Dr. Frederick Stellhorn, a dedicated optometrist, lifelong humanitarian, and cornerstone of the Manteca community, passed away peacefully on August 1st at the age of 83. For 55 years, Dr. Stellhorn combined clinical excellence with a profound devotion to service, caring for generations of Central Valley families and bringing the gift of sight to underserved communities worldwide.

After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Stellhorn founded the Manteca Optometric Eye Care Center in 1971. Over five decades his practice became a trusted local institution defined by his steady presence, clinical skill, and personal warmth.

Dr. Stellhorn’s vision for service carried him far beyond California. Believing quality eye care should be accessible to all, he regularly traveled on international humanitarian missions to Guatemala, Honduras, Roatán, and Mexico, delivering free examinations and corrective glasses to impoverished communities. At home, he was an enduring pillar of the Manteca Rotary Club, serving two terms as Club President (1985–1986 and 2013–2014) and spearheading major local and global service initiatives.

Above all his professional milestones, Dr. Stellhorn was a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend. He is survived by his wife, Lena; his children, Skip and Robert; three grandchildren; and countless colleagues and patients whose lives he enriched.

A celebration of Dr. Stellhorn’s life will be held Saturday, September 12th at 1pm – 3pm at The Emory Hall at 1028 W Yosemite Ave, Manteca, CA 95337. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rotary International.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, September 5, 2026