August 'Gus' Axtman

August "Gus" A. Axtman, 86, of Maddock, N.D., passed away at the St. Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey, N.D., on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017.

He was born Sept. 11, 1930, to August E. and Barbara (Leboldus) Axtman in Selz, N.D. He went to a country school through the eighth grade, then continued his education at the Abbey in Richardton, N.D., graduating in 1950. He married Helen Keller on June 18, 1951, at the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Selz. He had several occupations before he went to work at Dahl Miller Ford in Harvey as a parts man. In 1958, he moved the family to Glasgow and worked for Hansen Merson Motors as a parts and shop foreman. In 1985, they moved again and opened Gus' Auto Supply NAPA Store in Maddock, N.D. They ran the store 10 years before retiring.

His hobbies included playing trumpet in several dance bands in Esmond, Selz and Harvey, N.D., in his earlier years. He loved to listen and dance to polka music. After retiring, he took up scroll sawing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August E. and Barbara; seven siblings, Leonard Axtman, Andrew Axtman, Christine Thomas, Mary Ann Carrejo, James Axtman, Wayne Axtman and Kathleen Westbrook.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen; eight children, Clarence Axtman of California, Pat Bissonnette and her husband, Glenn, of Oklahoma, Geri Ruggles and her husband, Mike, of Montana, Gus Jr. Axtman and his wife, Kita, of Montana, Bonnie Storle and her husband, Daryl, of California, Matt Axtman (Kathy Maxwell) of Minnesota, Julie Brewer and her husband, John, of Colorado, and Carol Keys and her husband, Daryl of Montana; 11 grandchildren, Adam Prewett, Melissa Oberquell, Jessie Cochran, Ryan Axtman, Sonya Mahlum, Kyle Axtman, Jena Storle, Brittany Storle, Lisa Axtman, Jordan Keys and Faith Keys; eight great-grandchildren, Tayte Prewett, Tomi Prewett, Shandon Oberquell, Alex Cochran, Kane Mahlum, Maddax Mahlum, Lincoln Axtman and Henry Axtman; three siblings, Lillian Keller, Barbara Stredwick and Charles Axtman and his wife, Marlene; two sisters-in-law, Anne Axtman, and Allie Axtman; and one brother-in-law, Lyle Westbrook.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Aug. 7, at the St. Williams Catholic Church in Maddock with Fr. Brian Bachmeier celebrating the Mass. Burial took place at the St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery in Selz. Music was provided by June Prom and Rosalie Axtman.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com. The Nelson Funeral Home of Maddock. is in charge of the arrangements.