JOSEPH M. AXTMAN

Joseph M. Axtman , 77 of Minot, ND passed away on Saturday evening, April 28, 2012 at Manor Care Nursing Home, Minot. Mass of Christian Burial for Joe will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Fr. Dale Kinzler will celebrate the Mass. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will be held at the church on friday one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers will Joe’s grandson Tyler Piatz and his nephews Keith Warner, Bobby Axtman , Brian Volk, Eddie Senger and Don Axtman. Reading the Scriptures will be Rich Volk and Don Axtman. Gift Bearers will be Tyler & Kayla Piatz. Joseph Michael was born at home in Southam, ND on December 11, 1934, the son of Wendel and Evelyn (Koble) Axtman. He was raised and attended school in Southam also. Joseph worked at Lake Motor Buick Garage, Devils Lake Public School and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Joseph enjoyed his grandchildren and family gatherings. He loved to help out as a volunteer at the nursing home and to call Bingo. Joe is survived by Ethel Hamalainen, special friend of Minot; daughter, Tammy (Ken) Kraft of Burlington, ND and son, James Axtman of Fargo, ND; four grandchildren Mandy (Tim) Kraft-Smith, Jenny Kraft, Tyler Piatz and Kayla Piatz; three great grandchildren, Kenny, Johnathan and Jack Smith and his sister Katherine Herman of Devils Lake; many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Margaret Kritz, Maryann Senger, Christine Richter, Kenneth Axtman, Michael Axtman, Theresa Feirer, Thomas Axtman, Lena Haugen and Caroline Axtman. In memory of Joe, take the special people in your life out for ice cream treats and a burger as your memorial gift. That is what he enjoyed.