Funeral Service
10:30 A.M., Tuesday, June 23, 2009
United Church Of Christ
Estelline, South Dakota
Pastor Deven Edinger, Officiating

Interment
Hillcrest Cemetery, Estelline, South Dakota

Visitation
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday at Geise Funeral Home in Estelline.

Russell E. Russ Archer, son of William and Birdie (Pereboom) Archer, was born December 26, 1924, at Hazel, South Dakota. He started his elementary education in Hazel and in 1935 moved with his parents to Hidewood Hill, near Clear Lake, South Dakota and attended school in Clear Lake. They later moved to a farm south of Clear Lake before moving to a farm in Eureka Township, Brookings County, east of Estelline in the fall of 1940. Russell entered the U.S. Army on February 15, 1945, and upon his discharge on December 9, 1946, he was employed in trucking. He was united in marriage to Sylvia Kalsbeck on March 3, 1949, in Estelline. They moved to the state of Washington where he was employed in driving logging trucks for five years. They returned to Estelline where they dairy farmed for 10 years west of Estelline and in 1967 they moved to White Salmon, Washington where he again hauled logs from the forest in that area. In 1972 Russell and his family returned to Estelline where he began Archer Trucking, hauling livestock, grain and petroleum for the Estelline Coop until his retirement. In December of 2008 he entered the Castlewood Assisted Living and in April of 2009 moved to the Estelline Nursing and Care Center. He died on Friday, June 19, 2009 at the Brookings Hospital at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 23 days.

For over 60 years he was a faithful member of the Estelline American Legion, serving with honor and pride in his various rolls and duties. He was also a member of the United Church Of Christ and served on the church board. Russell enjoyed camping and traveling with a memorable trip to Alaska to see his son Randy. He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, listening to the Minnesota Twins and Whats Up, and Meals On Wheels.

Grateful for having shared his life are one daughter, Kathleen Archer of Ramona, SD; one son, Gregory Archer and his wife LeeAnne of Castlewood; three grandchildren, Eric DeKam and Katie and Lyndsey Archer; three sisters, Phyllis Archer and Marlys (Archer) Kveum, both of Marshall, MN, Beverly OMalley of Denver, CO; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Sylvia on January 17, 2009; one son Randy; his parents; two brothers, Clyde and Loren; and one sister, Faye Hildebrandt.