Gary Archer

Gary Eldon Archer, age 75, died peacefully, surrounded by some foster caregivers on Easter Sunday at about 8 pm, March 31, 2024, at St. Mary's ICU in Rochester, MN.

Gary E. Archer was born May 12, 1948, in Rochester, Minn., to George and Joyce Archer. After graduating from Mayo High School in 1966, he went into the Navy/Vietnam War from June 1967 to February 1973, his ship was hit. His paver is next to his dad and brother at Soldier Field Memorial, thanks dad.

On May 16, 1975, Gary married Delores Ann Wilson in Rochester at Trinity Lutheran Church (TLC). The couple made their home just a block away from his parents. He worked as a night clerk at the Hotel Martin in Rochester where he had a stroke, which placed him in an adult foster care home, along with his wife. He enjoyed puzzles, reading, Minnesota sports, and loved pets, especially their dog (Buster). He was a unique individual, very kind, protective, and remembered for his bewildered looks. The last 19 years he was in foster care (his extended family) he traveled, spent time with family, and gambled a little, like his dad did. He loved his visits from Claire V. from TLC.

Gary is survived by: two brothers, Randy (Janis) of Minnetonka, Minn., Alan (Beth) of Stewartville, and sister, Virginia (Brent) Coggins of Lake City; many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores, who died Nov. 12, 2009, and his parents.

The burial will be Monday, April 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester, Mn. Rev. Nathaniel Schwartz of TLC is officiating the graveside service. The honor guard will also perform military honors at the cemetery.

Friends may share a memory at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.