Gerald “Jerry” Ross Archdale took his final ride on September 30, 2024. Jerry was born on September 15, 1957, to Calvin and Rhoda (Patsy) Archdale in Wolf Point, Montana. Jerry’s unwavering commitment to his family was evident until his last breath.
Jerry grew up in Oswego and attended elementary school in Frazer and junior high in Wolf Point. After the Oswego fire, he moved to Wolf Point and resided there until his death. On April 9, 1976, Jerry married Jeannie Peterson. Jerry started his family young and had three daughters, Angela Marie, Tera Lynn, and Carrie Sue. The pride he had for his children was not often visible to others, but Jerry had a unique way of letting his girls know how proud of them he was, and they always knew the love Jerry had for them. He carried this same trait with his grandchildren, Parker, Preston, Brenly, and Carly.
In 1976, Jerry went to work at Wolf Point Ready Mix alongside his father-in-law, Pete. During this time, Jerry learned the trades as a heavy equipment operator, truck driver, and cement batcher. In 1991, Wolf Point Ready Mix was purchased by Pat Rice, and Jerry established Archdale Enterprises as a business partner with Pat. Jerry and Pat worked side by side at what is now Wolf Point Sand and Gravel. The yards of cement Jerry batched were amazing, and he took pride in being part of the Sand and Gravel business until 2008. After 30 years in the Sand and Gravel business, Jerry went to work at Fort Peck Community College as a CDL Instructor. He was passionate about providing the best training he could for FPCC’s CDL students, and he believed each one was capable of great things. At the time of his passing, Jerry was still employed at FPCC during the academic year, and he continued his commitment to Wolf Point Sand and Gravel in the summer months.
Jerry was a cowboy to his core. The bond he developed with horses at an early age was one he learned from his dad, Calvin. This love led him to become an avid(skilled) team roper, which was evident in the many saddles and belt buckles he won over the years. He had never been known to turn down a cheap horse; free was even better and always turned them into a great team roping horse. He enjoyed attending roping on Friday nights at Go-Getters and Hi-Line Roping. Many friendships were formed during this time and continued until his passing.
Jerry is survived by his daughters, Angela Marie and Carrie Sue (Brock); grandsons, Parker and Preston; granddaughters, Brenly and Carly; a sister, Connie Schumacher (Theron); nieces and nephews Tuesday, Melissa, Theron, Jared, Jhona and numerous cousins. Jerry is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Terry Jarvis and Brenda Schilling.
Jerry is preceded in death by his wife Jeannie, daughter, Tera, parents, Calvin and Rhoda Archdale; maternal grandparents, Guy Sr. and Victoria Madison, paternal grandparents, Henry and Tena (Gives the Blanket) Archdale; mother and father-in-law, Pete and Beulah Peterson, sister, Kate Price, brother, Bob Archdale, and nephews, Lee Granbois and Tyler Schumacher.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.