Archie P. Kuka, 95, Havre, died on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, in a local care center.
Memorial services are set for Friday, Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel. Cremation has taken place. Born June 6, 1913, in Glasgow, Mont., son of Peter and Mary Kuka, Archie grew up in Havre, one of five children. He attended St. Jude's elementary school and Havre High School, graduating from high school in 1930. He attended several quarters at Northern Montana College. Archie married Mildred Beck in 1938 and the couple made their home in Havre, where they raised their three children, Paul, Mariella “Myrni”, and Debbie. He worked for Nash-Finch as a warehouseman, in the office, and as a salesman. He purchased the Rainbow Hardware, which he operated until selling it in 1944. He then went to work as a salesman for the Schilling & McCormick Company. In 1956, Archie purchased Kelley's Texaco Service Station & Motel, and later added a convenience store. His candy and soda selection made his store a popular place for the young people in Havre's east end. He operated the store until his retirement in the early 1970s. Archie loved hunting and fishing all of his life. For many years following his retirement he and Millie would spend weekends with their camper at their favorite fishing spots. A man with a green thumb, he maintained large vegetable gardens when he had the space, and planted flowers whenever possible. In his later years he became interested in searching for treasures with his metal detector, exploring much of the east end of Havre. His wife, Millie, died in 1989. His brothers, Leonard, Tom, and Ray, and one granddaughter, Jody Daley Herron, also preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Joan Gillespie of Missoula; his three children, Paul of Havre, Mrs. Kenneth (Myrni) Daley of Somers, Mont., and Mrs. Jim (Debbie) Burrington of Havre; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Memeorial’s maybe made in Archie’s name to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic School 624 4th St. Havre, MT. Services were handled by Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.
