Michael Archibald

Michael C. Archibald, 69, of Runnells passed away on December 31, 2010 at the Bright Kavanagh Hospice House after a brave fight with ALS. Memorial Mass will take place on Tuesday, January 4 at 10:00AM at the Saints John and Paul Church, 1401 1st Avenue South, Altoona, Iowa. Visitation will take place at the church from 6 to 8pm on Monday, January 3. Inurnment will be held at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa with full military honors. Michael was born February 17, 1941 in Albia, Iowa to Leonard and Kathryn Shehan Archibald. He graduated from Albia High School and received his Masters degree in Counseling from Northeast Missouri State University. He served in the United States Army and was a Viet Nam Veteran. Following active duty, Michael served over 20 years in the Army Reserves achieving the rank of Colonel. On January 11, 1964 he married Patricia Searcy and to this union, three children were born: Michelle, Ann, and Matthew. Michael started his career at the Centerville Police Department in 1963. In 1964, he became a special agent for the Rock Island Railroad stationed in Chicago, IL; El Reno, OK; and Irving, TX. He served as head of the Law Enforcement Program at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. In 1977, he became the first investigator for the Iowa Board of Medical Examiners covering the entire State. He retired from there in 2001 after being awarded the State Employee of the Year. Michael was an avid golfer, but the loves of his life were his grandchildren. He was a fourth degree Knights of Columbus Council 13109 in Altoona and American Legion Post 0136 in Albia, IA. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Archibald; children, Michelle of Pleasant Hill, Ann (Michael) Touney and their children Grace, Grant, and Claire of Runnells, and Matthew (Brandi) and their children, Emily and Caitie of Waverly. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jerry Archibald. Memorial Contributions may be made to SS John and Paul Catholic Church and LINK Associates.