Obits
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Miguel Garcia Cacho, 81, of Kelseyville, passed away on July 28, 2024.
Miguel “Mikey” was born on April 4, 1943, to Miguel Garcia Romero and Maria Elena Cacho Garibay in Atecucario-Michoacan, Mexico. He was the oldest of 10 followed by Lola, Victoria, Zigifredo, Alejandro, Marilena, Juan, Adriana, Alicia and Roberto.
When Miguel “Mikey” was 21 years old he came to the United States and in 1998, he got his US citizenship.
Throughout his many years in the US, he worked for a few well- known employers in the agriculture industry including Frank and Bella Gayaldo and Kenneth Barr. He was a very loyal and devoted employee.
In the early 1970s he met Toni Benson at her father’s local grocery store. They married on Oct. 18, 1980, and he adopted Toni’s children, Jason, Rogelio and Ileta at a very young age.
Miguel and Toni did not stop there, once they became empty nesters, they took in Stephanie and Jorge. They then adopted Shiloh, Isiah, Jesus and Gabriel. He was the father of nine, grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of three. Throughout the years, they opened their doors to numerous friends and family members and were foster parents for a good number of years.
In 2023, Miguel retired and spent his time outdoors gardening and playing with his children and grandchildren. He was known as everyone’s favorite because this grandpa did not know the word “No.” It was always about the children and always said he just wanted everyone to be happy.
Miguel is predeceased by his parents, Miguel and Maria Elena; brother, Juan; sister, Lola; and son, Rogelio.
He is survived by his wife, Toni; children, Jason, Ileta, Stephanie, Jorge, Shiloh, Isiah, Jesus and Gabriel; daughter-in-law, Veronica; grandchildren, Cypris, Sahen, Ramon, AnnaLisa, Juan, Jose, Adrian, Luke, Zada, Teya, Ayden, Jayden and Xander; and great-grandchildren, Octavio, Mathias and Anastasia.
Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary in Lakeport on Monday, Aug. 5, from 3 to 7 p.m. A Spanish Rosario will be held at 5 p.m.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Raymond Daniel Sommerfield
Feb. 19, 1929 – July 16, 2024
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Raymond Daniel Sommerfield, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at his home in Lakeport.
He was predeceased by his son, Thomas Sommerfield, and wife, Marilyn Sommerfield.
He is survived by children, Rian Sommerfield (Debra), Amy Wagner (Harry), Mark Sommerfield (Cheryl), David Sommerfield (Nancy) and Christopher Sommerfield (Eija); and grandchildren, Austin (Shelby), Alex and Kyle Sommerfield.
Ray was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from The University of Wisconsin.
He married Marilyn Kohl in 1954.
Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Kelseyville on Friday, Aug. 2, at 11 a.m.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Janice Kay Pankratz, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away at the age of 81.
Jan was born on June 21, 1943, in Port Orchard, Washington to George and Ruth Feil. She grew up in Pasco, Washington, where she created many longtime friends.
Janice met Dale Wesley Pankratz in Moses Lake, Washington, and later married. Together they had four sons: David, Ronald, John and Richard. The family moved around, landing themselves in San Jose, California. They moved to Santa Cruz in 1974 and had many fond memories with her cousins.
Her greatest joy in life was her family. She loved family reunions in San Jose, Nevada and Washington. The family moved to Lake County in 1977 where Dale was a small business owner for 40 years.
She was known for her gentle spirit that touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Jan loved being a grandmother to Cameron, Megan, Laura, Shelby, Jennifer, Maya, Hannah, Richard Jr. (Ricky) and Sadie. She was even a great-grandmother to eight. Her grandchildren will fondly remember her for her kindness, love, faith and special treats she always had ready for them. Her home was always a haven of warmth and joy, filled with the sounds of the grandchildren’s laughter and the aroma of her famous mac and cheese.
Jan’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her community, where she worked for numerous businesses and government agencies around Lake County. She especially loved her time with the Boy and Girls Club of Lake County and acting as the deputy county clerk, uniting couples in marriage.
Jan cultivated deep and lasting friendships that would define her life. She was known for her infectious laughter, her compassionate heart, and her unwavering loyalty to those she held dear.
Janice Pankratz will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She believed in the power of connection and nurtured friendships that spanned decades. Her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family will continue to inspire and guide us all.
Please join the family for an informal celebration of life at the Skylark Shores Resort (1120 N. Main St. in Lakeport) on Saturday, July 27, at 4 p.m. Come share refreshments and stories with all who loved her.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Lakeport in Jan’s honor.
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