Leo O. Axdahl

Leo O. Axdahl, 88 of Devils Lake ND passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021 at his home in the loving care of his family.

Leo Oscar Axdahl, son of Oscar and Tura (Hanson) Axdahl was born on February 3, 1933 in Eland Township. He grew up in the Hitterdal area, attending the Hitterdal High School.  In his Senior year, Leo enlisted in the United States Navy.  He honorably and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Dyess in the Mediterian.  He was honorably discharged from active duty on August 17, 1954 with the rank of GM3. (Gunner’s Mate Third Class)

     After Leo’s discharge, he returned to Minnesota and would meet the love of his life, Sharon Lerud in a potato field in Twin Valley MN.  They were united in marriage on May 28, 1955 and established their home and started their family in Moorhead MN.  Leo worked as a butcher for the Red Owl Corporation for several years.  This led the family to Devils Lake in 1963 and he formed a partnership with Marv Olson and they became owners and operators of Marv and Leo’s Red Owl.  In 1985, he retired and he and Sharon moved to Nevada. 

Leo was a mover and a builder.  He and Sharon would move several times between Nevada and Minnesota, building homes and lasting friendships wherever they settled.  In 2003, they moved back to Devils Lake and called it home the rest of their lives.  Sharon died on June 20, 2019. 

Leo was always very active in the community he lived.  He was a life member of the VFW, Elks Lodge and Eagles Lodge.  While in Devils Lake he was instrumental in the formation of the Lake Region Ambulance Service.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, growing both vegetables and flowers. 

He was a devoted husband, caring for Sharon during her several years of health challenges and a loving Dad, grandpa and great grandpa.  He loved to visit and never met a stranger. 

Leo’s loving family include his children Jorgee Radtke, LeRoy (Mary) Axdahl, Todd (Kaye Erickson) Axdahl and Tyler (Katherine) Axdahl all of Devils Lake; grandchildren Kelly (Devin) Kroshus, CallieJo (Chris) Hoffert, Joshua William O. Streifel: Casie (Chase) Freidig, Carley (Dylan) Bostic: Nathan Axdahl, Bryce Axdahl, Collin Axdahl; great grandchildren Bridjet, Emma, Dakota, Dominic, Jewel, Lance, RyLynn, Reese, Shelby, Leo, Louis and Audrey; sisters Eleanor Lerol, White Bear Lake, MN and Kay Winnans, Bemidji MN and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharon, son-in-law Fred Radtke, brothers Armond, Gene, Dewey and Donnie Axdahl, sisters Marion Crowell and Elaine Berg.