Obituaries

Aug 2, 2025

Brian passed from this life into eternal joy on August 2, 2025 in Bakersfield, CA after a five month battle with leukemia. He was at home surrounded by his loving wife and children.

He was born on May 15, 1940 to Thomas and Fyrne Ward in Monterey Park, CA.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Katie, his sister Donna Lewis,...

Aug 9, 2025

     “I’ll call you back”

Archibald J Birdwhacker – aka Jim Calanchini – passed away far more peacefully than you might expect on August 9, 2025. He was born at a young age on January 9, 1947 to Art and Mary Calanchini in Bakersfield CA. It’s entirely likely he told you that he used to live on Radio Street. As a...

Aug 5, 2025

Aug 2, 2025

In Loving Memory of Rosa Garcia Diaz (LA ROSA) September 26, 1937 – August 2, 2025

With heavy hearts, we celebrate the life and legacy of Rosa Garcia Diaz, aka as LA ROSA, a devoted wife, nurturing mother, cherished grandmother, and beloved member of the Bakersfield community.

Rosa was born on September 26, 1937, in Mexico City, Mexico, to Juan Garcia and...

Aug 1, 2025

Linda Dea Riccomini was born in Beckley, West Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, R. True Bristol and Vieva Z. “Dea” Bristol; brother Wilson T. Bristol; and the love of her life for over 42 years, Marino J. Riccomini.

She is remembered as a farmer's wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by beloved daughter Lisa Dea Riccomini Clancy,...

Jul 30, 2025

Barbara Walker, beloved wife, mother, amatxi, sister, aunt, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, after a three year battle with cancer, in her hometown of Bakersfield, California, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Born to Thomas and Beverley Echenique, Barbara lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. She...

Jul 27, 2025

In Loving Memory 

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jane Vandborg will be celebrated at St. Francis Church, 900 H Street, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with a rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Arvin Cemetery.

Jane was born on February 13, 1925, in Holland to Peter Thissen and Maria Faessen. She was one of eleven...

Jul 2, 2025

Jul 19, 2025

In Loving Memory of Naguib George Mekhel

Naguib George Mekhel, who departed this life on July 19th, 2025, was born in Cairo, Egypt on September 2nd, 1948, the second of four children of George Naguib Mekhel and Farida Shoukri Beshara.

As a child, Naguib loved the Boy Scouts and was an avid soccer fan–a passion that stayed with him throughout his life....

Jul 4, 2025

Michael Antongiovanni, beloved husband, father, grandfather “Nono”, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully July 4, 2025 at the age of 79.

Mike was born on May 17, 1946 to David and Rose Antongiovanni in Bakersfield. He attended St. Francis School and Garces Memorial High School. This was where he formed lasting friendships with people who would become the fabric of...

Jul 2, 2025

Allison Fanucchi more affectionately known as “Alli” passed away unexpectedly on July 2, 2025. She was 52 years old.

Alli grew up riding horses and three-wheelers. She had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs and horses. She also had a passion for flowers, candles, and shoes, lots of shoes. Alli loved Santa Barbara. We spent countless weekends there together.

Alli...

Jul 1, 2025

Roy “Tule” Kreizenbeck, of Bakersfield, California passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2025.

Tule was born to Lois and Raphael Kreizenbeck on March 18th, 1946, in Sacramento, California. He was preceded in death by his father, Ray, his mother, Lois and his sister, Lorena. Tule is survived by his wife Laurie, children Garet Kreizenbeck (and his wife, Camerin), Damon Kreizenbeck (and...

May 29, 2025

Our beloved Father, Harry McGill Rowles, entered into God’s Kingdom on May 29th 2025 after living a long wonderful life of 95 years.

Harry was born on January 4, 1930 to Henry and Agnes Rowles in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He is survived by his four children Pamela Stenson (Tom Stenson) Erin Cook, Michelle Moore (Chuck Moore) and Mark Rowles (Darcy Rowles).

Harry...

May 26, 2025

A life well lived came to an end on May 26, 2025, Memorial Day, very fitting for a veteran of the US Navy. Donald Lawrence Schulte was born on a dairy in Wasco CA on May 9th,1936 to August and Elizabeth Schulte. Don was the youngest of two brothers and one sister. Don loved life on the farm since he...

Jul 8, 2025

Catherine Brigid Steele, who departed this life on July 8, 2025, was born in Bakersfield, California on January 7, 1954, the second of the three children of Patrick Charles Steele and the former Catherine Brigid McDonald. A member of the vast earth-changing American Baby Boom generation, she grew up in an Irish Catholic family of men, and especially women, whose...

Jun 19, 2025

JOYCE YVONNE SPINGOLA, August 20, 1936 – June 19, 2025 - Joyce Yvonne Spingola, 88, left this earth on June 19, 2025 in Bakersfield, California. Joyce was born in Bakersfield, August 20, 1936 and attended Bakersfield High School. She and her sister Marian were raised by their mother, Angelina Maggenti. Upon graduating BHS in 1954, she and a girlfriend packed...

May 27, 2025

May 22, 2025

Isabel Stauffer (née Zaragoza), age 93, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, reuniting at last with her beloved husband, Paul Stauffer, who preceded her in death on July 12, 2022. Married for 64 wonderful years, theirs was a life built on devotion, adventure, and unwavering love.

Isabel was a cherished wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her...

May 22, 2025

He was a Son, Brother, Father, Uncle and a Friend

Richard, the man with the spark he wasn't just wires and a work boots; he was the guy who made everything lit. From Bakersfield lights to that old porch fan, if it needed a fix, it was Richard's plan. He’d show up with coffee, a grin ear to ear, with pliers...

May 20, 2025

Arvin - Bob was born in Caliente, CA to parents Joe and Delores Rodriguez. He spent his childhood with very fond memories in Caliente with his 6 siblings. After graduating from Bakersfield High School in 1960, he remained a proud Driller, attending his last Class Reunion (65th) in April 2025.

Bob met his loving and beautiful wife Cheryl in 1963. They...