Obituaries

Ed (Doc) LeTourneau (90)

Ed (Doc) LeTourneau (90) was born in San Francisco on September 18, 1935, to Dorothy LeTourneau. Ed’s family moved to the Stockton, CA area in 1937, then moved and settled in Oakdale, CA in 1947. Ed graduated valedictorian of the Oakdale High School class of 1953.

While attending Oakdale High, Ed lettered in 3 sports: Football (Defensive linebacker and offensive wingback), Wrestling (154 lbs.), and Track and Field (Middle distances, mile, and 2 miles). Although Ed really enjoyed football, he loved wrestling and won the San Joaquin Valley championship his senior year. Ed was also active in Future Farmers of America, showing steers and serving as President of the Oakdale High Chapter of the FFA his senior year. Ed was also active in student body government,t serving as Vice-President of his senior class in 1953.

Tamera Jo Martin (67)

Tamera “Tami” (Tamberi) Martin (67) was born on June 14, 1958, to the union of Adolf and Betty Tamberi. She was a devoted and faithful member of St. Joachim Catholic Church.

Tami retired from Constellation Mission Bell Winery as a Benefits Administrator after 39 years of dedicated service. During her long career in the wine industry, she proudly served in many roles, including positions in the warehouse and finance department, before returning to the Human Resources Department as a Benefits Administrator.

Brent Alan Huntsman (62)

Brent Alan Huntsman (62), a native of Madera, California, passed away on Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026, at St. Agnes Medical Center from a sudden illness. Brent was born to Terry Huntsman and Marsha Rau Huntsman at the former Dearborn Hospital in Madera.

Brent lived across the country, spending time in Oregon, Idaho, Georgia, and New Hampshire before returning to Madera in 1976, attending Howard Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Junior High School, and graduating from Madera High School in 1982. He went on to attend Fresno City College and later graduated from Fresno Pacific University, earning his Teaching Credential. Brent was a long time substitute Teacher for The Madera Unified School District.

James A. "Jim" Barsotti (87)

James A. "Jim" Barsotti (87) - Remembering the life of James A. "Jim" Barsotti, a man whose generosity and commitment to his community left an indelible mark on the city of Madera, California, and all who knew him. Born on January 24, 1938, in the heart of Madera, Jim was a lifelong resident of the city he loved so dearly. It is with a heavy heart that we announce his passing on January 1, 2026, in Fresno, California.

Jim's journey was one of dedication, service, and joy. A proud graduate of Madera Union High School's Class of 1956, he was known for his skills on the baseball field, playing for the Coyotes, and for his musical talent in the band, where he played the trombone under the legendary Band Director Allen Harkins. His passion for learning continued at Fresno City College before he embarked on a distinguished career in the Title Insurance Industry, where he dedicated over 30 years.

Former Madera Mayor Passes: Herman Perez 75

MADERA - Herman Perez, 75, of Madera, California, passed away on November 13, 2025. Born on March 8, 1950, in Hanford, California, Herman lived a life defined by service, leadership, and deep love for his family and community.

After graduating from Hanford High School, Herman continued his education at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia. In 1970, with young men facing the draft lottery, he chose to enlist in the United States Air Force rather than wait to be called. Serving in transportation, one of his key responsibilities was driving VIPs to and around the base, an assignment that brought him into contact with distinguished figures such as actor John Wayne, Miss America contestants, and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. He served honorably until 1974 and remained a proud veteran throughout his life.