Monday, 25 September 2023

Obits

Dietmar Renker. Courtesy photo.

Dietmar (Dieter) Oscar Renker
1930-2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Dietmar Renker passed away at home on June 11, 2023.

He was born in Salem, Ohio, on Oct. 10, 1930, to Alfred and Kathe Renker. The family moved to Lake County in 1932. Dietmar graduated from Kelseyville High School in 1949.

Dieter leaves behind his cherished wife, Lois, high school sweethearts, married for 72 years, and still in his wallet is a time-worn junior year photograph of her.

They purchased their farm on Argonaut Road in 1953, growing pears and walnuts. In 1990 Dieter became the driving force behind establishing Renker Farms, selling fruits, vegetables and flowers he had grown. With his wife and family working alongside him, the farmstand became a popular and beloved local attraction. Many people came by just to talk with the farmer.

Dieter is predeceased by his mother and father and his sister, Eleanor Lett. He is survived by his wife, Lois Brixie Renker; brother, Alfred Renker; children, Robert Renker (Karen), Gail Larson (Larry) and Susan Bray (Brian); grandchildren, Kevin Renker, Megan Renker, Jeff Larson (Heather), Allison Bray (Nic) and Emily Bray (Evan); and a great-grandson, Martin Dietmar Renker. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews and their extended families.

The family would like to thank friends and neighbors who supported them during a difficult time. They would also like to express their gratitude to the nurses of Hospice Services for their care and guidance.

Per Dieter’s request, there will be no services. If you would like to honor him, plant something for the bees and butterflies.

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

Jenni Rose Laird. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Jenni Rose Laird was born on March 25, 1976, and passed away on June 6, 2023.

She is survived by her daughter, Abby Laird; husband, Jim Reiff; parents, Dale and Rose Ingham; brothers, Jason and Dale Ingham; and the rest of her loving family and friends.

She was an incredible woman who will be greatly missed.

Care entrusted with Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, www.chapelofthelakes.com, telephone 707-263-0357.

Brian Alexander. Courtesy photo.

Brian Neil Alexander
1950 — 2023

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Brian Neil Alexander, 73, of Lakeport passed away peacefully on June 4, 2023, with family by his side.

Born in Los Angeles in 1950 to James and Susanna Alexander, he lived in the Mojave Desert until moving to Lake County with his family in 1964.

Brian graduated Upper Lake High School in 1968 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army as a helicopter repairman and was a Vietnam veteran.

Later in life, Brian traveled all over the United States during his truck driving days.

Brian was a quiet and caring gentleman who often visited his family in Lake County while he lived in the Sacramento area for many years. After retirement he returned to Lake County.

Brian was predeceased by his father and mother. He leaves his brothers, Mike (Barbara) and Dan; sister-in-law, Linda; sister, Sharon; and many nieces and nephews.

He was very much loved by his family and will be greatly missed. We look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven.

A private service will be held at the Upper Lake Cemetery in the fall.

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

James Steward. Courtesy photo.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — James Michael Steward, “Stew,” 49, of Kelseyville, was born on April 27, 1974, and passed away on June 7, 2023, in Santa Rosa.

He will be deeply missed by many loved ones.

“Stew” was a beyond talented tattoo artist and was a caring friend, father and relative.

Stew graduated from Kelseyville High School in the year of 1993. With his impressive and admirable drawing skills, he became a loved and recognizable tattoo artist in Lake County. He further decided to open and co-own Prestige tattoo and body piercing.

His memorable laugh will be cherished in our hearts. Stew will always be remembered as an intimidating force of nature but also as someone who will never deny to help a hand. He had more than a generous heart one had to experience.

Alongside his love for family and art, his passions included motorbiking, junkyard finding, anime, music, video gaming and his occasional dirty limerick.

Stew is survived by his daughters, Charlize Thomas and Briley Steward; sister, Elizabeth Maner (Cliffy); niece, Olivia; nephew, Charlie Maner; aunt, Sage Runningbear; cousins, Chrissy Runningbear (Luke), River Powers (Rickey); niece, Mia; nephew, Ace; cousins, John Cruz, Rick Cortez, Jorge Cortez, Elisha Aguirre and Daniel Cruz.

Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Saturday June 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A procession will follow to St. Mary’s Cemetery for a graveside service at 1 p.m.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-253-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Thomas Patton. Courtesy photo.

Thomas “Tom” Patton
May 26, 1956 — June 6, 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Tom Patton was beloved by his family and his many, many friends. Kind and generous to a fault!

Tom was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked.

He and his wife Amy settled in Lucerne after his parents, Barbara and Jay Patton, built a vacation cottage on the lake which eventually became their year-round home.

Tom attended high school in San Jose, California, and lived at various times in both Northern and Southern California.

Once settled in Lake County, Tom immediately became a dedicated community volunteer. For over 40 years he donated his time to many different agencies, including the American Red Cross/Lake County Chapter, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

Despite having very poor vision for most of his life (eventually turning to blindness in later years) due to a lifelong battle with glaucoma, he was always extremely good with his hands and could fix nearly anything he set his talents to. He especially loved cars and many times brought old cars back to life with his mechanical aptitude.

Tom and Amy were long-time ham operators. Tom loved to get on the radio and talk for hours to people he would find who had interesting backgrounds. His pleasant manner and infectious laugh made him a favorite companion for ham operators worldwide. Tom built his own ham radio station set-ups.

Tom was a dedicated family man who not only loved his immediate family, but always kept in contact with his extended family including his two sisters, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Tom had an incredible long-term memory. He was the family historian and could remember many obscure details about people and events which others had long since forgotten. The standard line at his sister Becky’s house was, “…I don’t remember, let’s call Tommy.”

It’s sometimes hard to find the words to convey the passing of a loved one. But in this case, it’s easy. The world is a little sadder and heaven a little happier now that Tom has made the journey.

He is sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 30, at Cal Fire’s Kelsey Cobb Fire Station, 8948 Highway 175, Kelseyville.

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

Sharmin Rodriguez. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Sharmin Elaine Rodriguez, 44, a resident of Lakeport, passed away on May 25, 2023, after a six-year battle with cancer.

She was born on Feb. 20, 1979, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to John and Cindy Quick.

After graduating from Los Lunas High School, Sharmin worked as a poker dealer and later became a casino auditor. She went on to earn a degree at the University of Phoenix.

Sharmin was preceded in death by her mother, Cindy Quick; brother-in-law, Mark Hogue; brother-in-law, Thomas Hayden Jr.; and niece, Melanie Hayden.

Sharmin is survived by her husband, Thomas Rodriguez, and daughter, Jessica Quick-Rodriguez of Lakeport; father, John Quick and step-mother, Bonna Mae Quick of Los Lunas, New Mexico; sisters, Sherry Sutherland, Sharla Hayden, Sheryl Rodgers and husband Shawn of Los Lunas; sisters, Shannon Hogue, Sharon Hannah of West Allis, Wisconsin; mother-in-law, Jana Perkins; sister-in-law Jackie Rodriguez of Los Lunas; sister-in-law, Theresa Rodriguez of Albuquerque; brother-in-law, Eddie Hannah of Socorro, New Mexico; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 24 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 160 James St. NW, Los Lunas, NM 87031.

Family will gather in the Relief Society room starting at 10 a.m.

Upcoming Calendar

26Sep
09.26.2023 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Board of Supervisors
26Sep
09.26.2023 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at Library Park
27Sep
09.27.2023 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Town hall on homelessness
28Sep
09.28.2023 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Rotary Club of Middletown
Middletown Art Center
30Sep
09.30.2023 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile
5Oct
10.05.2023 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Rotary Club of Middletown
Middletown Art Center
6Oct
10.06.2023 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
David Arkenstone & Friends in concert
7Oct
10.07.2023 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Sponsoring Survivorship Breast Cancer Run & Walk
7Oct
10.07.2023 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile
9Oct

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