Isle A Archibeque (Richter)

Ilse A. Archibeque

May 5, 1926 ~ April 11, 2016

Ilse A. Archibeque, age 89, of Montrose, died April 11, 2016 at Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose.  She was born May 5, 1926 to Otto and Berta (Ehlers) Richter in Hamburg, Germany.  Ilse met Tommy F. Archibeque, while he was in the service in Italy, and were married on May 10. 1957 in Naples. No one will know the extraordinary lives that these two have lived. Our mom who actually survived World War 2 told stories about having to run to the bunkers when the allies were bombing.  She then became a professional dancer and toured Italy.  Ilse was married for 58 years to our father, and they had quite a few adventures while in Europe together.

The clichés are all true; all you have to know is a mother’s love.  The trusts, happiness, loyalty, are there from the beginning.  It can never be replaced.  I know our father feels really bad right now, but can you imagine spending 58 years together.  I think sometimes the only thing that pulls us through these times, is the belief that we will see each other again. Their belief is very strong.  If you get the chance to tell your mom and dad you love them, please do so tonight, and remember some of the adventures that they have had together or ones you have shared with them.  Ilse has had Alzheimer’s for several years now, but I always felt she knew us when we came to visit.  They eventually moved to the United States where they made their home and raised a family.  Ilse was a loving Homemaker, wife and mother.  Her family was her pride and joy.

Surviving family members include her husband Tommy; son Andre Archibeque of Vancouver, Washington; daughter Collette Brannan of Burleson, Texas; sister Helga Raab of Germany; three grandchildren and one great grandchild.  Ilse was preceded in death by her parents, and her spouse’s parents, a daughter in law Deena Archibeque, sister-in-law Marjorie Schmit, a niece Vanessa Archibeque, nephew Eckhardt Raab and brother-in-law Rudi Raab.

A visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, April 21, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. A Funeral Service in celebration of Ilse’s life will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church.  Rite of Committal will follow the service at Grand View Cemetery, in Montrose.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose is assisting the family.