Archie Calvin Mann

Archie C. Mann was born June 2, 1931 in Sidney, MT; he passed away on June 12, 2020 at the Frontier Assisted Living and Memory Care. Archie was 89 years old. He was the son of David W. Mann and Bessie (Sweley) Mann. He spent his early life in Intake & Savage, MT. After graduating from high school his first job was with the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project as the oiler & then learning to operate a dragline. In Sept. of 1951 he went to the U.S. Army, after being trained at the artillery school in Fort Bliss, TX. He was stationed in Seoul Korea for 2 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator. He returned stateside in 1953 and met Delores Reidle, they were married Jan. 29, 1955 in Glendive, MT. The couple started their lives together moving around working on highway projects for many construction companies. They returned most winters to the Sidney area, after working on highway 89 south to Gardiner in 1958, they decided to make Livingston their home & started their business "Archie Mann Excavating." For over 50 years they ran their excavating business working in Park, Sweet Grass & Gallatin counties for many farms & ranches, building roads, cleaning ditches hauling "Rip Rap" to save the land from washing away when high water hit. Everyone in the family learned to drive a dump truck, fuel up & move equipment to the next job site. Including his mother-in-law Louise and his father Dave that came for summer visits. Archie trained many young people who started their own excavating businesses. His love for heavy equipment lasted his entire life, we often teased him about having a piece of equipment instead of a pet. He knew everyone, he had a strong work ethic and a great sense of humor. He later enjoyed restoring old pickups & driving them in parades. Archie was a lifetime member of the VFW.Archie is survived by his three children Valerie (Ken) Nunley, Marcie Mann & Jon (Darlene) Mann. Three grandchildren Tyson Nunley, Sadie & Cassie Mann. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, his parents, his sister Emma Mann Strand and his favorite uncle George Sweley. He will be laid to rest next to his wife Delores at the Park Memorial Gardens south of Livingston that overlooks the Yellowstone River. No services will be held per Archies request, a private burial will be held with military honors at a later date. Rest in peace "Rock Digger".Donations can be made to the Livingston VFW or to Special Bowlers for Marcie Mann C/O Patti Minchew 4241 Clevenger, Billings, MT. 59101. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.