Phil was born in Oakland. He and his parents moved to San Antone Valley to a 640 acre homestead where they raised cattle. In 1928 they moved to a 510 acre ranch in Hilmar, and he lived there the rest of his life. Phil attended Hilmar Schools and helped his father with the family dairy. In 1938 he borrowed $240 to trade cattle with and by the 1950’s he was one of the biggest cattle traders on the Mexican border, importing as many as 250,000 head per year. Most deals were made with just a handshake. He was well known and loved for his honesty and integrity and made many friends. He married Lois Linn and together they raised a family and also began buying land. Lois kept the books and Phil did the wheeling and dealing. 

During his 90 years, Phil’s endeavors allowed him many accomplishments. In 1936 he was a Cowboy Turtle Association member and founder; 1950’s, California Team Roping Association member and founder; 1975, suffered a nine million dollar loss during cattle market crash and much later recovered; 2002, the Oakdale Cowboy Museum paid a special tribute to him as a Legendary Cattleman; 2004, received coveted Chester A. Reynolds Award at the National Cowboy Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Okla.; 2007, wrote autobiography “I Made A lot of Tracks;” 2009, California Rodeo Hall of Fame and many other honors were bestowed, too numerous to mention.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Phil and Ethel Stadtler; wife, Lois; and son, John Stadtler. 

He is survived by his second wife, Riva; son, Dan Stadtler; daughter, Carolyn Dilday (Hoss); sister, Rose Morris (Steve); stepdaughters, Sheryl Powell and Kathy Bengoa (Frank); grandchildren, Charlie Stadtler (Laura), Stacey Porteur (Brennan), Russell Dilday (Tanna), Sammi Jo Beebe (Shad), Carrie Blevins (Roy), Ross Bengoa, Colleen Freeman (Barak), Travis and Dallas Powell and Kim Flowers; and great grandchildren, Logan, John, Pecas, Colt, Ace, Sierra, Sage, Erin and Kail.

The family will be tipping their hats to him from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 18, at the Larsa Banquet Hall located at 2107 E. Monte Vista Ave., Denair.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to your favorite charity in memory of Phil.

Services conducted by Hillview Funeral Chapel, Patterson.