MENDOTA - Ramon E. “Bud” Archer, 87, of Mendota, passed away March 25, 2021 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.

A private family funeral service will be held on Monday, March 29 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Compton with Rev. Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Military honors will conducted by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Cremation rites will be accorded afterward and burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, March 28 at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. Mask wearing is required and social distancing recommended.

Bud was born Aug. 15, 1933 in Compton to William A. “Bill” and L. Ione (Olson) Archer, the youngest of three brothers. He married Arlene Bialas on May 1, 1960.

Survivors include his wife; two children, Melissa (Ron) Blum and Gregg (Chris) Archer; 12 grandchildren, Allie (Dan), Matt (Emily), Robert (Lydia), Alex (Philippa), Lexie (Justin), Kristin (Dougie), Tyler, Jacklynn (Jacob), Emily, Anthony, Kayden and Mackenna; four great-grandchildren, Bentley, Paislee, Kinsley and Faith; many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren; and a brother, Richard Archer, and sister-in-law, Ardis Archer, both of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gene Archer; and one sister-in-law, Rita Archer.

Bud grew up and went to school in the Compton area. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and as a Church Council President. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He then worked for Alexander Lumber Co., Torri Grain Co. and Fasco Mills Co. for 19 1/2 years. He and Arlene raised their two children and farmed together in Compton from the mid-1960s until they moved to Mendota in 1994. He also worked for Del Monte for 19 years. Additionally, he worked at Johnson Paint Co. of Compton and occasionally worked for farmers Elling Johnson and Gail Zimmerman. He was a village clerk in Compton, a volunteer on the Fire Department, a Webolos leader, an assistant Boy Scout leader, a Master of Brooklyn Lodge #282 AF & AM, and a Commander of American Legion Post #657. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, playing cards, having coffee and toast in Compton, woodworking, taking photographs and videos, playing on the computer, watching westerns, and spending time with his family. Everyone knew and enjoyed his constant sense of humor. He truly loved going on nature rides and taking pictures and videos of wildlife, especially on Beaver Road near West Brooklyn. Melissa and Gregg feel deeply blessed to have had such an amazing father, and Arlene feels the same about her beloved husband of 60 years. He will be truly missed and loved by all who knew him.

Memorials may be directed to Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.