Alfred Moritz Artho

Alfred Moritz Artho, 94, died peacefully, 21 January. His wife, Anna, of 66 years at his side.  Alfred was born in 1926 in Steinach, Switzerland.  He graduated from Swiss Agriculture College and served 4 years in the Swiss Army Mountain Logistics Cavalry to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.  Alfred immigrated to the USA aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth in 1950 to the Condor’s Nest Ranch near Pala where he worked as a ranch hand for 2 years. He was invited to work at the Santa Ysabel Ranch for an additional 2 years.  He returned to Switzerland aboard the HMS Queen Mary and married his sweetheart, Nurse--Anna Balmer in October 1954.  The couple immigrated and arrived in New York on the 4th of July 1955. With the sponsorship of the Cauzza Family, Anna and Alfred settled back at the Santa Ysabel Ranch where he worked as a dairy herdsman for 48 years.  They raised eight children getting them through college. He assisted his wife in her daycare business from 1970 through 2015 and many of Santa Ysabel’s children passed through their home’s doors.  Alfred was a gifted soloist and could be heard singing “Ave Maria” at dozens of weddings and funerals.  He loved his Lord and Savior and served dutifully at the Santa Ysabel Indian Mission as music minister and organizer.

Alfred is survived by his wonderful wife Anna, children Alfred and wife Donna, Cornel and wife Shelby, Lucy and husband James, Benno and wife Debra, Marianne and partner Nam, Beatrice and husband Paul, Toni and wife Rachel, Daniel and wife Sandy, and eleven grandchildren.

Funeral Mass to be held 11 a.m. ,29 January, at the Santa Ysabel Indian Mission.  Rosary and visitation start prior to Mass for 3 hours. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Santa Ysabel Indian Mission, or Cambonimissionaries.org, or my.neighbor.org (Father Joe’s Village).

Bonham Bros & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

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