Archie Walter Woodin

Archie Walter Woodin's life was one of quiet integrity and a love for family. Born on September 8, 1934, in Polo, Illinois, Archie grew up enjoying the outdoors, learning the ways of the land and the value of hard work through farming. These experiences shaped him into a man who liked nature and finding joy tending to his garden or transforming his yard with landscaping.

Family became very important to him at an early age, born the son of Reynold and Ola (Bellows) Woodin in Polo, Illinois. Archie tragically lost his mother at the age of 6, and learned to rely on his oldest sister, Bernice and then later his step-mom, Helen. He is a Milledgeville High School graduate in 1952, where he served as Class President and was a good athlete. Archie dedicated two years of his life to the US Army during the Korean War, including a stint in Okinawa, Japan. His commitment to service mirrored his commitment to his family.

On March 2, 1956, Archie married the love of his life, Bernadine Wolf, at the West Jordan Church in Sterling. Together, they raised four children, Leola, Linda, Walter, and Keith. Their 59 years of marriage were marked by unwavering love, mutual respect, and shared joys and sorrows until Bernadine's passing in 2015.

Archie's work life was defined by hard work and ingenuity. For 32 years, he served on the Carroll County Highway Department, where his passion for operating heavy equipment, especially the Road Grader, was matched only by his ability to solve problems with creativity. In younger years, he worked as a milk hauler for Kraft in Milledgeville and served as the Elkhorn Road Commissioner. Archie also farmed with his father for a number of years.

Archie was a member of Hope United Methodist Church in Chadwick, where he served as a Church Trustee. He was also a proud participant in the Honor Flight in 2021, a testament to his patriotism and gratitude for his country.

Archie’s love of family was increased when grandchildren and then great-grandchildren came along. He loved attending their sports events and they brought him a great source of pride. Archie kept an impressive collection of canes, some of which he built himself. His memory will forever be cherished by those who knew him. He passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Rock River Hospice House in Sterling, Illinois, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and cherished memories.

Archie will be dearly missed by his two daughters, Leola (Dennis) Mowry of Rockton, Illinois and Linda (Larry) Alexander of Chadwick, Illinois; his two sons, Walter Woodin of Bettendorf, Iowa and Keith Woodin of Lanark, Illinois; five grandchildren, Nathan (Elizabeth) Mowry, Ryan (Mary) Mowry, Kurt (Sheila) Alexander, Todd (Courtney) Alexander and Lucerne Woodin; eight great-grandchildren, Jackson, Evangeline, Jacob, Trevor, Adam, Carly, Tinlee and Wade; and two brothers, Harold “Bud” Woodin of Polo, Illinois and Paul “Skip” Woodin of Moline, Illinois. Archie is preceded in death by his wife, Bernadine; two children at birth, Calvin and Sandra; a granddaughter, Nicole Woodin; and six siblings, Bernice Riddle, Ardella Ennis, Geneva Vicars, Gerald Woodin, Beverly Brown and Duane Woodin in infancy.

A funeral service will be held 10:30am Monday, April 15, 2024 at Hope United Methodist Church, Chadwick, with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be in South Elkhorn Cemetery, Milledgeville with Military Rites. Visitation will be held 4 – 6pm Sunday, April 14, 2024, and one hour prior to the service, at Hope United Methodist Church, Chadwick. A memorial has been established for Hope united Methodist Church in Chadwick.