Archie Wellington Wallen
August 30, 1931 - December 2, 2017

Archie Wellington Wallen passed away peacefully on December 2nd after complications after breaking his ankle in October and the related surgery. He is now happy, healed, joyful and alive in Heaven! We are so thankful for his faith in Christ! We have all been blessed by having him in our lives. Archie was the beloved husband of Penelope Swan Wallen.

Archie ("Arch" to his wife, "Daddy" to his children or "Bapa" to his grandchildren) had such a happy, and loving heart. He was a gentleman, a dedicated husband, and a very committed dad. He loved to spend time golfing with his wife and kids. The family enjoyed many years playing golf at Nakoma golf club. He was passionate about perfecting his golf swing, and always had a new creative idea for his golf swing. He perfected his swing enough to reach the finals of the State of Wisconsin state match play championship. He was a thinker, loved his walks through the Arboretum and spent many hours reading about world matters. He loved our Lord Jesus Christ, a member of Grace Episcopal church and was at peace about his faith and eternal life.

Penelope and Archie met and dated through their mothers' Delavan Lake Garden club and were married 63 years ago at Trinity Episcopal Church in Janesville, Wisconsin on December 18, 1954. Archie grew up in Winnetka, Illinois and spent many summers sailing in Delevan, Wisconsin at the family lake house. He was the middle child of William and Elsie Rusch Wallen with Buddy and Barbara Wallen as siblings. Swimming was an important part of the Wallen family history. His father William Wallen and Uncle Archie were members of 8 national water polo championship teams and represented the US in international competitions. His father also held national record setting swim records. Arch swam and played golf for New Trier high school in Winnetka, Illinois, and Northwestern University from which he graduated in 1954. Arch had a beautiful, effortless looking backstroke. Arch was a Sigma Chi at Northwestern. After graduating and getting married, Arch was in the Airforce as a 2nd Lieutenant stationed in Rantoul, Illinois. Suzie was born 11 months after getting married and Archie Jr ("Terry") was born in 1957. Jeffrey joined the family in 1959, and Timothy in 1962. The family lived in the same home in Nakoma for over 50 years before moving to Hawk's Landing. When Arch first came to Madison, he worked as a salesman for Gordan Flesch. Then, he established his own accounting practice which he did for the majority of his life.

Archie was preceded in death by his parents, sister Barbara, brother Buddy, and his dear son, Terry, who passed in an avalanche in Aspen, Colorado.

He is survived by his beloved wife Penny, 3 children and spouses, 14 grandchildren and spouses, and 10 great grandchildren. His children include Suzanne Wallen Cavanaugh and her husband Col. Thomas Cavanaugh, Jeffrey Wallen and his wife Julie Aldrich Wallen, and Timothy Wallen and his wife Julie Sergenian Wallen. The grandchildren include Tom and Sue's children Stephanie Cavanaugh McLerran and her husband Sean McLerran, Brad Cavanaugh and his wife Brittanie Cavanaugh, Meagan Cavanaugh Baker and her husband Bryan Baker, John Cavanaugh and his wife Rachel Cavanaugh, Emily Cavanaugh, and Matthew Cavanaugh. Tim and Julie's children include Timothy P Wallen, Natalie Wallen Gilsinger and her husband Taylor Gilsinger, Madelynn Wallen, Terry Wallen, Tyler Wallen, Trevor Wallen, Katelyn Wallen, and Tanner Wallen. The Great Granchildren include Stephanie and Sean's children Ian, Caroline, Haley, Blaine, and Seamus McLerran. Brad and Brittanie's children include Bowen, Barrett, and Collins Cavanaugh. Meagan and Bryan's son Cooper Baker. John and Rachel's daughter Finnley Cavanaugh. Archie is also survived by his brother Buddy's children, Caroline Wallen Fisher, and Bill Wallen and by his very dear sister in laws Nancy Swan Douglas of Milton, Wisconsin and Emily Swan DeLuca of Bozeman, Montana and their extended families.

He will be deeply missed and loved by all. His memory, personality, and love will live on through his beautiful family.

His life will be celebrated at a memorial service at Grace Episcopal Church on Sunday, December 10th at 3pm. Visitation will be available beginning at 2pm at Grace prior to the service and during the post service gathering.

In Lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations to Grace Episcopal Church (116 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI) or Lifesong for Orphans (PO Box 40, Gridley, IL 61744, https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate/).

The family of Archie Wallen give thanks to those who cared for him in his final days both at Capitol Lakes, and members of Agrace Hospice.


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Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406

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