Joseph Harry Archer, 91, passed away Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, at the Montana Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls.

He was born on May 24, 1916, in Eureka, to Jim and Hanna (Webb) Archer. Joe received his early education in Eureka and finished in Butte.

He was a talented painter, fly fisherman and a classical violinist and he will always be remembered for his sense of humor.

Joe joined the U.S. Navy in 1937 from which he was honorably discharged. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor he volunteered to re-enlist. While in the Navy he spent time both in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. After his discharge Joe attended school under the G.I. Bill where he became an electrician. Joe was a member of the DAV and a past post commander of the VFW.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; his brother Jim; and his stepson, Wayne Stapleton.

He is survived by one daughter, Johanna Miller, and her husband, Bill, of Libby; and grandchildren, Betty Jo Mack and her husband Keith of Troy; Bill Archer and his wife Amy of Florence; and Mike Archer and his wife Rebekah of Bloomfield, N.M.; one stepdaughter, Jeanie Cusick, and her husband Gary of Sublimity, Ore., and their son, Danny Delager, and his wife Leann of Texas; one stepson, Jim Richards, and his wife Terry of Moses Lake, Wash., and their children; five great-great-grandchildren; also two cousins, Bill Archer and his wife Christine of Kalispell, and their children Jim, Robert and Becky; and Deletha Nadier and her husband Ed, also of Kalispell.

Cremation has taken place following Joe's wishes. A memorial celebration of his life will be held this spring, when all friends and family can gather.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the Montana Veteran's Home, 400 Government Way, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, or to a charity of the donors' choice.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Joe's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Joe's guest book.