Peers-Lorentzen

Joyce Bandy, 91, of Tulare, beloved matriarch, entered heaven peacefully on March 3, 2026. Born Joyce Laverne Badgley on July 11, 1934, Joyce spent her entire life in the community she loved. She graduated from Tulare Union High School, where she excelled in the marching band and dance, and where she caught the eye of the love of her life, Bob Bandy, a handsome young basketball player newly-arrived from Kentucky. Joyce attended College of the Sequoias and went on to work at Tulare Meat Company for many years. She served her community faithfully through church, PTA, and the Tulare Historical Museum. Joyce enjoyed square dancing, working in her garden, traveling the world, and having many adventures with her wide circle of friends. Spending time with family was her greatest joy, and she particularly loved hosting large backyard gatherings at her home on holidays and other special occasions.

Joyce was preceded in death by her dear husband of nearly 67 years, Robert Leland Bandy, and her parents William and Bonnie Badgley, who adored their only child. She is survived by four loving children, Carol Greeson (Bill), David Bandy (Cari), Donna Campbell (Webb), and Gayle Morgan (Scott); cherished grandchildren, Brett (Tina) and Ryan (Megan) Greeson, Kyle Lindsey Campbell Sommers (Charlie), Will (Alex) and Cole Campbell, William Morgan, and Madison Bandy; five great-grandchildren, Kiersten Flores (Josh), Kaylee, Kaleb, Ella, and Jake Greeson; and one great-great-grandson, Kooper Flores.

A graveside service will be held at the Tulare District Cemetery at 10am on March 20, 2026, with arrangements provided by Peers Lorentzen Funeral Service. A Celebration of Life will follow at Quail Park on Cypress, 4520 W. Cypress Ave. in Visalia. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff and gracious residents of Quail Park for the friendships and loving care provided to Joyce over the pastfiveyears. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tulare Historical Museum (Home | Tulare Historical Museum), Infinite Heart Hospice (Ihhospice.com), or the charity of one’s choice.

1/3/1957 – 2/13/2026

A lifelong resident of Fresno, born January 3rd, 1957, passed away February 13th, 2026 at the age of 69. Laurie was a retired Arborist.

Ms. Chevalier is survived by her daughter Michelle Chevalier Delgado “Mimi”, son Charles Andrew Duncan “Chad”, both of Fresno, CA, sister Terry Jordan of Annandale, VA., brother Scott Chevalier of Fresno, CA., and grandson Kyle Duncan of Fresno, CA.

Viewing will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Service. Graveside service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Fresno, California.

Steve Lamont Steward, his friends knew him as Tyson. He passed away on February 23, 2026, in Fresno, California. He was 55 years old.

          Born on July 10, 1970, in Pomona, California, Steve was the youngest son of Isaiah and Helen Steward. He graduated from Tulare Western in Tulare, California. He was a brother, father, husband, and uncle.  He gave 30 years to Saputo cheese. He was big on family. He loved to barbecue, he loved car shows, and old schools. 

       Steve is survived by his wife of 33 years, Teresa Steward; their daughters, Mariah and Aniyah Steward; their sons, Steven and Daylon Steward; daughter-in-law, Courtnee Steward; and their three granddaughters, Malaysia, Kaleah, and Olivia Steward. He leaves behind two sisters, Gail Martin and Lisa Tumlin, and their mother, Helen Steward; two bonus sons, Xavier Stephens and William Stallworth; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Isaiah Steward, and his two brothers, Darryl Steward and Jefferey Swafford.

        Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 1 PM at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare, CA.

Janet Kay Peck, 75, entered Heaven on February 20, 2026. Born Janet Stiles and raised in Tulare, California, Janet spent her entire life in the community she loved. A graduate of Tulare Union High School, she dedicated many years to serving others. She worked at Stiles Flower Shop and Country Clutter, sharing her creativity and love of beauty as a florist, and later worked with the Tulare City School District as a teacher’s aide, where she touched the lives of many students and families.

Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Stanley Peck; her parents, Jim and Helen Stiles; and her brothers, Jim Stiles and Ken Stiles. She is survived by her three daughters, Tami Philippian, Traci Peck, and Jill Bonds; her two special sons-in-law, Todd Bonds and Jim Watts; her cherished grandchildren, Stanley and Luke Bonds, and Georgia and Jacob Watts; and her brother, David Stiles.

Above all else, Janet was a devoted mother and best friend to her daughters, gentle grandmother, and supportive friend. Her greatest joy in life was spoiling and spending time with her grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to watch them play baseball and volleyball, celebrate their accomplishments, or create special memories together. Janet also loved traveling the world, especially taking treasured trips to Hawaii, Disneyland, the beach, and cruises with her family. 

She had a truly selfless heart, and her radiant smile and infectious laugh could light up any room. Janet will be remembered for her kindness, loving spirit, and deep joy for life. Though she has entered Heaven, she will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and remain their guardian angel always.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Tulare First Baptist Church. Arrangements have been made by Peers Lorentzen Funeral Services.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our father, Sonny Gabaldon. He passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Tulare Ca, He was born on July 16, 1957, in Utah.

Throughout his life, he experienced many chapters and left his mark in his own way. As a father and grandfather, he will be remembered and his life acknowledged by those who knew him.

He is survived by his son, Adam, and his daughter, Crystal; his daughter-in-law, Kayla Gabaldon; his son-in-law, Rick Warda; and his beloved grandchildren, Thomas, Kendall, Chase, Cash, Dillon, RJ, and Tyler.

He will be missed by his family and remembered as they move forward and reflect on his life.

Catherine Roberta Hilgemann was born on August 18, 1940, at 9:42 PM in Seattle, Washington, to Harold and Sarah Hilgemann. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Seattle, Washington, in 1958. She attended Metropolitan Business College and graduated in 1959. She got a job with Boeing doing office work where she met her lifelong best friend, Evy Dalton there. They stayed friends until Evy passed. While she worked there, she met Gary Jon Rowell, who was stationed at Naselle, Air Force Base. They married on May 4, 1964. They moved to Cypress, Ca, in 1967. They proceeded to have Gary Jr. in 1968, Diana Lynn in 1970, and William Dean in 1971. They raised their family there until they moved to Tulare, Ca in the summer of 1997/8. 

They maintained an active role in their granddaughters’ lives, Sierra, born in 199,6 and Kelly 1999. They ran a business called Runovent together. They were very active in their church and community even after officially retiring. The lost Gary in January of 2023. She continued to remain active and social until her peaceful passing on February 11^th, 2026. 

Cathy’s Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, February 21^st, 2026, at 10 AM at Tulare First Baptist Church. Lunch will follow. 

In Loving Memory of Frank M. Stein

Frank M. Stein, a cherished member of the Tulare and Central Valley communities, was born on March 25, 1942, and passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026. Throughout his life, Frank was devoted to his family, his faith, and his passions. He found great joy in hot rods and drag races and dedicated himself to teaching Sunday school, volunteering with Stephen Ministries and Gideon International, visiting with sick and elderly and leading home bible studies. Frank was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

His devoted wife of 57 years, Mearlyn, remained by his side through his final moments. Frank’s legacy lives on through Mearlyn, his daughters Tanya Ralls and Stephanie Sweeney, and her husband Andy.  Grandsons Brody and Logan Ralls; Josh and Jake Sweene,y and great-grandsons Fin, Copper and Fletcher.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Grand Oaks for the love and exceptional care they provided Frank over the past two years. Their kindness and support have meant the world to the family.

Friends and loved ones are invited to celebrate Frank’s life on March 27, 2026. The gathering will begin with a Pancake Breakfast at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 10:45 am.  Tulare First Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall, 469 N. Cherry St., Tulare, CA, 93274

In place of flowers, we kindly request that donations be directed to Tulare FBC, Building 4 Life. Tulare FBC 469 N. Cherry St., Tulare, CA, 93274  

Wilbur Johnson, 87, passed away in Tulare, California.

Born on April 10, 1938, Wilbur lived a life marked by dedication to his family and the simple joys that brought him happiness. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Wilbur is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Delores Johnson; his daughters, Tracey Fontenot, Haidee Johnson, Dana LaFrance, and Laura Fredrickson. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Gloria Williams; his great-grandson Kayden Apodaca; his parents, Oscar and Mabel Johnson; and his two brothers and four sisters.

Wilbur had a lifelong love of deer hunting. In his younger years, he treasured time spent outdoors during hunting season. In later years, when he was no longer able to go hunting himself, he could often be found happily watching the hunting channel for hours, reliving the sport he loved so much.

A viewing will be held at Peers Lorentzen Funeral Service on February 25th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place at Tulare District Cemetery, located at Kern and Blackstone, on February 26th at 11:00 a.m.

Wilbur’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Carlos Antonio Xavier, 58, of Tulare, California, passed away on January 24, 2026, at Kaweah Health in Visalia. 

Carlos was born on February 6, 1967, in Porterville, California, shortly after his parents, Jose and Livramento Xavier, immigrated to California from Terceira, Azores. From a young age, Carlos was known for his strong work ethic and determination. At just 10 years old, he earned money doing lawn care, and by 14, he was feeding cows at the dairy where his father worked as a milker. 

After high school, Carlos pursued his passion for auto mechanics, working at several auto shops in Tulare before beginning his career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) in 1994 as an auto mechanic. In 2006, he earned his teaching credential, advancing to the role of vocational automotive instructor. In this position, Carlos was recognized for establishing a successful Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification program, preparing students to pass ASE exams in order to obtain the essential credential for employment in the automotive industry. Carlos proudly served CDCR for 28 years before retiring in 2022. 

Carlos was deeply involved in his community and family life. He was active in the local Boy Scouts council for many years while his son Carlos Jr. participated in scouting. An outdoorsman at heart, Carlos loved camping, fishing, and hunting. He was also a gifted craftsman who enjoyed ceramics, welding, leatherwork, and woodworking, and he took great joy in teaching others these skills.

A devout Catholic, Carlos was a faithful member of St. Rita Catholic Church and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He proudly led the annual St. Rita’s Lenten shrimp fry for many years, helping raise thousands of dollars in support of the church. Carlos will always be remembered for his passionate, helpful, and giving nature by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his partner, Suzette Machado; his children, Carlos Xavier Jr., Haley Xavier, Jordan Porter, Joshua Porter, and Jonathon Porter; his grandson, Jasper Xavier Salazar; his sister, Mary Xavier, and brother-in-law, Galvani Williams; his nephews, Joseph and Matthew Williams; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Livramento Xavier.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Peers Lorentzen Funeral Service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home chapel, with the Rosary prayed at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the new St. Rita Catholic Church. Carlos will be laid to rest near his parents at Tulare Public Cemetery on Kern St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the St. Rita’s Church building fund.