happy homestead cemetery

Del Laine has left her mark on South Lake Tahoe in ways that many local residents might not know. She was a mover and shaker, whose focus was on making the city a better place. Her most important role, though, was promoting the well-being of women.

This pioneer died Dec. 18, 2020, at home from natural causes, with family at her side. She was 90.

She was born Dolores Mae Wright on March 20, 1930, in Oakland, Calif., to Mabel Paulson and Leslie Wright.

Eric Michael Berg tragically and unexpectedly passed on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at the age of 32. The severity and duration of his addiction to alcohol was almost entirely hidden from his friends and family. He passed just hours before family intended to bring him to a medical detoxification facility.

Members of Lake Tahoe Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) joined groups from across the country on Saturday, December 14 for a Wreaths Across America ceremony. This was the first time it was held in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was one of the largest crowds ever gathered at the American Legion to celebrate and honor local veterans. Part of that crowd were two 99-year-old veterans and a 2000 STHS graduate who will soon be a commander in the US Navy, veterans of other wars, family, first responders and community members.

This month, membership in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has surpassed one million total members since its beginning. Member number one million is Amy Dickinson from Freetown, New York. Amy is the author of the popular advice column, “Ask Amy.” Her journalism career began as a freelancing position with the Chicago Tribune. Her personal life has involved many challenges, including her father’s abandonment of the family when she was a child.

Hersh Herschman was never a certified tennis professional, but many of those who he instructed would say otherwise.

Born Marlin Joseph Herschman on Jan. 12, 1943, in St. Ignatius, Montana, he would always be best known as Hersh or The Hersh Man. He died Aug. 7, 2019, at The Chateau at Gardnerville in Nevada of inoperable brain cancer. His wife, Sheryl, and best friend for more than 40 years Greg Painter were with him. He was 76.

After graduating from St. Ignatius High School in Montana in 1961, Hersh joined the U.S. Army for two years. He spent two summers at West Point.

A Celebration of Life is planned on Friday, May 31, for long-time local resident Judy Brown. The casual event will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Flight Deck Bar & Grill inside the Lake Tahoe Airport.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - American Legion Post 795 of South Lake Tahoe invites residents and visitors to join members of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary in remembering those who have died in service to our nation this Memorial Day. The ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2019, at Happy Homestead Cemetery located at 1261 Johnson Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe.

After the ceremony, the public is invited to join Legion and Auxiliary members for refreshments at the American Legion Hall, 2748 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, also in South Lake Tahoe.

Each of us is better today thanks to a veteran. These were the opening words of the annual Veterans Day observance at the American Legion in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday.

"Today we honor all veterans as we do in times of peace and in times of war," said Mayor Wendy David. "Sadly the Great War wasn't the war to end all wars.

"To our vets, thanks will never be enough," she added.

Lake Valley firefighter Larry Stewart was on his way to a fire at Camp Richardson on Friday July 3, 1964 when the water tender truck he was driving ran into a tree. He died two days later.

On Memorial Day, 2018, Stewart will be dedicated on the Public Safety Wall of Honor during a ceremony at Happy Homestead Cemetery. The ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m.

In 2017, the first ceremony was held and the names of US Forest Service-Tahoe Basin Firefighter Mikey Hallenbeck and Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) irefighter Mitch Underhill were permanently etched on the Wall.

"I'm so proud of our community and this great turnout," said South Lake Tahoe City Councilman Tom Davis during Monday's annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Happy Homestead Cemetery.

A larger crowd than normal watched the ceremony which featured boys and girl scouts, music and speakers that included Gold Star Mom Patty Smith. Her son, Sgt. Timothy Michael Smith, was one of three South Lake Tahoe men to die in action since the September 11 attacks in 2001. Smith, 25, who died April 7, 2008, after his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - The public is invited to attend a Memorial Day ceremony at the Happy Homestead Cemetery on Monday, May 29 at 11:00 a.m.

The annual remembrance event is hosted by the American Legion Post 795 of South Lake Tahoe and their Ladies Auxiliary. After the ceremony, locals and visitors are invited to members for cake and refreshments at the American Legion Hall.

Ruth Marie Hanson Woods, 89, passed away January 16, 2017 at Sunshine Terrace in Logan, Utah. Ruth was born on Labor Day, September 5, 1927 in Santa Rosa, California. Her mother used to say, “What an appropriate day for Ruth to be born, on Labor Day.”

She was an only child, the loving and devoted daughter of Percy Brunell and Helen Patricia LeCornec Hanson. She was raised in Santa Rosa and attended area schools and graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1945. She married Norman C. Woods on April 13, 1947, at St. Rose Catholic Church, in Santa Rosa.

South Lake Tahoe resident Jose Jesus Bobadilla passed away on December 24, 2016 at the age of 60.

He was born on February 13, 1956 in Mexico and moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1980 where he resided until his death.

Jose Jesus is survived by his wife, Mindy Magpusao Bobadilla, who took care of him for the past five years as he was bedridden. He also leaves behind two sons, Anthony M. Bobadilla and Paulo M. Bobadilla who also assisted with his care.

Kenneth Charles Traum passed away suddenly at his home in Martinez, Ca., on Nov. 5, 2016.

He was 45.

Kenny was born on July 17, 1971, at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, Ca. He moved to South Lake Tahoe, Ca., with his mother, Judy, and brother, Mike, when both boys were toddlers. He attended pre-school at Under the Magic Pine Tree, followed by Meyers and Al Tahoe elementary schools, South Tahoe Middle School, and graduated from South Tahoe High School in 1989.

The largest crowd ever to attend the annual Veterans Day Celebration in South Lake Tahoe converged at the American Legion Friday as veterans and service men and women from all wars and military operations were remembered.

"Each of us are here today because of a veteran, those who fought to preserve our freedom," said American Legion Post Chaplain Curt Emrie as he opened the ceremony. "Pray for those who paid the ultimate price and always keep veterans near and dear to our hearts."

The weather is starting to clear and temperatures are warming up, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Don't forget, when you are coming or going from the Lake Tahoe Basin, check out the Caltrans message board at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. Click on "Options" and "message boards." This handy tool shows you the exact time it takes to get from town over the mountain so you can stay longer and avoid the traffic!

Here is a list of some of the things to do on the South side:

Lake Tahoe Summer Kick Off Car and Bike Show at the Heavenly Village

"Keep us humble of heart, unselfish in purpose," were some of the words spoken by Chaplain Curt Emrie at the South Lake Tahoe Memorial Day ceremony held Monday at Happy Homestead Cemetery.

About 100 people gathered to honor those who not only gave the ultimate sacrifice in the country's wars, but for those who served in the Armed Forces.

550 flags had been placed on the grave sites of veterans, placed there by members of the South Lake Tahoe American Legion Post and the SLT Moose Lodge.

During Monday's ceremony there were speakers, music and shared memories.

The American Legion is presenting a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m. It will be held at the Happy Homestead Cemetery located at 1261 Johnson Blvd in South Lake Tahoe.

Flags were placed on all grave sites of veterans at the cemetery by the South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge and the American Legion.

There will be cake and coffee offered following the ceremony.

A Memorial Day service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Happy Homestead Cemetery, 1261 Johnson Blvd., in South Lake Tahoe. The service will recognize veterans past and present and will be followed by cake and coffee at American Legion Post 795, 2748 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
The following was submitted by Gold Star Mom Patty Smith: