Archie Edward Filley, 77, Newcastle, WY, died, Monday, November 7, 2016, after a five-year battle with T-Cell Lymphoma. Archie passed surrounded by his family in his home. Archie was born May 19, 1939, in Gardiner, MT, and graduated from Fergus Falls, MN, High School in 1957. He attended North Dakota State University for a short time before entering the field of finance.

He is survived by his wife, Connie of Newcastle, WY; two sons, Chad (Jane), Cambridge, MN, and Reed (Rebekah), Tahoka, TX; one brother, Dennis Filley (Connie) of Spicer, MN; two sisters, Sharon Christenson of Stacy, MN, and Lana Bandli (Robert) of West Fargo, ND; five grandchildren, Trent Filley, El Paso, TX, Ty Filley, Fargo, ND, Isaiah Filley, Decorah, IA, Kinley Filley and Kennedy Filley, both of Tahoka, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of ten years, Diane Kay (Chandler) Filley; his parents, Willard Filley, and Lily Filley; and brother-in-law, Arlynn Christenson.

Archie grew up on the farm, and like many others, his family didn't have much, but they never went hungry. He always loved fried chicken just like his mother made. Archie and his brother, Dennis, often reminisced about the times they shared while growing up. His two sisters, Sharon and Lana, thought the sun rose and set on him; he was their protector. He was a great "big" brother.

Archie had many accomplishments throughout his life. He excelled in sports. His highschool football team went undefeated his junior and senior seasons, and he had a record of 33-1 during his senior wrestling season. Wrestling was the sport he both excelled in and loved.

In adulthood, Archie found the profession of finance. His 40-year career ended with the last 26 years at State Bank of West Fargo as Vice President. When asked once what would he say about his career to sum it up? Archie replied, "I did it legally. There have been some who have not."

Archie married Kay Chandler in 1965. To that union were born Chad and Reed. Kay passed in 1975.

Archie and Connie Hedstrom married in 1977. Once again Archie had a family. As the children grew, there were many camping trips, vacations spent at the lakes in Minnesota, boating, family get-togethers and, not to forget, oh yes, horseshoe pitching. Archie was a tremendous organizer. Archie introduced and mentored many people in horseshoe over the years, some of them going on to do the same. Archie in his own right has many horseshoe accomplishments. He attended 15 World Tournaments winning many placings, and participated in too many State Tournaments to count.

People liked Archie. His dry Norwegian humor might have had something to do with that. While Archie and Connie lived in Custer, the Wrangler was the place to meet the guys in the morning. All the guys at the breakfast table became his crowd. Many stories were told across the table with Don, Al, Tom, with Misty keeping them all in line. Archie and Don Ostenson were best friends. Don was his rock taking many rides to the Cancer Center with Archie during his treatments. The group at the Custer Senior Center became his ritual morning visit. He especially loved playing pool with Frankie and the boys. He also loved the trips with the group to Hot Springs to bowl with Lisa and Archie, betting Indian tacos for the winner. After moving to Newcastle, breakfasts with Mike at Donna's were his pleasure. Archie and Mike had a little competition with who could come up with something the other hadn't heard before. The Newcastle Senior Center was where he finally found a pool player, Billy, who could give him a run and beat even him. Archie was so competitive and didn't mind getting beat by Billy, but bragged how good Billy was. He loved to converse with his group of friends who included Ken and Dee. He always made sure to give Connie news briefs at the end of every day.

In his last days, Archie's sister-in-law, Pat, packed her bags when she heard he was coming home from the hospital, and said, "I'm coming." No one else could give him the quality care and banter with him the way she could. The two of them loved the bantering back and forth. He enjoyed his visits with Dave who would spend his lunch time just to be with Archie.

Archie had a full life. He worked hard, was an excellent provider, didn't ask for much, never complained, and was not afraid to leave this world as he knew The Lord would not go back on His word that He would always be there for him.

We will miss you Archie Filley, but look forward to the day when you'll organize that horseshoe tournament for everyone once again. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date.