07/08/2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, wife and matriarch of Klinker Brick, Lori Felten.
Lori passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on June 12, 2026, at the age of 69. She was born in Lodi, California, on July 2, 1956, to Sally and Kenneth Mehlhaff.
Lori was born into a family with deep agricultural roots and a proud tradition of hard work, perseverance, and devotion to the land. Her history traces back to three families from North and South Dakota. The Mehlhaff, Mettler, and Hoff families were part of the German-Russian immigrant farming community that helped settle and cultivate the region. Those values of family, resilience, and stewardship were carried west to California, where they became part of Lori’s life and legacy in Lodi. As the daughter of Kenneth and Sally Mehlhaff, fourth-generation wine grape growers, Lori represented the next generation of a family whose farming heritage stretched across states and generations. After marrying Steve Felten, she became part of another long-standing Lodi farming family, joining the Mehlhaff and Felten legacies together. Steve and Lori carried that heritage forward through their work in the vineyards and helped build Klinker Brick Winery, a family-owned winery known for its old vine Zinfandel and its deep connection to the Lodi region.
Lori’s life was rooted in family, farming, and the community she called home. She took great pride in the family’s work and in seeing the next generations continue the legacy that meant so much to her. Her warmth, kindness, and steady presence were felt by all who knew her. Lori’s generosity extended throughout the community through her steadfast support of many local nonprofit organizations, leaving a legacy that will be felt for years to come.
Lori was a loving mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother with a radiant positive attitude and an infectious love for family and friends. She was very special to us and will be dearly missed.
