Sacramento and all of their children.
His first wife, Gladys Johnson, and his daughter, Ramona Nelson, preceded him in death.
Funeral services were at the Full Gospel Community Church in Elk Grove on July 12 with Pastor Allen Daniel officiating. Committal followed at the Galt Cemetery. Ben Salas Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Jean Palmer
Jean (Tucker) Palmer of Ridgecrest went home to her Lord on June 2, 2004. She was 76.
Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Walter Palmer, and beautiful daughter, Linda McGuire.
Her life began in McComb, Missouri in 1928. She grew up in Bakersfield, Missouri. She was one of 15 children born to Mose and Ida Willis. She settled in Ridgecrest in 1994. She moved to Galt in 1960 when she started her family and lived in Galt for 17 years. Her son, Mike, still resides in Galt.
Mrs. Palmer leaves a grand legacy. Surviving her are her son, Rusty Tucker and wife Judy, son Mike Tucker; daughter, Karen Heston and husband Chuck; stepchildren, Lou Jesus and wife Pat, Cathie Swanson and husband Les, Walter Palmer and wife Diana; 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; plus many friends and loved ones.
Those that knew her saw her inner beauty shine through in her smile and graciousness. She was always able to look on the bright side and bring out the goodness and laughter in everyone she met. Her positive outlook on life carried her through many years of illness. Her gracious smile will live on forever.
Her children would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Dr. Iresha Goonesinghe, her staff, Optimal Hospice, and especially Annette Pyke and Onita Rowell for their devoted care of their mother.
Graveside memorial services were held on June 5 at the Desert Memorial Park.
Bill Singh
Raymond "Bill" Singh, formerly of Acampo, passed away from natural causes on July 7, 2004. He was 68.
He was born on July 10, 1935 in Lodi and was a resident of Acampo for 44 years. He had lived in Sacramento for two years. He was retired from Safeway stores and a member of the "Dirty Thirties" of Galt. He enjoyed fishing, camping, canning fruits and vegetables, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren.
His son, William Singh, preceded him in death.
Surviving him are his wife of 33 years, Nancy Singh of Sacramento; daughters, Stacey Clement of Sacramento, Kelly Jones of Turlock, Tracy Petschul of Stockton, and Bette Hollingsworth of Woodbridge; and 11 grandchildren.
A memorial service has been planned for Friday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at the Ben Salas Funeral Home in Galt.
Dolores Van Steyn
Dolores Van Styn of Galt passed away from a short illness on July 12, 2004. She was 72.
She was born Dolores Morris in Nebraska on February 9, 1932. She was a resident of the area for the past 64 years.
She was a part of a husband/wife truck driving team and a homemaker. She was a Galt High School graduate and a member of the New Life Community Church who enjoyed quilting and fishing.
Her husband Charles T. Van Steyn Sr.; sons Charles and David of Galt; daughter Leslie Loveland of Texas; brothers Dale, Doug, Don and David Morris all of Stockton; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren survive her.
A memorial service will be held on July 24, 2004 at 12 p.m. at the Galt Bible Church in Galt. Pastor Richard Christenson will officiate. Committal will be private. A reception will follow the service at the Galt Bible Church.
Obituaries for November 3, 2004
Mary C. August
Mary C. August of Galt passed away in Lodi on Oct. 22, 2004 at the age of 88. Mrs. August was born in Hilo, Hawaii on April 3, 1916 to Joseph and Mary Carvalho.
The family moved to Isleton when she was a young girl. She married Antonio P. August in 1937 and eventually moved to Lodi. She had been a sorter at H.J. Hintz Company for 30 years before she retired.
Mary moved to Galt five years ago to be with her daughter. She was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church and Legions of Mary.
Surviving her are a daughter, Mary Winters of Galt; three grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; two brothers, Fred Carvalho of Stockton and Willie Carvalho of Rio Vista; and a sister, Rose Silva of Sacramento.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Antonio August, in 1986; and five brothers, Tony, Peter, Henry, Manuel and Joe Carvalho.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 28 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Lodi with committal immediately following at Cherokee Memorial Park. Lodi Funeral Home handled arrangements.
A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com.
Dave L. Fisher
Dave L. Fisher of Galt passed away from natural causes on Oct. 21, 2004. He was 88.
He was born on Aug. 10, 1916 in Wewoka, Okla. He lived in Fremont for 30 years and was a resident of the Galt area since 1972.
He was a steel worker who had been a member of the 86th Infantry Division, Battery B, 331st Field Artillery Battalion. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and later in life riding his bike and picking up aluminum cans.
Surviving him are a brother, Henry W. Fisher of Okmulgee, Okla.; several nieces and nephews, along with many friends.
Preceding him in death were his wife of 50 years, Beatrice; and son, David.
Graveside services were held on Oct. 28 at the Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi.
Thelma L. Ramey
Thelma Louise Ramey of Galt passed away from natural causes on Oct. 21, 2004. She was 75.
She was born Thelma Louise Chandler in Frankfurt, Kentucky on June 30, 1929. She lived in Vacaville for 30 years, in Lockeford for 15 years, and had been a resident of the Galt area for two years. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and past president of the WPA of Vacaville. She enjoyed quilting, playing cards and sewing.
Surviving her are three sons, Dennis Ramey of Vacaville, Duane Ramey of Elk Grove and Donn Ramey of Fallbrook; daughter, Bobbi Hovey of Vacaville; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Bernard Ramey, preceded her in death in 1995.
A memorial service was held on Oct. 30 at the Ben Salas Funeral Home in Galt. Committal was private.
Evelyn R. Tobeck
Evelyn Ruth Tobeck, age 81, passed away on Oct. 27, 2004 in a local care facility. Evelyn was born in Doland, South Dakota on Feb. 7, 1923. She graduated from Mora High School in Mora, Minn., in 1941 and returned in 1991 to celebrate her 50th class reunion.
She worked at Izatys Resort at Mille Lacs Lake, Minn., where she met her future husband. She also supported the war effort as a riveter during World War II at the defense plant in St. Cloud, Minn.
On Nov. 2, 1952, she married Leonard Tobeck at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Lodi. They lived in Galt for 38 years. In 1965, she was employed by Galt Joint Union School District as a cook and later as the Director of Food Services. She retired in 1988.
She and her husband moved to Lodi in 1990. She was an active member of the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Galt and later at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lodi. She enjoyed reading her Bible, watching sporting events, gardening and spending time with her family.
Her parents, Anna and Adolph Kleinsasser, preceded her in death.
Surviving her are her beloved husband, Leonard Tobeck of Lodi; sister, Dorothy Dillas of Yakima, Wash., brother, Ervin Kleinsasser and his wife Dolores of Ham Lake, Minn.; three sons, Ron Tobeck and Liz of Woodbridge, Brad Tobeck of Elk Grove, Kevin Tobeck and wife Louise of Tracy; four grandchildren, Meghann Arnold of Stockton, Brian Arnold of Lodi, Maxwell and Nicholas Tobeck, both of Tracy.
Memorial services will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. Donations may be made in Evelyn's memory to St. St. Paul Lutheran Church or the ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Association at www.also.org.
There is no visitation, and committal is private.
A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com where memories may be shared. Lodi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Bob Mendoza
Edward Robert (Bob) Mendoza, 51, died Oct. 31, 2004 in a local hospital of natural causes. He was born Aug. 10, 1953 in Lodi.
Mr. Mendoza lived in the Galt area all of his life and was a painter by trade. He enjoyed music and played several instruments.
He is survived by his mother, Elisa Mendoza of Galt; wife, Linda Mendoza of Galt; daughters, Lisa Ann and husband Justin Pearson of Galt, Theresa Angela Mendoza of Galt; son, Edward Robert and wife Janene Mendoza, Jr. of Galt; sisters, Mary Helen Mendoza-Becker of Galt and Oleta Fay and husband Victor Rios of Galt; and five grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at Galt Cemetery on Thursday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m., officiated by Pastor Tate, Pastor Lyons and Pastor Carter of First United Pentecostal Church of Galt. Visitation will be at Ben Salas Funeral Home Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to 1 pm.
Obituaries for July 12, 2006
John C. Ham
John Clyde Ham, a 25-year resident of San Andreas, died on Sunday, June 25, 2006 at the age of 44.
The son of John and Marlene Ham of Galt, Mr. Ham was a longtime rancher of Angus cattle, who began his employment years in the logging and heavy equipment industries. He also worked with the 4-H and was a volunteer fireman for the fire department in San Andreas.
Known as a loving father, Mr. Ham spent much of his time with his children, teaching them many valuable lessons of how to live an independent life. He enjoyed teaching his children the skills of many of his favorite interests, which included hunting, fishing, gold mining and operating heavy equipment.
He was described by his close friends as a "man's man," who could be depended upon and was widely known as a very hard worker and a generous person within his community. Family members describe him as one who would "be there at a moment's notice, if you needed him."
Mr. Ham is survived by his wife of 18 years, Tammy Jean (Clark) Ham; son, Jacob Ham; daughter, Erica Ham; parents, John and Marlene Ham of Galt; sister, Phyllis Ham of Elk Grove; brother, James Ham and wife Deanna of Fort Bragg; sister, Elizabeth (Ham) Ford of Galt; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at The Metropolitan Theater in San Andreas on Sunday, July 9 at noon. The San Andreas Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.
Barbara J. Crombie
Barbara J. Crombie (77) passed away on July 5, 2006. She was married 58 years to James E. Crombie, the love of her life.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sister, Juanita Cotton of Jacksonville, Fla.; sons, Jim of Tillamook, Ore., and Steve of Salem, Ore.; daughter, Cheryl Crombie of Galt; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
At her request, there will be no services. Please direct any memorials to your favorite charity.
Irene E. Taylor
Irene Elena Taylor (86) passed away and joined her ancestors on July 5, 2006 in Sacramento. She was born Feb. 22, 1920 in Sacramento.
She was a tribal member of the Wilton Miwok Rancheria and will be forever remembered and greatly missed by all who knew her.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Lloyd Taylor; and sons, Gary and Vernon Taylor.
Surviving her are her children, Richard, Elaine and Sandra Taylor; 14 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held on Monday, July 10 at Sacramento Memorial Lawn with Rev. Thomas Norvell officiating. A graveside service followed at Hicksville Cemetery in Galt.
Frieda Mertz
Frieda Mertz (89) died July 3, 2006 at her home after a sudden illness. She was born on May 22, 1917 in American Falls, Idaho to Boyd and Christina Collins. Frieda lived in the Galt area since 1958 and retired as cook from Royal Oaks Convalescent Home in 1972.
Her husband of 59 years, Edgar E. Mertz, preceded her in death in 1997.
Surviving her are three daughters, Joyce Coccia of Fontana, Donna Moore of Idaho, and Cheryel Mertz of Galt; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.
A chapel service was held on Sunday at Ben Salas Funeral Home. Committal was private.
E'trece L. Jackson
E'trece Lynae Jackson (13) of Galt passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 8, 2006. She was surrounded by her family as the triumphed over Neimann Pick Disease, leaving to be with the Lord.
She was born on Dec. 15, 1992 in Portland, Ore. E'trece resided in Galt for the past 11 years, where she attended River Oaks Elementary School. She was a beloved member of the ham Lane Church of Christ family. E'trece will always be remembered for her continual smile and unwavering faith in Jesus' love for her.
Surviving E'trece are her parents, Yonnie and Sherry Jackson of Galt; sisters, DeAndre and I'yonna Jackson of Galt; grandparents, Howard and Kay Deakins of Galt and Hazel Jackson of Stockton; uncles and aunts, Jon and Devonne Ortiz, Robin Jackson, Yauncey and Deanna Jackson, Dewayne Jackson and Carrie Robertson; and cousins who cared deeply for her.
Her paternal grandfather, Andrew Jackson, preceded her in death.
Friends and family are invited to viewing with the family on Thursday, July 13, from 3-7 p.m. and visitation on Friday and Saturday, July 14-15, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi.
A service will be held on Sunday, July 16, at 1 p.m. in the Lodi Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Dave McPeak of the Ham Lane Church of Christ officiating.
Inurnment will be private at Lodi Memorial Cemetery.
Donations made to www.parseghian.org will support research for Neimann Pick Disease.
A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifune-ralhome.com where memories may be shared. Arrangements are under the direction of Lodi Funeral Home.
Anthony D. Drewry
Anthony David Drewry of Galt passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2006 in a Stockton hospital at the age of 47. He was born on July 16, 1958 in Antioch to Robert and Anita Drewry.
Mr. Drewry worked for the maintenance department at Intel Corporation for 10 years before retiring in 1996. He was an avid sports fan and music trivia enthusiast. He especially enjoyed watching the San Francisco 49ers and NASCAR racing. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, listening to music and spending time with his family and friends.
Surviving are his mother, Anita Drewry of Stockton; two brothers, Douglas Drewry of Stockton and Joseph Drewry and wife Patty of Salinas; one sister, Desiree Collins and husband John of Dublin; three nephews, Jeffery, Steve and Scott Drewry; and goddaughter, Hollie Salaices of Sacramento.
His father, Robert Drewry, preceded him in death in 1983.
A chapel service will be held Wednesday, July 11, at 10 a.m. at Lodi Funeral Home, followed by interment at Cherokee Memorial Park Cemetery.
Phillip E. Rodman
Phillip E. Rodman passed away peacefully at his Galt ranch on July 6, 2006. He was born on Sept. 19, 1921 in Yakima, Wash., and later moved to San Francisco where he graduated from Polytechnic High School.
He bravely served in the cavalry in Burma during World War Ii. He also earned distinction for valor during 18 years as a police officer. But his true love was the cowboy way of life, and in 1965 he and his wife Judy brought a horse ranch in Galt where they raised three children. Over the years, he broke and traded many good horses, and his kids are all top rodeo hands.
Surviving him are his wife of 50 years, Judy; children, Russell, Walt and Tami of Galt; nephews, David Rosenthal, Jeff Rodman; and niece, Joan Rodman. He also leaves behind many cowboy and animal friends, and will be sorely missed.
A celebration of his life for all friends and family will be held on July 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Littleton Center, 320 Civic Drive in Galt.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacramento SPCA.
Lars N. Sarwold
Lars N. Sarwold passed away July 10, 2006 in Galt at the age of 101. He was born on Sept. 14, 1904 in Norway and came to the United States when he was 21 years old.
He lived in Michigan where he was a carpenter until he retired, then moved to Florida, coming to the Galt area in 1992. He was an avid fisherman, liked keeping busy, hunting, and being outdoors. He had his driver's license until he was 100.
Mr. Sarwold is survived by one son, John Sarwold (Mary) of Galt; two grandchildren, Erik and Karin; and two sisters, Agnes and Synova, both of Norway.
A graveside service will be held at a later date. Ben Salas Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
