Kassidy Bertoldi (Gangl)
August 1, 1992 – April 20, 2023

Long time Elk Grove resident Kassidy Bertoldi and her friend Emerald West were killed in a motor vehicle accident on Highway 299 in Humboldt County on April 20, 2023. They were on their way to join their families at Shasta Lake.

Kassidy was born and raised in the Elk Grove area. Her family moved from in town to their current residence on Sloughhouse Road when Kassidy was three. Kassidy attended Pleasant Grove Elementary, right next to her Dad’s fire station. Kassidy’s class was the first class to go through all grades at newly constructed Albiani Middle School and Pleasant Grove High School. She graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 2011. Kassidy took her general education courses first at CRC and then Butte College. She then transferred and graduated from California State University Chico in 2016. During this time she also worked for Elk Grove Ford, and World Market. She interned with Double Tree Hotel and the City of Elk Grove. Kassidy loved to travel and was lucky enough to go to Canada, Mexico, England, France, Australia and New Zealand, as well as many states across the United States.

Kassidy met Brian Bertoldi in FFA and they started dating in 2011, after Kassidy’s senior year. They dated all through college until in June of 2017, best friends Brian and Kassidy were married at his family’s estate. They started their married life in Paradise, California. Brian worked for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Kassidy worked in HR for Feather Falls Casino.

They moved to Eureka in 2018 about a month before the Camp Fire hit the town of Paradise. Kassidy worked for Blue Lake Casino in Human Resources, but wanted and finally was offered the position of event planner at Lost Coast Brewery. It was not the dream job she had hoped it would be and she left to become the executive assistant to the owner of Timber Ridge Elderly Care Facility. Last year Kassidy was offered a grant position with Human Resources of Humboldt County. She became full time and because of her previous HR experience was given a step raise. Best of all, she had the federal holidays and vacation to match Brian.

Kassidy is survived by all who knew and loved her, but mostly her husband Brian Bertoldi, her parents Ron and Mary Gangl, her sister Kayla Gangl, her mother-in-law Cindy Bertoldi and father-in-law Anthony Bertoldi, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A memorial will be held for friends and family at Phatsy Kline’s Parlor on June 18, at 1 pm. Color and floral patterns are encouraged to wear in honor of Kassidy.

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Jim “Jimmy” Ober passed away on June 2, 2023, exactly two months after his 75th birthday.

Born to Elizabeth and Douglas Ober, he was one of six brothers and sisters. He was a big fan of fishing, hunting, and abalone diving and passed this love on to his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. He went to school at South Fork, where he met his longtime friend, Joe Rogers. After high school, he reported for duty to the Army and spent time in Germany. After his stint in the Army, he returned to Humboldt County where he eventually lived in Scotia, working at Pacific Lumber Company for several decades, and helping raise his three children, Heather, Ryan and Kurt.

In 1988, he married Sandra Ober, whom he affectionately called “Mrs. O.” This added two stepchildren, Angie and Marc, to the family.

After working at PL as a grader and eventually as an assistant foreman in the factory where so many employees said he was “the best boss ever,” he worked at Bear River Casino as a shuttle driver. The family often joked about the stories he shared. Through the years, he enjoyed hunting with his buddy, Harvey Holt, carving and painting duck decoys, checking his wood duck boxes, collecting his Oregon Ducks memorabilia, picking blackberries and making his popular pies that he shared with all to enjoy, and just working around his home in Rio Dell.

He will always be remembered with much love and is survived by his heartbroken wife, Sandra Ober, his daughter Heather Bryan (Steve), his son Ryan Ober (Traci), his son Kurt Ober (Heidi), his stepdaughter Angie Rocha (Kenny), and stepson Marc Barsanti (Jesse); his grandchildren whom lovingly called him “Grampy”: Makenzie Franks (Jordan), Skyler Ober, Parker Bryan (Gracie), Kamrin Ober, Tiara Brown, Tierney Mobley, Maddy Rocha, Hunter Barsanti, Gage Barsanti, Bearett Barsanti; and great-grandchildren: Zayden, Ainsley, Ariella and Deluca; his sisters Kathy Goodell, Judy Wharton (Mike), and Penny Owens; his sisters-in-law Cindie Kelley (Neil) and Phyllis Ober; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Ober, his father, Douglas Ober, his brothers, Doug and Richard Ober, brothers-in-law, Barney Goodale and Dana Owens, his father and mother-in-law, Joe and Gloria Masini, and good friend, Kevin Primofiore, with whom he spent weekends hunting and at his cabin in Ruth.

While there will be no formal service per his request, on the day of his passing many of his family members were by his side. We laughed, cried and shared stories and memories. We feel fortunate to have had the time we had with him. It was the perfect day to honor his memory.

Rudolph William Santsche
January 17, 1930 – May 28, 2023

Rudolph William Santsche, 93, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Rudolph went by many nicknames, including Rudy, Bill, Santsch, Papa, and Unc. He was born in the family home in Bucksport on January 17, 1930. He was the third of seven children born to Rudolph G. Santsche and May Matilda Ford Santsche.

After receiving his high school diploma in 1948, Bill began working for the Pacific Bell Telephone company. After working for two years, he joined the Army’s communications division and served twenty months in Korea during the Korean War where he earned two bronze service stars. After his stint in Korea, Bill received an honorable discharge and returned to his job with the telephone company, where he was employed for 42 years, retiring in 1990. Prior to his retirement, Bill received the Driver of the Year Award from the California Telephone Association for remaining accident-free during his employment with the company.

On July 3, 1953, Bill married Arte Lee Roberts and together they had two daughters, Shelley Ann (Moore) and Loreen Lee (Farrell). Later, when Bill remarried Judith Ann Bertelsen in 1980, he gained a bonus daughter Tina (Conti) and two bonus sons, Kipp and Robert (Bertelsen). Raising five children, combined with growing up in a large family, family traditions were very important to Bill. He made sure the family carried on traditions such as Sunday family dinners, making home-made noodles at Thanksgiving, “hunting” for Christmas trees, camping and sport fishing with friends and family for clams, surf fish, perch, salmon and his favorite, abalone ‘rock-picking’ because he never learned to swim.

Bill was a wonderful brother, father, grandfather great-grandfather and friend. He doted on his family and was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends. Over the years he attended countless baseball, basketball, football, track, 4-H, FFA, ballet, orchestra, band, and cheerleading events to show support for both his children and grandchildren.

After he retired, Bill enjoyed traveling with friends and family to many wonderful destinations, including Disneyland, Disneyworld, Hawaii, Branson, Nashville, Cabo San Lucas, the Grand Canyon, Reno and Arizona. He enjoyed making new friends and becoming a member of the Swiss Club, Moose Lodge and attending numerous Golden State Accordionaires functions and performances.

Bill was well-known for having a large vegetable and flower garden. Gardening was always a family activity, whether it was separating garlic cloves, placing bean seeds perfectly within well-tilled rows, harvesting zucchini, or shucking snap peas, it was done with pride and love. Bill continued to tend to his garden up into his 90s.

Special thanks go out to his wonderful, supportive neighbors, family and friends who went above and beyond to provide him the opportunity to live independently until the age of 93. We also want to thank the staff at Frye’s Residential Care Home, St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Veteran’s Clinic for their kindness and compassion during the past several months.

Bill is proceeded in death by his parents Rudolph and May Santsche, brother Ed Santsche, and sisters Margaret, Marjory, Evelyn and spouses Arte Hardisty and Judith Santsche. He is survived by his sisters Eva Rainbolt, Mae Tibbet (Ray), children Shelley Moore (David), Loreen Farrell (Robert), step-children Kipp Bertelsen (Katrina), Tina Conti, Robert Bertelsen (Jennifer), and grandchildren Katie Wells (Matt), Amanda Maciel (Michael), Dr. Kelsea Breese (Jon), Kira Cosio (Bryce), Megan Dutra (Jonny), Michael, Matthew, and Missie Mae Bertelsen, Travis and Kylie Conti, Devin Bertelsen and great-grandchildren Franchesca Lopez, Sephora and DaisyLynn Maciel, Braden and Mason Dutra, and Carson Cosio, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and ‘adopted’ family members.

Funeral arrangements will be held at the Ocean View Cemetery Chapel on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 11 a.m. located at 3975 Broadway Street in Eureka, California. Please join us for a Celebration of Life to be held immediately following at the Wharfinger Building located at 1 Marina Way, in Eureka. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in our father’s name to your local Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter.

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Kevin Patrick Coyne of Eureka passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Though taken from us too soon, Kevin lived a robust life for 73 years.

Kevin was born on February, 27,1950 in Bethesda, Maryland to Raymond and Margaret Coyne. With three older sisters and dozens of cousins, there was rarely a dull moment when the family gathered. Kevin’s father, Raymond, was in the US Marine Corps and by the time Kevin was six, they moved to Ray’s new station in San Diego. After a brief stint in San Diego, the Coyne family moved to the Bay Area where Ray retired from the Marines and taught law at the University of San Francisco. Burlingame was where the Coynes put down roots and where Kevin would grow up and always consider his home, and where their younger sister, Kelly, was born.

Kevin graduated from Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, where he excelled in athletics, mainly baseball. He went on to graduate from the University of California at Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While at Cal, Kevin dove deep into music, playing in regional bands. He could often be found playing his saxophone around the Bay Area as a vagabond type of busker, and of course, cheering on his beloved Giants.

Kevin met and married Sally Coyne in 1978. They welcomed their son, Brendan, in 1982 and their daughter, Natalie, in 1984. The Coyne crew eventually moved to the Midwest and settled in Columbia, Missouri. Once their children had gone to college, Kevin and Sally moved to Humboldt County to enjoy an active life where the redwoods meet the Pacific. Kevin was a woodworker by hobby and even made wooden sea kayaks that he and Sally used in Humboldt, Baja, and Vancouver Island. A lover of the outdoors, Kevin found such peace in the beauty of the North Coast.

In January of 2020, Kevin became the beamingly proud grandfather to Natalie’s son, Quinn Elliott. The profound joy he had for Quinn was so tender, so pure. Quinn will miss his “Anpa.”

Kevin is preceded in death by his father, Raymond, mother, Margaret, and sister, Kelly. He is survived by Sally, his son, Brendan, his daughter, Natalie, his grandson, Quinn, his sister, Meg, his sister, Betsy, and his sister, Kathy. Kevin is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who miss him dearly, and many friends. A Humboldt service will be planned for early August.

We’ll all miss you, Daddy. As we always said when I was a little girl, I know you loved me more than fishing, and I’ll always love you more than strawberries.

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Ed Whitten peacefully passed at the age of 86 with his family at his side on May 28, 2023. Ed was one of six children and grew up Sonoma, Calif. He served two years in the United States Army before going to work for the California Department of Forestry for over 30 years. His favorite part of his job was flying in the helicopter. He had been retired for 26 years, spending time with family, hunting, gardening and helping anyone in need.

Ed met the love of his life, Jackie Andersen, and married on June 15, 1970, settling in Fortuna for 53 years. He had four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ed will be greatly missed. He leaves a legacy that will continue to live in the hearts of many. His leadership style, kindness and good humor gained the admiration and respect of many of the men he led.

He and his wife attended the Presbyterian Church in Fortuna for the last several years, where he looked forward to eating his wife’s good cooking and the cooking of other members of the church at their weekly Sunday potlucks. Ed and Jackie were very faithful and devoted many hours at keeping the grounds of the church very neat and beautiful.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents Bert and Frankie, his daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Ken Noel, brothers, Bob, Henry and Charles Whitten. He is survived by his wife Jackie Whitten, wife of 53 years, brother James Whitten, sister, Carole Jackson, daughter, Sheri (Don) Jewett, son, Randy (Kendra) Andersen, grandchildren, Krista Viggers (Ryan McKenzie), Chad Viggers, Melissa Demello, Steffanee Andersen (Brett), great-grandchildren, Asa, Layla and Shawnessy Mckenzie.

To a live well lived. We love you so much, Ed. Celebration of Life: Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Fortuna Fire Hall, 320 South Fortuna Blvd.

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News time! Armed robbery at Three Corners Market, tightening public agency budgets, free lunches for kids, courses for elderly caregivers, gun violence awareness, bike share survey, and more miserable weather ahead!

Plus, this poll:

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the community’s help to identify two suspects of an armed robbery last weekend.

On June 3, 2023, at about 8:05 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a business on the 5900 block of Myrtle Avenue near Eureka for the report of an armed robbery.

According to an employee of the business, two unknown, masked suspects entered the business, brandished a firearm at the employee and demanded money from the register. The suspects fled the business with cash and alcohol. The employee was not physically injured during this incident.

The suspects are described as follows:

• Suspect One: Approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 pounds, wearing a white and gray hooded Puma jacket, black pants, shoes and facial covering, and in possession of a black backpack.
• Suspect Two: Approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, very thin build, wearing a blue hooded Nike jacket, gray jeans, black shoes and facial covering, and in possession of a black backpack.

 The suspects may be associated with a gray four-door sedan.

This case is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the suspects’ identities, whereabouts or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539, reference case number 202302554.