Arnold James Rothlin entered into Heaven on February 20, 2023. Arnold was born on August 28, 1929 to Arnold (Switzerland) and Ellen Gorman (San Jose) Rothlin. 

   He attended Veritas Grammer School and then to Manteca High School.  Growing up, Arnold worked on his family farm and later for Brocchini Farms.  He purchased a small Dairy Farm on 40 acres about a mile from his family home.  Arnold married Laura Mendes and they had three children; Arnold Jr., Elizabeth (Sissy), and Amy.  

   These were busy years for Arnold, building up his dairy herd, improvements on his ranch as well as doing most of his own farming including irrigating at night, milking during the day, and all of the feeding of his cattle.  As years went by, Arnold was able to hire a milker, freeing him of this duty.  He was able to rent and farm more land to feed his growing herd of cows.

   Arnold was not one to shy away from being involved in dairy and farm organizations. He was actively involved in DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association) to monitor production of his cows.  He was also active in several Breed Associations including the California Brown Swiss Association, and The San Joaquin County Holstein Association. He was a South San Joaquin Irrigation Director, Director for Modesto Milling Company, The Nile Garden 4-H Community Club Leader, as well as the Dairy Leader for many years.  Arnold helped each of his own children and countless other kids participate at local and state shows.  He was always there for them, training, clipping, and hauling cattle and feed, and he never left for home until all the kids morning chores were completed.  

   Arnold was proud of his hand milking ability, winning the preputial trophy at the County Fair three years in a row.  Arnold was also on the committee to fundraise and help build the Grandville Hutton Dairy Parlor located at the San Joaquin County Fair.  His love for Agriculture always shown through in the many organizations that he donated his time to.  

   Arnold had a soft spot in his heart for the homeless.  He enjoyed donating to St. Mary's Dinning Hall in Stockton.  For many years he delivered a truck load of turkeys at Thanksgiving and Christmas time, and Hams at Easter.  

   Arnold is proceeded in death by his wife Laura Rothlin.  He leaves behind his loving sister, Helen Sandoval. Three children, Arnold, Elizabeth (Sissy), and Amy.  His four grandchildren, Theresa Oliveira, Angela (Chris) Smith, Antoinette (Josh) Lizardo, and Courtney Settle.  And three great-grandchildren, Madison Smith, Natalie Smith, and Cheyenne Lizardo, along with several nieces and a nephew.

   A Catholic Mass will take place at St. Anthony's Church in Manteca on Friday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Swiss Hall in Ripon.  Donations in Arnold's memory may be made to Ripon Swiss Hall or Manteca Historical Society. 

   P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Rothlin family. For direct condolences to the family, visit Arnold’s tribute page at www.plfryandson.com

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, February 25, 2023