Archie Coson

The private funeral service for Archie Coson of Wadena will be held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Wadena with Pastors Jim Stoneman and Dave Seaton presiding. Due to covid-19 the family has chosen to not have a visitation to keep their family and friends safe. After a lingering illness, Archie, age 91, passed away with family at his side on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Tri-County Health Care in Wadena, MN. Archibald “Archie” Edward Coson was born to Walter and Margaret (Jost) Coson on October 24, 1929, in Wadena, MN, where he attended and graduated from Wadena High School. In 1950, Archie enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean War and served on the USS Wisconsin, over the Pacific Ocean. He was the librarian and organist for church services on the ship and was honorably discharged in 1952. Before and after his service, Archie worked at Fred’s Foods on main street in Wadena. When Fred passed away in 1966, Archie took over the business until 1973 when he started working at Red Owl Foods. Archie was united in marriage with Helen (Smith) Borchardt on July 8, 1978. They made their home in rural Wadena and in 1985, he started his 30 year employment at Super Valu. Archie was named 1998 Outstanding Older Worker, and was a nominee for the 2002 MN Older Worker Hall of Fame. He worked at SeaFest in Motley, and then returned to Wadena to work at Larry’s Foods until his retirement. Through the years, Archie found great joy in playing organ for the First Congregational United Church of Christ, and 30 years at St. Helen’s Episcopal Church in Wadena, as well as subbing at churches in Bertha, Aldrich and Perham. Other hobbies he enjoyed were fishing, bowling, playing cards, singing in the church choir, playing the accordion and vegetable gardening - with his accomplishments in the Pioneer Journal! He will also be remembered locally as a lively auctioneer. Archie was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, American Legion, Elks Lodge and a lifetime member of the VFW. In earlier years, Archie and Helen enjoyed trips to San Francisco, CA, Branson, MO, Michigan, Colorado and many more states within the US. After a lingering illness, Archie, age 91, passed away with family by his side on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Tri-County Health Care in Wadena, MN. Preceding Archie in death were his parents; brother Raymond, step-brother Arthur Gedde; daughter-in-law Patty Coson; and great-grandchildren Libby Belvill, Garett Lane and Keagan Johnson. Archie is survived by his wife Helen of Wadena; children, Gary Coson of Detroit Lakes, Dawn (Mike) Pettit of Dent, Debbie (Leroy) Larson of Pelican Rapids; brother Wally Coson of Wadena; step-brother Clayton Gedde of Vancouver, WA; Helen’s children Barb (Bob) Wenzler of Florida, Roxanne (Fred) Soukup of Pequot Lakes, Michael (Brenda) Borchardt of Big Lake, Pam (Jim) Malone of Milaca, and Tim Borchardt of Minneapolis; 25 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous nephews and nieces. Military honors will be provided by the Elmer Goche Post 3922, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wadena, MN. Burial will be in Wadena Cemetery in Wadena, MN.

Archie Coson

October 24, 1929 - January 4, 2021