Larry Irvan Archer, a beloved member of the Cantril community, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the age of 84 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. Born on November 9, 1940, in Ottumwa to Irvan Leroy and Edna Faye (Baker) Archer, Larry’s life was a reflection of his love, hard work, and dedication.
Larry’s journey began on the family farm, where he learned the values of perseverance and ingenuity. After graduating from Pulaski High School in 1958, he embarked on a career installing grain bins, a testament to his hands-on skills. On September 9, 1961, Larry married his soulmate, Judith Ann Younker, at the Milton Methodist Church, marking the start of a beautiful partnership that would span decades.
Larry’s knack for fixing things led him to work at service stations in Cantril and Milton, where he became a familiar face to many. His entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when he purchased Van Buren Oil Company with a partner, eventually purchasing the business renaming it Larry’s Service in Cantril. While running the service station, Larry also drove a school bus for Fox Valley school. He ran the station with unwavering dedication until his retirement in 2011, though his passion for work never waned. Larry continued to haul tanks for Nutrien Ag part-time until 2024 embodying the spirit of a true workhorse.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Larry was a man of many passions. He found solace in the great outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, and camping. His love for card games, especially 31, brought joy to family gatherings, where he taught everyone the tricks of the trade. Not only did Larry play cards with his friends, in their younger years they played slow pitch softball in Cantril on the Kelly’s Heros team, Larry was the pitcher. Larry’s heart was fullest when surrounded by his family, cheering on his grandchildren in their sports and activities.
Larry’s commitment to his community was evident through his involvement with the Cantril Lions Club and the Cantril Grass Roots Organization. Known for his honesty, hard work, and friendship, Larry left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Larry is survived by his wife Judy of Cantril; daughter Tracy Strang (Kevin) of Solon; son Kirk Archer (Laura Decker) of Cedar Rapids; sisters Carolyn Buxton (Richard) of Cantril and Donna Epperson (Keith) of Sigourney; sister-in-law, Betty Jo Brown of Oak Harbor, WA; grandchildren Alec Archer (Amanda), Paige Archer, Courtney Kovacs (Jim), and Cody Strang (Kelsey); great-grandchildren Kennedy, Chloe, Jaden, Logan, and Baby Strang, who is on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvan and Edna.
A funeral service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 28, 2025, with Kevin Mote officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Larry will be laid to rest in Sunnyside Cemetery in Milton. Memorials in Larry’s honor can be made to the Cantril Grass Roots Organization and left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at P.O. Box 183, Cantril, IA 52542. Friends are invited to leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
