Archie Zeithamer

Archie Eugene Zeithamer, the son of Joseph and Anna (Chan) Zeithamer, was born on August 17, 1932 near Lowry, MN. He graduated from grade school. In February 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army and served two years in the First Armor Division at Fort Hood, TX. He was Honorably discharged as Technical Sergeant in February of 1955.

Archie married the love of this life, Arlene Tvrdik, on June 23, 1953. Together they raised four children, Alan, Avis, Amy and Ann on the family farm. Archie taught his children by example that hard work reaps many benefits. Some family memories of Archie include him farming on a tractor, gardening, 4-H, and his love of reading. One special family memory was of Archie making homemade ice-cream with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Growing and conserving the family farm was extremely important to Archie. He greatly expanded the farm, growing crops that helped feed his Grade A dairy herd and hogs. Most importantly, he was a true steward of the earth, going to great lengths to conserve the land for future generations.

Archie was a forward-thinking man and was instrumental in the early development of Ethanol used on farms today. He furthered his passion of conservation as a member of the Viking Sportsmen Club. Archie helped improve the pheasant and duck populations through raise and release programs with the Junior Viking Sportsmen Club. He held many positions with the Viking Sportsmen including president. Archie received many awards throughout his lifetime for his farming and land conservation. Some include: Outstanding Young Farmer in 1960, Soil and Conservation Award, and Honorary Chapter Farmer at both the local and state levels along with the Viking Sportsmen Lifetime Achievement Award.

Archie was a faithful man. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Archie served as a Deacon and held positions on the church council. He also helped with Sunday Services at the Carlos State Park. Archie volunteered his time with the Senior Companions by driving seniors to appointments and helping with their errands.

Archie E. Zeithamer died peacefully on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at the age of 86. He is survived by his loving children, Alan (Diane) Zeithamer, Avis (Nick) Braschayko, Amy (Jim) Schlosser, and Ann (Bernhard) Warling; grandchildren, Josh (Emily) Zeithamer, Meghan (Brandon) Ruhr, Kate Braschayko, Elizabeth Braschayko, Julie Braschayko, Carole (Ryan) Braschayko, Stephen (Bre) Braschayko, Nicholas (Analise) Ludwig, Thomas Schlosser, Samantha Schlosser, Jonathan Warling, Justin (Marissa) Warling, and Jared Warling; great grandchildren, Bennett and Felix Ludwig, Brynnley and Barron Zeithamer, Taylor Esbjornsson, and Ryland and Drew Ruhr. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Arlene Zeithamer.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at First Lutheran Church with the Reverend Greg Billberg officiating. Interment with Military Honors was at Evergreen Cemetery. American Legion Post #87; VFW Post #936; VVA Post #235; Marine Corp League #1409; and the Minnesota National Honor Guard.  Casket Bearers were Ralph Tvrdik, Al Hansen, Gary Suckow, Brian Suckow, Steve Sukke, and Tim Sukke. Honorary Casket Bearers were all of Archie’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for new trees to be planted at First Lutheran Church.