Archer Niese

MILLER CITY – Archer Niese, 9, of Miller City, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Archer was born on March 9, 2017, at St. Rita's Medical Center to Tyler and Kayla (Steffan) Niese.

Archer was the beloved second of four children. He is survived by his parents; his sisters: Cecelia and Mabel Niese; and his grandparents: Thomas and Tina Niese and Kathleen (Rieman) Steffan and partner Bruce Mandel. He was preceded in death by his brother, Agustin “Gus” Niese and grandfather, George Steffan.

Archer loved his family and friends so dearly. Other surviving family include: His Godfather Andy and Katelyn (Gable) Niese and their children: Mya, Drew, and Molly; Courtney (Niese) and Jeff Gerten and their children: Theo, Ophelia, Jericho and Adalee; Whitney (Niese) and Jeremy Gerding and their children: Maelie and Emery; Kylie (Niese) and Noah Otto and their daughter, Hadley; Godmother Anne Steffan, Paul Steffan, and Reid Steffan.

Archer attended Miller City New Cleveland Elementary and was looking forward to being a 4th grader next year. He loved playing games like gaga ball, wiffle ball, and football on the playground. He was one of the founding fathers of the Boys Club that had sessions at recess and spoke with so much passion and conviction when he really believed in things.

Archer was a child who loved with his whole heart. He had a special gift for making people smile and laugh and brought joy wherever he went. He never met a child he couldn't befriend and was known for making new friends everywhere he went. Archer possessed a remarkable ability to love others without judgment and to see the good in everyone he met.

Archer was a member of the Boy Scouts. He had a deep passion for science and engineering and was often found studying rocks, building robots with Legos, or learning about space. His creativity and artistic talent far exceeded his years, and his artwork proudly adorned his parents' refrigerator. He also expressed his artistic ability with his cousin and best friend as they wrote many small stories together on the bus and drew creative drawings with expression that would have made them both famous someday. Archer dreamed of one day attending The Ohio State University and pursuing his love of learning and discovery.

Archer always had a story to tell or a joke to share and was well-known for his unforgettable dance moves. He also had a tremendous love for baseball and wiffle ball and cherished the time he spent playing with his brother in the front yard and wherever their adventures took them.

Though his time with us was far too short, Archer's kindness, laughter, curiosity, and boundless love touched countless lives. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Archer was an organ donor and will continue to live on through someone else long after today.

Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Leipsic with Fr. Nick Cunningham officiating. Burial will be at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Leipsic. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic and 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday prior to Mass at St. Mary’s Parish Life Center, Leipsic.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gus and Archer Niese Memorial Fund at the Union Bank Company or Connections for Autism and Other Disabilities at https://www.connectionsforautismnwohio.org.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com