Josepth Charles Berchtold, 84, passed away Nov. 1, 2008.
Visitation will be held today from 6-8 p.m. at Franklin & Downs, McHenry Chapel, in Modesto, Calif. Memorial services will be on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Acacia Memorial Park Cemetery, Scenic Drive, Modesto, Calif. A celebration of life will be held after the services, location to be announced.
Joe was born Dec. 14, 1923, in Chico, Calif., where he lived until 1931 before moving to Imperial Valley, Calif., from 1931-1941 and finally settling in Modesto, Calif. He was a member of the San Joaquin Swiss Club and the American Legion Veterans. Joe served in the Army from 1945-1947. Joe loved gardening and was reminiscent of the past days of living on a ranch and farming.
Joe was the beloved husband of Frances Berchtold for 26 years. He is survived by brother Albert Berchtold, of Sonora, Calif.; sons, Raymond (Alison) Berchtold of Durham, Calif., Kenneth Berchtold of Yankee Hill, Calif. and daughter, Diana (Norman Woodall, companion) Berchtold; step-daughter Jackie (Tim) Stubbs; grandchildren Eric Berchtold, Greg Berchtold, Ashley Bohland and Alisha Bohland; step-grandchildren Michael Garibaldi, Sean Garibaldi and Jason Garibaldi. Joe is also survived by brother-in-laws Roger Ross of Winnebago, Minn., Larry (Jenny) Ross of Franklin, Ky. and Jimmie (Groen) Ross of Medeford, Minn.; sister-in-laws Carol (Jerry) Meader of Rockford; Teri Ross of Mason City and Vicki (Bruce) Inman of Rockford.
He was preceded in death by Walter and Olga Berchtold (parents), Erwin (Walt) Berchtold (brother) and Ronald Berchtold (son).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:American Cancer Society 1604 Ford Avenue, Ste 8, Modesto, CA 95350 or Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way Modesto, CA 95356. Thank you to everyone for your compassion and dedicated efforts on Joe's behalf.