Henry Leroy Hanson

Aug. 23, 1937-Aug. 30, 2013

Henry, a gentle man affectionately known as “Hank,” of Lakeport, Calif., passed away peacefully at the age of 76.

He was born in Williston, North Dakota, to Melvin and Vivian Hanson in a small farmhouse. A large part of his childhood was spent wheat farming on the multi-generational homestead.

He graduated high school in 1955 then enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a Communication Technician (CT) with security clearance above Top Secret. He advanced to (CT2) Petty Officer 2nd Class, then received an honorable discharge in 1958. Soon after discharge he left ND to begin a life in California.

He settled in Santa Rosa where he met and married Joyce August, had two daughters and a Pekingese dog named Teling.

During these years he had a love for billiards, participated in competitions and won many trophies. His fondest memory and story he shared proudly was the time he shot pool with “Minnesota Fats,” known and the greatest pool shooter of all time who was inducted into the Pool Hall of Fame.

During the 1970s era he attended many Oakland Raiders spring training camps where he became friends with the Raiders players. To say he was a Raiders fan would be an understatement.

He began a successful flooring business and was well known as one of the best carpet installers as far as the Oregon border. He took pride in his work and the quality was recognized by his reputation.

In 1978 he relocated to Lakeport to begin reducing his workload and enjoy living by the lake he loved so much. During this phase of his life he met Melanie Maner, fell in love and married May 19, 1990, in Reno, Nev. They shared 26 wonderful years together.

One of his passions was bowling, where he and his bowling buddies participated in state and national tournaments, receiving many trophies. In addition, he enjoyed being involved in the Nor Cal boat racing family where he was proud to be an observer for many drivers he called friends.

He devoted his life to his family, his wife, his daughters and his pets he lovingly called his babies. He was called “A Friend” and was loved by all who were lucky enough to have the opportunity to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Melanie, two daughters Shelly Michaels, Chonne and spouse Stanley Kashur; sister, Betty Kretman; brothers, Ralph and Marvin Hanson; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces; sister-in-law, Tami and Forrest Stogner; sister-in-law, Nancy Betley; his beloved dog “Huggles” and cat “Little”; as well as many friends.

He is predeceased by his parents Melvin and Vivian Hanson; brothers Alfred and Raymond Hanson; and “Killer,” his dog he called his best friend.

He was dearly loved and will be missed. He will forever remain in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at 1:30 p.m. A potluck reception will follow the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Funeral Home, 1625 High St., Lakeport, CA 95453.

Henry Leroy Hanson

Aug. 23, 1937 – Aug. 30, 2013

Henry passed away peacefully at the age of 76.

He was affectionately known as “Hank” by all his family and friends.

He was loved by all who had the opportunity to know him, he will truly be missed.

To honor him, a memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at 1:30 pm at Chapel of the Lakes; 1625 High St., Lakeport, CA 95453. A potluck reception will follow the service.

On Aug. 21, 2013, L. Irene Gradek left this world, which she joyfully inhabited for 90 years.

Irene was born in Candiff, Ontario, Canada, and raised in Niagra Falls, N.Y. She became a naturalized citizen when she married Bruno Gradek in 1943.

After Bruno’s Air Force tour of duty during World War II, Bruno and Irene moved to San Francisco, where they lived for several years before buying a home in 1950 in Belmont, Calif., to raise their family.

In Belmont, Irene spent her days as a dutiful wife and loving mother and found opportunities to volunteer and explore several hobbies. One of her favorite pastimes was learning about spiritual consciousness and self discovery.

They purchased their Witter Springs ranch in 1961 and spent the next 22 years as weekend farmers and eventually retired in Witter Springs.

Bruno and Irene shared 58 years together before Bruno preceded her in death in September 2004. After Bruno’s death Irene continued to pursue her desire for self learning and cherished her several groups of special friends in Lake County and Belmont.

Irene was a gentle soul with a twinkle in her eye who could brighten a room with her smile. For all who knew and loved Irene, they will remember her as a tender person who loved her family unconditionally and was a supportive, generous, kind mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and spiritual friend.

Irene is survived by her children, James Gradek and his family in Belmont, Calif., and Reno, Nev.; Karen Rashleger and her family in San Carlos, Calif.,; and William Gradek and his family in Witter Springs, Calif.

The family wishes to send special blessings and deep gratitude to Irene’s nephew, Kai Lawrence, for the gift of care and love he gave her in the final years of her life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 1625 N. High Street, Lakeport, Calif., telephone 707-263-0357.

Jose H. Figueroa passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the age of 57.

He is survived by his wife Maria, and children, Jorge, Mayra and Jr.

Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 5, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with Rosary at 7 p.m., and Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Friday.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

Francis Taylor Jr.

Francis (Frank) Thomas Taylor Jr. from Cleaklake, Calif., peacefully passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013.

He was born on September 28, 1937, in Westwood, Calif., to Grace and Francis Thomas Taylor Sr.

He is survived by six sisters, Grace Fisher-Gilmore (Will), Joyce Wilkinson, Jennifer Miles (Henry), Darlene Major (Kenny), Nancy Lindblom (Barry) and Lillian Loyd (Dan); 13 children, Elizabeth Hunsaker (Drew), Suzanne Valentine (David), Victoria Taylor, Sabra Albritton (Josh), Frank Taylor III, Moroni Taylor (Suzanne), America Johnson (Martin), Sequoyah Wasson (Darren), Tessie Porter (Jason), Cheyenne Taylor, Dakota Taylor and Seneca Taylor; 40 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Grace Busk (2006).

He was a loving father and very proud of his children. He was an active part in his community. He published The Outlook for many years keeping the community connected and informed. He was an artist, author, writer, photographer and cinematographer.

He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission in 1958. His keen wit and giving heart will be missed.

There will be a memorial service for him at the LDS Church on 800 Brookside Rd. Stockton, CA on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There also will be a memorial service at the LDS Church on 8702 W Campbell, Phoenix, AZ 85037, on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 2:30 p.m.

He will be laid to rest in Janesville, Calif.

Roberta “Bobbie” Joyce Bertini joined her parents in heaven August 18, 2013.

She leaves her sister, Sondra (Ed) McDonald and many relatives.

Rest in peace, Bobbie.

Graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, at the Italian Cemetery Chapel, Colma.

For further information contact Chapel of the Lakes at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .