Archibald, Margaret McKinley

Margaret was born to Lorna (nee Peck) & Dan McKinley in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.  Margaret was the third of ten children born to Lorna.  Margaret is predeceased by her parents; siblings Danno (Shelagh Cullen), Marc, Terese; and brother-in-law Peter Lieven.  She is survived by her husband, Bill; sons, Ian (Sara Langston) & Brian; grandsons Bennett, Grant, Theodore; siblings, Tim (Mary Koenig), Mary (Peter Lieven) Marcia (Dan Smith), Nancy (Kevin Stiles), Joe (Penny Phillips) and Doug (Laurie Slaats); a wealth of nieces & nephews.

Margaret met her husband Bill (William Archibald IV) in 1980.  Becoming fast friends resulting from sports participation, and in particular, her deep respect for her family, faith, friends, birth state, and alma mater; The University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Bill was a transplant to the state of Wisconsin and adopted many of her interests in the Badger State.  She was a multi-decade season ticket holder of UW football and men's basketball.

Margaret, proud of her BA in journalism and interested in corporate business, managed pension benefit plans for Milwaukee heavy-manufacturers Nordberg, Rexnord, and ChemRex.

After numerous shared interests in softball, billiards and bowling leagues, hiking, boating, swimming, skating, skiing, and sledding activities, Margaret and Bill were drawn to be more than friends.   They married at St. Josaphat's Basilica in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 23, 1986.

Margaret and Bill enjoyed their life and times on the South Side of Milwaukee, but were drawn to home ownership in Ixonia, Wisconsin, with a want to raise children exposed to a suburban life and educated at a Catholic grade school (St. Jerome's Parish School, Oconomowoc, WI).   Margaret voluntarily left full-time employment with the birth of her first child in 1989.  She was the proud, involved, and protective mother to her two sons; Ian and Brian.

When her boys were of high school (Marquette University High School, Milwaukee, WI) age, Margaret became adept in metal hardware and was employed for numerous Ace Hardware and Fastenal locations in southeastern Wisconsin. 

After 20 plus years in Ixonia, a job change for Bill caused departure from Wisconsin, first moving to Michigan and then Louisiana.  Margaret was always open to the adventure in moving and Bill was grateful for her willingness to move to new places to support our family.  She lived her mantra of "bloom where you are planted".  She volunteered at food banks and elementary schools in both states.  She was generous in her care for rescue dogs Sparky, Butkus, Mabel, Oscar, and Rugby.

Leaving Louisiana in 2018, Margaret and Bill became residents of Florida and were able to live between the Sunshine State and the Empire State, pursuing the milder seasons in each state.  She enjoyed cycling and swimming and encouraged Bill to "use it or lose it".

Margaret was diagnosed with a life altering disease in 2019 ultimately resulting in her death.  As a friend expressed, "Margaret died the way she lived; with good cheer and bravery in faith, family, friends and country".

Throughout 2025 Margaret received kind and compassionate care from many employees of ActiveAge, St. Ann's Community, Rochester Presbyterian Homes and St. John's Home.  She was well cared for by Anne Marie, Cassandra, Crystal, Dawn, Erica, Gloria, Kiki, Leah, Samiya, Sandy, Shay,  Sonia, Tesha, Tracy and Unique.  Although Margaret could not always express her gratitude and thanks to these women, their help to Margaret was greatly appreciated.

Should you be inclined to make a charitable donation in Margaret's memory, please consider the ACLU, American Indian College Fund, Catholic Charities, Doctors Without Borders, Greenpeace, Maryknoll, Mercy Ships, Special Olympics, The Audubon Society, The Sierra Club, or charity of your choice for a contribution.

Bill had the best partner as friend, lover, spouse, parent to his children, and confidant.  Her faith, in the catholic tradition, was crucial to Margaret.  May she inherit God's grace and peace.  Interment to be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, New York.