Lutgarda “Luddie” Williams
Lutgarda “Luddie” Mapoy Williams
June 16, 1939 – March 30, 2023
WILLIAMS, Lutgarda “Luddie” Mapoy Age, 83, of Cotati, died March 30, 2023 surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of Thelbert T Williams of San Antonio. Loving mother of Michael Williams of San Ramon, Jeannine Kerran of Danville, Ted Williams of San Rafael. Beloved sister of Lloyd Mapoy and Felipe Mapoy, both of the Philippines. Also survived by 7 grandchildren Jamie, Jordan, Domenic, Devin, Izzy, Hudson, Sierra, numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. A native of the Philippines, she moved to US in 1969. Luddie and Ted raised their family in Cotati for over 30 years and she later relocated to Danville with her daughter. She was a lead accountant with C&H Sugar for over 25 years before retiring . Friends are invited to attend a Viewing & Rosary Service on Sunday, April 16, 2023 between the hours of 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. With Rosary starting 6:00 p.m. at EGGEN & LANCE MORTUARY. Friends may pay their respects at EGGEN & LANCE MORTUARY on Monday April 17, 2023 at 12 Noon with a reception to follow. A Funeral Mass and burial will be held in Manila at a later date with interment at St. Thérèse Columbarium.
James Bernard Benidt
James Bernard Benidt
January 24, 1953 – January 19, 2023
James Bernard Benidt passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, January 19th, 2023,
just shy of his 70th birthday. He will be dearly missed.
“Jim” was born on January 24, 1953 in San Mateo, California. He was the youngest of 5; the
only boy after 4 sisters. From a young age, Jim loved to be active and to spend time outside. He
grew up in Menlo Park, California, and was an original member of a bike club that is still active
today in the area. Jim graduated from Menlo Atherton High School. He loved San Francisco
sports teams, particularly The Giants and 49ers.
Jim worked as a firefighter for CAL FIRE, and later worked as a groundskeeper and handyman
for the Schulz family in Santa Rosa. He was generous with his time and with his talent, and
prioritized giving back to his community in various ways. Most notably, Jim volunteered with
Canine Companions, and spent six years as a volunteer with Catholic Charities. He was a dear
friend and source of support and encouragement to many.
As he got older, Jim continued to enjoy spending time in nature. He loved camping at Mt.
Shasta, fishing and hiking, and he especially loved being able to share these experiences in
nature with others.
Jim embodied peace and warmth, as evidenced by his love for – and connection to – animals.
He had a particular fondness for dogs. He took great pride in giving his rescue pup, Lisa, a
released dog from Canine Companions, the best life possible. He was incredibly gentle and kind.
Jim also personified strength and resilience. He was sober 35 years, and was always eager to
lend an ear to others who were earlier in their own recovery. He met everyone with compassion
and respect.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, Helen and Bernhard (Bernie) Benidt, and three sisters, Jane,
Gail and Bette. He is survived by his beloved sister, Judy, along with many nieces, nephews,
cousins, and very special and cherished friends.
In honor of Jim, please consider making a donation to your local animal shelter, spending time
outdoors, and/or hugging a loved one a little tighter.
A celebration of Jim’s life will take place on Sunday, April 23, from noon to 3:00 at 1495 W.
Steele Lane (on the corner of W. Steele Lane and Range Avenue), Santa Rosa. Please come
share your happy memories and stories about Jim with those who loved him.
Teresa Williams
Teresa Louise Williams
June 21, 1953 – March 3, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce that Teresa Louise Williams passed away peacefully at home in Santa Rosa on Friday, March 3rd , after a courageous battle with liver cancer.
Teresa was born in Ely, Nevada and eventually made her way to Petaluma, CA where she grew up and graduated from Petaluma High School. Teresa was a proud business owner for over 20 years, selling manufactured homes locally here in Sonoma County. She took immense pride in her work, working tirelessly to design the perfect home for her clients and help them realize their dream of homeownership.
In June of 2008, Teresa married the love of her life, Chris Williams, on her 55th birthday in a surprise wedding ceremony. For over 17+ years they worked together as a team, and those who met them couldn’t help but admire their amazing love for one another. Teresa was an avid golfer, loved to travel, and enjoyed hosting friends and family in her home. She was a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox and loved to watch sports with Chris and her dog Paddy by her side.
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Elaine Brown. She is survived by her husband Chris and his immense family, sister Barbara Spataro, brother Rick Brown (Michelle), son Justin Miles (Julie), niece Sara Nerius, nephew Chris Lewis (Kami), and numerous great nieces and nephews whom she loved like her grandchildren.
An informal wake will be held on Friday, March 31st at Eggen and Lance Funeral Home from 4-8pm. The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 1st at Eggen and Lance Funeral Home at 11am, followed by a graveside service at 12:30pm at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. A celebration of life will be held between 2-5pm at Iron and Vine at Bennett Valley Golf Course in Santa Rosa – the place where Chris and Teresa’s love story began. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society of Sonoma County, one of her favorite charities. There will be a donation box available the day of the service for in-person cash or check donations, or you may donate online at https://humanesocietysoco.org/donate/
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William Frye
William H. Frye
October 1, 1925 – December 3, 2022
William “Bill” H. Frye, 97, passed away on December 3, 2022 in Santa Rosa, California.
William was born on October 1, 1925 in San Francisco, California and raised in Jackson, California. He joined the US Navy and was a boatswain’s mate second class for three years.
William enjoyed motor homing across the country, traveling around the world, and going on cruises with his partner and wife of 40 years, Hildegard.
William was predeceased by his wife, Hildegard. He is survived by his son Christopher (Lisette)of Santa Rosa, CA; son Jim (Janet)of Santa Rosa, CA; grandchildren Shiela and Ashley of Santa Rosa, CA; nephew Steve Frye (Suzie) of Camarillo, CA, and step-daughter Alexandra of Santa Rosa, CA.
Services will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 11:30am at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery at 32053 McCabe Rd., Santa Nella, CA 95322
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Claude Grey
Claude Arthur Grey
October 17, 1930 – February 28, 2023
Claude Arthur Grey was born on October 17, 1930 in San Francisco, CA and passed away on February 28, 2023 in Santa Rosa, CA. He was predeceased by his first wife, Muriel Church, his second wife, Azada Ash, as well as two of his three children, Larry and Linda. He is survived by his third child, Donna, as well as 12 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Claude’s first career was in the United States Air Force as a MSgt until 1971 when he then began a career in Civil Service for the US Coast Guard at Two Rock before retiring.
Claude was a master mechanic and enjoyed racing, being with his pit crew family, and traveling to camp.
Funeral services to be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Church at 4595 Snyder Ln. in Rohnert Park, CA on March 25, 2023, at 1:30pm with a gathering to follow at Mary’s Pizza Shack at 101 Golf Course Dr. in Rohnert Park, CA.
Inurnment will follow at a later date at the Roseburg National Cemetery in Roseburg, OR.
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Octavio Montoya
Octavio Montoya
Octavio Montoya Rojas, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 10, after a long illness. Born in Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, Mexico in 1942 to Juan Francisco Montoya and Maria Guadalupe Rojas, Octavio moved to California as a young man, where he married Carol Montoya (Robertson). A lifelong craftsman and lover of music, Octavio was a builder, landscaper, carpenter, and gardener as well as a robust singer who loved his family, his music, and his flowers. He is survived by his three daughters, Raquel Montoya Dane, Cristina Montoya, and Rebeca Montoya, and five grandchildren.
Services will be held on Saturday, March 25 at 11am at Eggen and Lance Chapel in Santa Rosa, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Sutter Care at Home and the Luther Burbank Center’s Mariachi Education Program.
Sutter Care at Home: https://sutterhealth.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=529
LBC Mariachi Education Program: Please click on this link TNEW-V7 – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts then please choose “Arts and Education Fund” and under Designation select “Mariachi Program”, in memory of Octavio Montoya.
Octavio Montoya Rojas, amado padre, abuelo, hermano y tío, falleció plácidamente en su casa el viernes 10 de marzo, después de una larga enfermedad. Nacido en Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, México en 1942, hijo de Juan Francisco Montoya y María Guadalupe Rojas, Octavio se mudó a California cuando era joven, donde se casó con Carol Montoya (Robertson). Artesano de toda la vida y amante de la música, Octavio fue constructor, paisajista, carpintero y jardinero además de un robusto cantor que amaba a su familia, su música y sus flores. Le sobreviven sus tres hijas, Raquel Montoya Dane, Cristina Montoya, y Rebeca Montoya, y cinco nietos. Los servicios se realizarán el sábado 25 de marzo a las 11 am, con recepción después en Eggen and Lance Chapel 1540 Mendocino Ave Santa Rosa, CA. En lugar de flores, la familia sugiere donaciones a Sutter Care at Home y al Mariachi Education Program for Children del Luther Burbank Center.
Sutter Care at Home: https://sutterhealth.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=529
LBC Mariachi Education Program: Haga clic en el enlace TNEW-V7 – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Favor de escoger a “Arts and Education Fund” y selecciona “Mariachi Program”, en memoria de Octavio Montoya.
PAUL JUILLY
Paul Lucien Juilly
July 08, 1939 – February 22, 2023
Paul Lucien Juilly was born in San Francisco, CA. He grew up in San Carlos with his parents, Lucien and Beatrice, and his brother George. On February 22, 2023, at the age of 83, Paul passed away peacefully in his bedroom with his wife Sheila at his side and his daughter Annette on the phone.
Paul met Sheila Booth when they were both students at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. They married on June 23, 1962. Together they had two children, Annette and Brett.
Paul received his Masters Degree in Structural Engineering from Stanford University. He joined the structural engineering firm of L.F. Robinson, and was later made partner and then president. The firm was renamed Robinson Meier Juilly & Associates.
Paul was an avid runner and cyclist. Over the course of his life, Paul ran hundreds of races including the Bay-to-Breakers, and completed 18 marathons (Boston, San Francisco, Honolulu, and others). He cycled with friends around Lake Tahoe several times as well.
In addition to traveling to Boston and Hawaii for marathons, he and Sheila traveled extensively to many European countries, as well as China, Japan, Tahiti, Cambodia, Mexico, Canada, and many U.S. states.
Paul was also passionate about Ferraris throughout his life. In his 60’s he bought a red Ferrari 308 GT4. He was an active member of the Ferrari Club of America, attending many group road trips and events.
He and Sheila retired to Cazadero in 2011, living in a home that he designed, on property that his parents and grandmother had owned.
Paul is survived by his wife, daughter, son, grandson Albert, and brother George, as well as many friends and family. A private funeral service for immediate family was held in March, 2023.
If you would like to make a donation in Paul’s memory, please consider donating to the Cazadero Volunteer Fire Department or to St. Colman’s Guild in Cazadero.
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ROLAND JANSON
Roland Carl Janson
September 06, 1929 – February 22, 2023
Roland Carl Janson was born on September 6, 1929 to Karl Erik Jansson and Svea Linnea Tornblom in Stockholm, Sweden. He spent his childhood in Stockholm with his parents, sister, and many cousins. Roland lived a very long, happy, and productive life. He passed peacefully at the age of 93 in Sonoma, California. Roland will be remembered as clever, creative, hardworking, and kind.
Following the early death of his mother Svea at age 34, Roland joined the Merchant Marines at age 16. He served on the MS Gripsholm and SS Joliet Victory first as a pantry boy and later a motorman in the engine room, where he completed many transatlantic trips from Goteburg, Sweden to New York, USA. In 1952, Roland enlisted in the US Army and served in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge in 1954, Roland completed his US Naturalization application and after four years, he became a US Citizen on Sept. 17, 1959, at the age of 30.
Residing in San Francisco, he attended the Swedish Seaman’s Church and was one of the earliest members of the Young Scandinavians Club, founded in 1960. One evening, at one of the many social events, a petite Swedish woman named Gun asked Roland to dance. It was then their lifelong romance began and on New Years Eve in 1959, Roland proposed to Gun (Gwen). On April 2, 1960, they were married and spent many weekends ballroom dancing together. In 1961 they welcomed their first son Kenneth and later moved to Corte Madera where they would welcome a second son, Lennard. Roland worked for Fairchild Semiconductor, which lead him to a career as a Tool & Die Machinist. Summers were spent in Truckee, where he taught his sons the skill of construction, building a family cabin on Donner Lake. In 1978, Roland moved the family to Sonoma where Roland expanded his business and became known for his ability to design, engineer, and build machine prototypes for the semiconductor industry. Roland adjusted to the country life in Sonoma, tending his property with a Farmall Tractor, leaving plenty of time for tractor rides with the grandchildren. With Gwen as a travel agent, they became frequent world travelers, visiting nearly 50 countries together. After Sonoma they moved to a home in Oakmont. It was the perfect place to retire, surrounded by a lovely garden and views of Annadel State Park. Gwen made many friends, swam in the local pool, and exercised regularly. Roland loved his garden and was happy to barbecue often for their many friends. When Gwen passed away in 2014, Roland stayed in Oakmont alone until the upkeep became too much for him to maintain. In 2018, Roland moved into a private space in Sonoma with his son Kenneth and wife Christine. Back in Sonoma, he enjoyed Sunday dinners with family. Roland was cherished by Christine’s family, enjoying many family gatherings together.
Roland is predeceased by his beloved wife Gwen Janson, eldest son Kenneth Janson (Christine) of Sonoma and sister Gun Losciale of Stockholm, Sweden. Survived by his son Lennard Janson (Kris) of Roy, Utah, and grandchildren Alex Janson, Keilee Berry, and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by grandchildren Cameron Janson and Kiana Janson by his eldest son Kenneth (Christine). Roland also has extended family in Sweden, nephews Roberto Losciale (Marie), Michael Losciale (Lisalot) and John Losciale. The family is forever grateful to Donna Hays for the care, support, and joy she brought to Roland as his caregiver and friend in the last 4 years. Our dear Roland is to be inurned beside his wife at Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Park, where a private family graveside memorial is scheduled.
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Karl Miersemann
Karl Miersemann
February 7, 1941 – January 15, 2023
Horst Karl Arno Miersemann passed away Sunday evening, January 15, 2023 in Santa Rosa, California, at 81 years of age. He will be so deeply missed and always hold a special place in our hearts.
Karl was born in Tanzania, where his parents immigrated during the political turmoil that eventually led to WWII. When he was 6 years old the family returned home to Germany and lived in Berlin. Karl spent those years navigating a divided capital, learning the intricacies of negotiating with American, British, French, and Russian soldiers. He lived through the famous Berlin Air Drop and remembers the candies that fell from the sky. He sang in a boys choir and developed a lifelong love of music. Karl’s family immigrated to Mill Valley, California in the 1950’s when he was 15 years old. He spent a year at Tamalpais High and worked with his sister at a local restaurant. After graduating high school he spent some time working for PG&E and learned to navigate dogs as he read meters. Karl served in the National Guard for 5 years, and later became an American citizen. After his discharge, Karl enrolled in San Jose State University where he earned an Industrial Engineering degree. There he also met his future wife Sherrill Evans. After graduation Karl’s career in the Aviation industry took him traveling the world. He would later regale his friends and family with stories from his travels; he taught his daughters about different cultures through his many adventures and stories as well as traveling with them and encouraging their travels abroad. He and Sher married and started a family in San Jose, where they had their first two daughters. He moved into the Water industry which led him and his family to Illinois in the 1970’s. There he learned the water and pipe industry and their third daughter was born. They moved back to California and settled in Sonoma County in 1981 before welcoming their fourth and final daughter. Karl spent the rest of his career in the Water industry, and in Sonoma County. With his engineering knowledge and people skills he built a career working with utilities, cities, states and countries, specializing in and advising the best way to manage water distribution in earthquake prone zones, and was considered an industry expert when he retired in 2016.
Always an athlete, Karl grew up playing soccer and loved coaching his daughters’ teams over the years. He was an active tennis player at La Cantera Racquet and Swim Club with numerous wins and plenty of fun over the years. He enjoyed competing until his health began to fail in 2019. He was a member of Saint Mark Lutheran Church, enjoying the fellowship and singing. Karl was intelligent and a teacher by nature, happily sharing his knowledge with anyone around him. His daughters grew up learning many of his skills from doing math calculations, to working on cars, to repairing a sprinkler. Karl was an advocate for Women’s right and believed women belonged in positions of power. He had a lot of respect for women; appreciating and learning from both their intellect and experience. Karl loved nature; the beauty, the colors, the birds in his yard, and promoting conservation in the broader world; always donating, always learning, always trying to make the world better.
Karl was known for his sense of humor, had an infectious smile and loved to laugh. He was dedicated to family and to his daughters, who grew up spending countless nights with cousins; watching him laugh and sing with his parents and sisters. Karl opened his home to relatives from Germany who came to live and go to school in California, as well as many visits from family back home. He kept those connections alive and went back with his mother to reconnect with lost family after the Berlin Wall came down. His children enjoy those connections today and are grateful. Karl was a proud and loving father and grandfather who successfully passed on to them his love for playing soccer, skiing, driving performance cars, and watching the World Cup!
Karl is survived by his four daughters and their husbands; Heidi and Thad Fabish, Jamie and Patrick Lynch, Kristy and Lauren Mackey, and Katie and Brenton Taylor, as well as his sister Brigitte Miersemann Collins, six grandchildren; Margarete ‘Greta’ and Emmett Lynch, Madelyn and Liberty Mackey, Bradley and Carson Taylor, three nephews; Eric Collins, Karl Collins, Heyder Alsaffar and one niece Cynthia Alsaffar O’Mahony. He was preceded in death by his parents Margarete Riemer and Helmut Miersemann, his sister Renate Miersemann Querry, and his brother-in-law John Collins.
Please join us for his Memorial service on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:00am at Saint Mark Lutheran Church, at 4325 Mayette Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. His cremains will be interred at Santa Rosa Memorial Park, at 1900 Franklin Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 with his immediate family members. A special bird bath memorial will be dedicated in his honor should you choose to visit.
To those who wish to make a donation in his memory, the family suggests one of his favorite charities: the American Heart Association, the Sierra Club, Ocean Conservancy, or Greenpeace.
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Michael Cochran
Michael Brian Cochran passed away in Santa Rosa, California on February 2, 2023. He died peacefully in the presence of his loving wife and son after a short battle with cancer. Mike was born in Mississippi on January 14, 1954. He moved to Victorville, California in 1960 where he spent most of his childhood except a two-year period in Germany. Mike grew up with three sisters and two brothers and graduated from Victorville High in 1972 where he was a decorated athlete. He attended junior college and then accepted a baseball scholarship with UNLV.
In 1976 he moved to Santa Rosa, California and began his career in construction. He joined the Carpenters Union that year and was actively involved in the apprentice program, teaching night courses for four years. In 1983 Mike began working for North Bay Drywall where he stayed for 36 years. Mike worked at Stockham Construction from 2012 until he retired in 2020. Retirement offered Mike more time to enjoy his lifelong passion for golf.
Mike met the love of his life Berta shortly after moving to Santa Rosa. They were married a few years later and continued to live in the city as they raised their children Jason and Sara. It brought Mike great joy to watch his family expand with Jason and his wife Jen and their children Brayden and Kylie (Windsor); and with Sara and her husband Mark (Napa). In retirement, Mike was able to dedicate more time to a devotion that outshined even golf: his grandchildren. He spent many happy hours watching his grandson Brayden play baseball, and he welcomed any chance to spoil his granddaughter Kylie shopping.
Mike is warmly remembered for his charming nature, great laugh, and giant smile. He was eternally youthful in spirit and will be missed by his family and friends.
Santa Rosa Mortuary
1900 Franklin Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 545-3747
FD 1779
Eggen & Lance Chapel
1540 Mendocino Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 545-3747
FD 240
Fred Young Funeral Home
718 Healdsburg Ave
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 473-8431 (Healdsburg – FD 2212)
Fred Young Funeral Home
428 N. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425
(707) 894-2540 (Cloverdale – FD 1944)