Jerry "John" Peter Archambeau

Jerry "John" Peter Archambeau

Born December 9, 1936, Todd County, South Dakota

Died August 30, 2021, Twin Falls, Idaho

     Today the world is a bit dimmer with the passing of this noble and humble man. John passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital in Twin Falls, surrounded by his family due to complications from the Covid Virus.

     John was the son of Peter Leroy Archambeau and Corrine Alice Sherman Redbear. He was born in a small community near the Rosebud Sioux Reservation.  He was a member of the Rosebud and Yankton Sioux Tribes. His older brothers, Homer, Joseph and Peter and his younger brother James preceded him in death. His older sisters Charlotte and Dorothy and younger sisters Mae, Dollares and Margaret also preceded him in death. He is survived by his younger sisters Beverly, Colleen and Denise, all of Mitchell, South Dakota.

     Once in a while our Heavenly Fathers places a special person among us to teach us how to love unconditionally, to learn humility, to serve others with a joyful heart, to be happy with the simple pleasures of life and to keep our life uncluttered and to always find the best in all situations and other people. Even though John was mentally handicapped, possessing the understanding of a young child, he had mastered all of these qualities and was a source of happiness to all who knew him.

     To him happiness was his dog named Rover, whose job it was to go into his bedroom and with a lot of licking, wake John up so he could get ready for the day. This was left to Rover because John was not a “morning person” and how could he resist starting each day with his dog, by his side, or more accurately in his face.

     Over the years he demonstrated a remarkable memory, especially when it came to cars. When any family member came to visit, he would hurry outside to first give you one of his best bear hugs and then look your car over. He could tell you what model and color it was and then remind you that he liked Chevrolets. He could tell you the model and color of cars you had owned in the past and the one you were driving now was the best.

     One of his greatest dreams was to learn how to drive and with some planning and patience he was given a 2005 Chevrolet pickup. It never left the yard but he beamed when he drove the truck   a little bit forward and backwards in the driveway, all on his own. Who knows how many miles he put on that truck? Next, he moved on to operating a backhoe with a bit of supervision. The true test came when he had the chance to drive the new riding lawn mower, he didn’t do as well on this venture and ran into the house and cracked the front engine cover. He was always looking for ways to do things others take for granted.

     John was a friend to all he met. He valued time spent with them. Everyone returned his friendship and one in particular went above and beyond to be John’s friend. While John lived in Wendell and Twin Falls, for many years, Jimmy Joe would pick up John early in the morning and they would go and spend the entire day together at the cattle sale barn. When the day was done, both came home thinking they had made some good buys. John trusted Jimmy Joe more than any person we knew. They seemed to be made for each other. We like to think they communicated soul to soul on a personal level.

     John led a full and long life. He enjoyed every day and took the challenges that came his way with courage. John was not someone who saw something that needed to be done without acting. He was always trying to be helpful. He loved to fish and camp or just spend time with anyone who needed his brand of comfort.

     Our lives won’t be the same without him and that is a tribute to him. We were tasked with taking care of him and in the end, it was he who took care of us. We have learned so much from his example and our hearts are full having spent this time with him. Our hearts seem heavy and yet they are so full and light. We know that he is back with the rest of his family. Just as we held his hand when he spent his last few seconds in mortality, we knew other hands were reaching out to guide him home.  I am sure that by now he has heard the words “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”  Thank you for making all of us better.

     Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 605 N. Idaho Street in Wendell, Idaho.

     A viewing will be held beginning at 10:00 am until 10:45 with the funeral starting at 11:00 am with Bishop Heath Henderson of the Wendell First Ward officiating. 

     Interment will follow in the Wendell Cemetery.

     Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Wendell Chapel.

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