Since its founding in 1923, Orange Elks Lodge #1475 has been led by a distinguished group of dedicated members who have served as Exalted Ruler. Including our current Exalted Ruler, Lynn Butler, One hundred one individuals have held the office of Exalted Ruler of Orange Lodge.
Three members—Harold P. Johnson, Charles E. See, and Robert Genelle—have each served two terms as Exalted Ruler of Orange Lodge. In addition, two of our Exalted Rulers previously served in that capacity at other lodges before transferring to Orange. Craig Coleman served as Exalted Ruler of Newport Harbor Lodge, and John Stone served as Exalted Ruler of Long Beach Lodge.
The growth, success, and continued existence of Orange Lodge are a direct result of the dedication, leadership, and countless hours of service provided by these men and women. Of our one hundred Past Exalted Rulers, sixty-seven have passed on, leaving behind a legacy of service that continues to inspire future generations of Orange Elks.
Our First Exalted Ruler
Orange Lodge's first Exalted Ruler was A. L. "Al" Tomblin, who also served the City of Orange as Fire Chief from 1919 to 1951. During his tenure, the Orange Fire Department transitioned from a volunteer organization to a fully staffed professional department.
Chief Tomblin remained a faithful member of Orange Lodge throughout his life and regularly attended lodge meetings until the final months before his passing. He died in June 1970 at the age of 88.
District Deputy Grand Exalted Rulers
Eleven Orange Lodge Past Exalted Rulers have gone on to serve as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler:
- Willard Smith Jr. (1950–1951)
- Oscar W. Stutheit (1955–1956)
- Robert Buchheim (1960–1961)
- Russell Tanner (1966–1967)
- Elmer Wolff (1974–1975)
- Michael F. Leintz (1996–1997)
- John Stone (2006–2007)
- Robert Genelle (2009–2010)
- R.C. "Stoney" Bourke (2017–2018)
- Jackielynn DeFries (2021–2022)
- Oscar Garza (2022–2023)
California-Hawaii Elks Association Vice Presidents
Ten Orange Lodge Past Exalted Rulers have served as Vice President of the California-Hawaii Elks Association (CHEA):
- Stanley V. Mansur (early 1930s)
- Elmer Wolff (1973–1974)
- Michael F. Leintz (1993–1994)
- John Stone (2003–2004)
- Robert Genelle (2007–2008)
- R.C. "Stoney" Bourke (2015–2016)
- Jackielynn DeFries (2019–2020)
- Oscar Garza (2020–2021)
- Kealoha Arelliano Jenkins (2025-2026)
Interesting Facts About Our Exalted Rulers
The youngest Exalted Ruler in Orange Lodge history was Grant Goddicksen, who served during the 1937–1938 lodge year at the age of 28.
The second-youngest Exalted Ruler was Jerry Ralston, who served during 1971–1972 at the age of 29.
The third-youngest Exalted Ruler was Robert Buchheim, who served during 1952–1953 at the age of 34.
Orange Lodge's Female Exalted Rulers
In 2004–2005, Donnal Hunt became the first woman elected Exalted Ruler of Orange Lodge #1475, marking an important milestone in the history of the lodge.
Donnal began her progression through the officer ranks as Esteemed Lecturing Knight in 2001 and was a member of Orange Lodge's District Ritual Championship Team in 2002. Her election reflected the evolving leadership opportunities within the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and paved the way for future generations of women leaders at Orange Lodge.
Since Donnal's historic election, Orange Lodge has continued to demonstrate its commitment to leadership based on dedication, service, and ability. To date, nine women have served as Exalted Ruler of Orange Lodge:
- Donnal Hunt (2004–2005)
- JackieLynn DeFries (2007–2008)
- Mary Higdon (2012–2013)
- Stephanie Fitzpatrick (2015–2016)
- Stephanie Logan (2018–2019)
- Roslyn Peggins (2022–2023)
- Janine Storm (2023–2024)
- Kelley Martinez (2025–2026)
- Lynn Butler (2026–2027)
The election of these women represents more than individual achievement; it reflects Orange Lodge's long-standing tradition of recognizing leadership, service, and commitment regardless of gender. Their collective contributions have strengthened the lodge, expanded community outreach programs, increased member engagement, and helped guide Orange Lodge through periods of growth and accomplishment.
Particularly noteworthy is the fact that nine women have served as Exalted Ruler in just over two decades since Donnal Hunt's election, demonstrating the significant role women continue to play in shaping the future of Orange Lodge. Today, female members serve in leadership positions throughout the lodge and at the district and state levels, continuing a tradition of service that has helped make Orange Lodge one of the most active and respected lodges in California.
Oscar W. Stutheit: A Legendary Orange Elk
Among Orange Lodge's many distinguished Exalted Rulers, one name stands above the rest for his extraordinary contributions to Elkdom: Oscar W. Stutheit.
Born on October 15, 1907, in Villa Park, California, Oscar was initiated into Orange Lodge #1475 on December 13, 1939, by Exalted Ruler Bill Hirstein. He was proposed for membership by Dr. J. E. Riley.
Oscar owned Southside Market in Orange and Hillside Meats in Santa Ana and quickly became one of the most respected and influential members in Orange Lodge history.
On April 2, 1947, he was installed as Exalted Ruler of Orange Lodge and later served five years as a Lodge Trustee.
Oscar's service to the Elks extended far beyond Orange Lodge. Beginning as District Ritual Chairman in 1951, he became recognized throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona as one of the foremost authorities on Elks Ritual. He was also a member of the original committee that established standards for the Grand Lodge Ritual Contest.
His leadership continued through numerous appointments and elected positions. He served on the California-Hawaii Elks Association Board of Trustees from 1953 to 1954, was appointed District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 1955–1956, and served on the Grand Lodge State Associations Committee in 1956–1957.
In recognition of his service, Orange Lodge named him an Honorary Life Member on April 9, 1958.
From 1960 to 1967, Oscar served on the CHEA Major Project Committee. He was the first individual appointed to that committee who was not a Past State President. During this period, he played a key role in establishing the Pre-School Vision Program, which continues today and has helped countless children throughout California and Hawaii.
In 1976, Oscar was named California-Hawaii Elks Association "Man of the Year" for 1975–1976. Two years later, in 1978, he was elected Grand Inner Guard of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, becoming the first Grand Lodge officer from Orange Lodge. In 1988, he was honored as an Honorary State President.
For more than twenty years, until his retirement in 1996, Oscar served as District Leader for the Orange Coast District. Throughout those years, he was assisted by his close friend Dr. Robert Robb of Garden Grove Lodge #1952.
Outside of Elkdom, Oscar was equally committed to his community. He was a member of the 20-30 Club, Orange Lions Club, and Orange Rotary Club. He also served three years as a Trustee for Orange High School and spent five years as Chairman of the City of Orange Recreation Commission.
Oscar W. Stutheit passed away on March 18, 1996, in Orange, California. His legacy of leadership, service, and dedication continues to inspire Orange Elks to this day.
Continuing the Tradition
For more than a century, Orange Lodge's Exalted Rulers have guided the lodge through periods of growth, challenge, and achievement. Their leadership has helped build one of the most respected lodges in California and has ensured that the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity continue to flourish.
As Orange Lodge enters its second century of service, we proudly honor the men and women who have worn the jewel of Exalted Ruler and thank them for their lasting contributions to Orange Lodge #1475.