Monday, 17 June 2024

Obits

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Cecil A. Raetz passed away on Jan. 30, 2023.

Cecil was born in Marysville, California, on Nov. 7, 1935.

He was a United States Marine for 22 years, retiring in 1975 with the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant.

That year, he moved with his wife, Roberta, son, Klark, and daughter, Kim to Lakeport to build their geodesic dome home.

In later years, Cecil and Roberta traveled the country in their RV, eventually settling in Shelton, Washington.

After living in Washington for a number of years, Cecil and Roberta moved to Arizona, where Roberta later passed.

Cecil then returned to Upper Lake, California, where he has lived for years with his son Klark.

Cecil loved playing golf most of his life, and later on, he enjoyed watching golf on TV and
napping in his recliner with his dogs at his side.

Cecil’s career in the Marine Corps made him the man he was and positively affected the way he approached life, passing it on to both family and friends.

Cecil is survived by his sons, Keith and Klark; his daughter, Kim; and his siblings, Ron, Steve, Barbara and Patty.

He will be greatly missed. Semper Fi.

A potluck memorial service for Cecil will be held at p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the American Legion Hall in Kelseyville, located at 505 Second St. and Gaddy Lane.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Robert Viramontes. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Robert William Viramontes, a senior maintenance worker with the city of Clearlake and long-time resident in Lower Lake, California, died unexpectedly on Jan. 13, 2023, at the age of 51.

Robert is survived by his wife, Tina Viramontes; his children, Adam, Jessica, Jacob, Catherine, Christopher, Robert, Nathaniel, Zachary and Xavier; his grandchildren, Liliana and Joshua; and his mother, Toni Ann Pelot.

Robert was born on Feb. 23, 1971, in Martinez, California. He graduated from Armijo High School in Fairfield, California. In September of 2010, Robert and his wife moved to Lake County.

Robert was a devoted father and dedicated employee. He loved boating, fishing, listening to his music in the car or at the dog park with his dogs. It was his mission to make everyone around him laugh and his smile was larger than life. Robert will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

A “celebration of life” for Robert will be held on March 4, 2023, at the Clearlake Senior Community Center located at 3245 Bowers Ave. in Clearlake from noon to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations or money, please consider making a donation on behalf of Robert to the American Diabetes Association.

Gail Francke. Courtesy photo.

Gail Pickrell Scott Francke was born in Fort Bragg, California, on Oct 12, 1938.

She grew up in Santa Rosa, California and graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1956.

She enjoyed being in a sorority, bowling, square dancing, selling Copperware, coaching her daughter’s softball team, being a proud baseball mom to her sons, and also taking cruises and mini vacations.

Gail found a great companion and kindred spirit in Donald Francke, they were married for 13 wonderful years.

They moved to the Roseburg, Oregon, area in 2009 and she enjoyed making their home a treasure.

Gail was Don’s “solid post” in all things. She was devoted to her Christian faith and loved the Lord in all she did.

Gail is survived by her husband Donald; daughter, Pam Whitehead (Ron); granddaughters, Tara Maples (Nick) and Traci Hoke; great-granddaughters, Ashley and Sierra Maples; and great-grandson, Christopher Hoke.

She also leaves a son, Donald (Diane); and grandsons, Phillip (Hillary) and Ethan (Marla); as well as her son, Derek (Tammy); grandson, Derek (DJ) (Stephanie); great-grandson, Greyson with another great grandson due in February; grandsons, Marcus and Morgen.

Gail was excited to know that she was going to have a great-granddaughter Anora in March.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Hilda Pickrell; sister, Glenise Mallory; and brothers, Gary and Gene Pickrell.

She loved the scripture in Ephesians 5:2, “and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

There will be no formal services, but the family wants you to share memories that you have of her knowing she IS in the arms of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Cremation rites have been held. Arrangements under the care of Umpqua Valley Funeral Directors, telephone 541-537-9300.

Don Reynolds
1962-2023

Don Reynolds was born in Gilroy, California, to Chester and Neila Reynolds.

He passed away in January 2023.

He leaves behind his brother, Rick Reynolds.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Hartley Cemetery.

All who knew him are welcome to pay their respects and share their stories.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Azucena Garcia Gamiño, Nació el 2 de Diciembre del 1955 y dejo esta vida para estar al lado de dios el 24 de Enero del 2023 con 67 años.

Ella fue una excelente madre y esposa. Deja a su esposo, Jose Garcia Pantoja; sus hijos, Angel, Graciela, Maria Elena, Jose,Azucena, Marilu; 14 nietos y un bisnieto.

Por favor Acompáñenos el Lunes 6 de Febrero de 3-7 pm En el Chapel of the Lake Mortuary en Lakeport. Y al día siguiente 7 de Enero a las 12:30 pm en la iglesia St Marys Immaculate en Lakeport seguido por el pantion de Kelseyville.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Dean Sleeper. Courtesy photo.

Dean Sleeper
Born Feb. 13, 1927
Deceased Jan. 17, 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Dean Sleeper passed away peacefully with his dog at his side, at his homestead, where his father and grandfather lived before him, and where he spent most of his 96 years.

Dean attended schools in Upper Lake, California, then joined the Merchant Marines during World War II when he was a senior.

He traveled around the Pacific on multiple fuel ships, then upon his discharge, he returned to Upper Lake to graduate high school.

He married his high school sweetheart, Pasty Peck, and they settled in Upper Lake to raise a family and support his parents on their family ranch on Middle Creek Road.

Dean was active in the community in his younger years with the volunteer fire department, as well as being on the board. He was also a successful walnut producer and operated his own walnut dehydrator, which was a full family operation.

Besides being a farmer, Dean loved truck driving and worked driving a milk truck for 16 years, then construction trucks, up to his retirement around 1982.

He was also an avid stock car race fan, and was seen often by the locals at the race tracks.

After his retirement, he and Patsy enjoyed traveling to visit kids and grandchildren, as well as their excursions in their motorhome, until poor health curtailed their trips.

Dean is predeceased by his spouse of 50-plus years, Patsy, and leaves behind his four children, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, and his dog Gracie.

He was proud to have four generations there with him during his last trip to the races. He will be missed by all.

His wishes were to have no services, which we will abide by. He said he had “outlived his pallbearers” and most of his friends, so he was just the last one to leave.

Upcoming Calendar

18Jun
06.18.2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Board of Supervisors
18Jun
06.18.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at Library Park
18Jun
06.18.2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Lakeport City Council
19Jun
06.19.2024
Juneteenth
19Jun
06.19.2024 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Free veterans dinner
22Jun
06.22.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile
22Jun
06.22.2024 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Love of the Land Dinner
25Jun
06.25.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at Library Park

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