Archie Lyle Aseltine Sr., born March 17, 1921 passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at the age of 100. Born to Walter William and Mary Ina (Johnson) Aseltine, he was one of 10 children: sisters, Gertie, Ione, Beatrice, and brothers, William, Edmund, Kenneth, Lloyd, and Robert, as well as one sibling that passed as an infant in 1918.
He attended a one room schoolhouse in town while working the family farm, learning to plow with the aid of horses, tend vegetables and crops, and even build a house.
He met his wife, Helen Audrey (Cox) at a community dance, and married her on May 23, 1940. She preceded him in death in 1996.
In August 1944, Archie was drafted into the US Army and was stationed in Germany during WWII. He served in the 78 Infantry Lighting Division and the 311 Infantry 3rd Battalion, Company L. After serving nine months and 4 days in Germany, he was discharged on December 18, 1945 and was awarded two Battle Stars and a Purple Heart for wounds he sustained in his hand.
Following the war, he and Helen made their home in Dansville, where they raised seven children: Archie, Allen, Audrey, Janice, Jeanette, Chester, and David. He worked for many years at Atlas Drop Forge in Lansing, as well as farming in Dansville. He enjoyed fishing, mowing his lawn, and gardening his vegetables.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, his wife, and his sons Allen and Chester.
Archie’s amazing 100 years will be lovingly remembered by his children, Archie, Audrey, Janice, Jeanette, and David; and his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 11am at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Mason Chapel, 621 S. Jefferson St. in Mason, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Dansville, where Military Honors will be accorded.
