William Richard “Dick” Archer, 75, of Burlington, died Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Medical Center in West Burlington. Born Feb. 22, 1948, in Mystic, Iowa, he was the son of Thomas and Wilamina Goldene Mattox Archer. On June 4, 1977, he married Della Anne Magno in Schaumburg, Ill..
He was diagnosed in the fall of 2001 with Stiff Person Syndrome by Dr. Ergun Uc in Iowa City. He was believed to be one of the longest-surviving males with SPS in the United States.
He graduated from Hononegah Community High School in Rockton, Ill. In June 1974, he graduated from Western Illinois with a degree in accounting. Later on, he earned his CPA designation.
Dick was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War from Aug. 13, 1968 until Aug. 11, 1972. He was very proud to have served the country he loved.
He worked as a certified public accountant for McGladrey in Burlington. He later became a financial vice president for Miller Beauty Supply and retired from EBS in Dec. of 2013.
Dick was an avid sports fan, especially with his Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He was also an avid sports fan at the kids' and grandkids’ games. Dick loved spending time and playing with his grandchildren. He was a great supporter of his wife’s decorating and creative projects. He planted a small garden every year in his backyard. He also enjoyed coffee with his friends, listening to country music, watching old westerns, looking at old cars, and Thanksgiving.
He was a generous person and donated to a number of organizations that touched his heart.
Survivors include his wife, Della Anne Archer of Burlington, two sons, Joe (Kay) Archer of Hiawatha, and Tyler (Shannon) Archer of Ankeny; grandchildren, Mason, Reece, Sawyer, and Lauren; sister Sue (Ray) Clifton; two brothers, Stuart (Janice) White, and Steve White; mother-in-law Jeanette Magno of Schaumburg, Ill.; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and father-in-law Joseph Magno.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation with the family to receive friends will be from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The memorial service for Mr. Archer will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Pastor Jay Clover officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the service.
Memorials have been established for Disabled American Veterans and Habitat for Humanity.
The family is grateful for the care Dick received from Dr. Anil Dhuna and nurse Amanda from Neurology, Dr. Walter Downey MD, Dr Valerie Denz, Teresa Morehead (speech), Day Hospital staff, and the staff at the ER, 2nd floor, ICU, and Comfort Care units in West Burlington.