Harold D. Archer

Harold Duane Archer, 84, of Zumbrota, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Red Wing. He was born August 7, 1941 in Roscoe Township, Minnesota, to Arland and Emily (Matti) Archer. He attended rural schools and Pine Island High School. After his education he began farming with his father, eventually taking over the farm in 1970. Harold married Arlis Betcher on July 24, 1965. They lived in Pine Island a short time before moving to Cherry Grove, where they farmed and raised their family. In 1978, Harold began working as a custodian at Zumbrota School, later Zumbrota-Mazeppa, retiring in 2006. Always a family man, Harold truly enjoyed farming, gardening (especially strawberries), and working—he was always keeping busy. He and Arlis enjoyed traveling and vacationing throughout the US and visited over 20 states.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Arlis of Zumbrota; 5 children, Jennie (Dale) Sweazey of Richville, Duane (Dawn) Archer of Zumbrota, Jason (Carrie) Archer of Cannon Falls, John Archer of Zumbrota and DeeAnna (Craig) Linaman of Kenyon; 11 grandchildren, Bradley Archer, Timothy, Taylor and Jeffrey Sweazey, Ryan Archer, Brenna Tovar, Sara Sweazey, Morgan Archer, Alaina, Hailey and Claire Linaman; 12 great-grandchildren, Jazmine, Dallas, Benjamin and BeauAnna Sweazey, Sophia and Noah Sweazey, Aspen and Lakelynn Thorson, Quinnley Sweazey, Cleo and Scottie Tovar and Brekken Archer and one sister, Irene (Leon) Sprieter of West Concord and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doris (Jim) Kunz and a brother, Lloyd (Shari) Archer.

Funeral service will be 12 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mazeppa with Rev. Alan Horn officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Mazeppa Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to St. John’s Church. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel, Zumbrota.