Archie Millard

Archie Duane Millard, 81, of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at his lake home under hospice care and family attendance. He was born in Canby, MN, January 19, 1927, to Christine Bresson and Philip Millard. Growing up Archie pitched for local baseball leagues and was approached to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals, but had already enlisted in the US Air Force in 1944. After being discharged in 1947, Archie married Evelyn Claeys at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Minneota, MN and joined Ottertail Power Company, where he served in various capacities until 1987, including seven years as Jamestown Division Manager. Throughout his life Archie served in various church and non-profit organizations, among them, the Fargo Diocesan Council with Bishop Justin A. Driscoll; Director of United Fund in Fergus Falls; Chamber of Commerce, and District Chairman of Boy Scouts of America, Red River Valley Chapter. Before moving to Fergus Falls, Archie served on the School Board and City Council in Lake Benton, MN, and later in Jamestown, ND, as Chairman of the Airport Authority. Archie had a passion for flying and teaching others the joy of flight. He was an avid pilot, and his ratings included instructor, IFR, and float plane. Archie also completed two log cabins with his sons. He enjoyed motorcycling for a number of years. As a father he enjoyed time shared with family, and really looked forward to the hunting trips up north at the cabin. Many good times were had grouse and deer hunting. Daily bass fishing trips on Long Lake for the past 50 years were a special part of his life. He was also a dedicated Minnesota Twins fans right up to his last days. After his retirement Archie enjoyed spending many winters in Arizona where he made many friends and had a great time. Archie is survived by his wife Evelyn, and children; Steven and wife Diane, Fergus Falls, MN; Dennis, Virginia Beach, VA; Timothy, Jordan, MN; William and wife Julie, Fergus Falls; Patrick and wife Julie, Fergus Falls; Kathleen, Livermore, CO; James and wife Mary, New London, MN; and Kevin and wife Blake, Seattle, WA. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Matt, Melissa, Emmy, Andrew, Joe, Sarah, Daniel, Allan, Lucy, Bartholomew, Isabel and Mike; and four great-grandchildren: Victoria, Helena, Weston and Evangeline; a brother, Don (Esther) Millard of St. Cloud; and two sisters: Phyllis Betts of Fairmont, and Carol (James) Tholkes of Estherville, IA. Archie was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters, and one grandson, Adam. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service at the funeral home, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Mass of Christian Burial: 1:30 p.m. Friday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Father Kenneth Brenny Interment: St. Otto's Catholic Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Memorials are preferred to Lakeland Hospice, PO Box 824, Fergus Falls MN 56538-0824, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com