NAPLES, Fla. - Ken “Artie” Archer, 71, formerly of Mendota, passed away July 22, 2021 in Naples, Fla.

A memorial service will be decided at a later date.

Artie was born Jan. 21, 1950 in Rochelle to Richard and Rita Archer.

Survivors include his longtime partner, Barb Seward; his father; one brother, Kerry Archer; two daughters, Corinne (Jason) Bock and April (Michael) Leitshuh; three nieces; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and one sister, Kala Archer.

Ever since Artie was old enough to turn a dial on the radio, he was obsessed with two things: the Chicago Cubs and music. He graduated from Mendota High School in the spring of 1968 and after graduation, worked for over 30 years at Black Bros. Company. Throughout that time, he was a referee, umpire and had many great nights as a player and the commissioner of the Mendota men’s slow pitch softball league. In his free time, he could be found sunbathing in the backyard with a Cubs game on, at a concert or sporting event, or spending time with his family at his sister’s farm house. He loved supporting his grandchildren in everything they were involved in and he could always be found at their soccer games, baseball games or dance recitals. He was quick witted and could always make someone laugh, even if it was just with a look.

Artie moved to Naples in 2004 where he continued to referee and umpire until the spring of 2020. He also made a career as a deejay and brought joy to so many families on their wedding days or during their celebrations. In 2016, he achieved his lifelong dream of seeing a Chicago Cubs World Series win. He always enjoyed having an A&W rootbeer, listening to a great song, beating anyone at checkers, and eating heaping bowls of ice cream or popcorn while watching a movie. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Chicago Cubs charities at https://www.mlb.com/cubs/community/cubs-charities/donate.

Memories may be shared at the Beachwood Society’s website https://www.beachwoodsociety.com/m/obituaries/ .