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Martin M. Axtman
01/22/1904 — 03/12/2002
From Prosser, WA, US | Born in Orrin, North Dakota
Martin M. Axtman
Martin M. Axtman was born January 22, 1904, the son of Michael and Christine Staus Axtman, at the family homestead near Orrin, North Dakota where he attended a country school.
Martin met and married a country school teacher, Agnes Anseth, at Fulda Catholic Church on August 31, 1925. They then farmed the homestead until 1941 when he moved his family to Rugby, ND where he worked for the telephone company.
In 1946, he moved his family west and settled in Prosser, WA. Martin worked at the Hanford area for J. A. Jones. Then he worked as a carpenter/laborer for his cousin, Steve, Rupp Brothers and Vic Breitenfeldt. He was also a plumbers helper for Jack ORourke. He moved to Pasco in 1964, and managed 410 apartments before retiring in 1973 and moving to Richland.
He was a lifetime member of Labor Union 348. He was a member of Christ the King Church in Richland and Sacred Heart in Prosser
Martin and Agnes enjoyed entertaining other Senior Citizens and card playing. Later Martin became a full time nurse to his wife for 13 years.
In 2000, Martin moved to Prosser Manor where as a resident, he was pampered with loving attention.
Martin was a man of few words, but he had a great love for his family. He is survived by son, Darl Axtman and wife, Marilee, of Benton City; daughter, Florence Finn and husband, Gene, of Prosser; son-in-law, Norris Johnson and wife, Sharon; seventeen grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren and nineteen great great grandchildren; four sisters, all in their nineties, Phyllis Bickler, San Diego, CA, Mary Degenstein, Harvey, ND, Wally Cuddy, Pleasanton, CA and Kay Schneider, St. Paul. MN; and many nieces and nephews.
Martin was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Agnes; a son, Leo; daughters, Audrey Winters and Annabelle Johnson; granddaughter, Shelley; a sister, Lena Schabert; and brothers, Wendolyn, Pius, John and August.
The Rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2002, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2002, in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland, followed by a memorial mass at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Christ the King Catholic Church.
Visitation will be at Einans Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday.
Donations may be made in Martins memory to Lower Valley Hospice, 3920 Outlook Rd., Sunnyside, WA 98944.
Great Grandpa will always be remembered for his big smile, warm heart, and his overwhelming love for children. I will carry many great memories of him with me always.
Love Always,
Christine
Great Grand-Daughter
Thank you to all of our family and friends for their kind thoughts. Thanks also for all of the food and flowers sent to the services. It was wonderful to have all of you present. Dad would have been so proud and great ful to have been remembered so fondly by all. Our special hugs and kisses also to Florence for all of her kind help and loving care she has given to ALL of us, as well as to Dad over all these years.
Our love to all,
Darl and Marilee
Darl, Jill and Norrie,
Our family extends our
prayers during this time and
ask God to bless you with His
peace.
Sending our Love,
Joy, Debbie, Dianne & Paul
Grandpa & Grandma let us dip out toast in hot Chocolate and oatmeal.We were not allowed to do that at home.
That was very special to me.
I love the Holidays, vacations, any reason to come to Grandpa and Grandma’s was a great reason. They always make me feel special!!! They have a way of doing that and making each of us feel special to them.
Grandpa and Grandma thank you
for the wonderful memories I have growing up with you two.
I love you both
Being the eldest Grandchild, I always felt very blessed to of had such loving Grandparents as we had. I lived with my Grandparents for 2 years in my young childhood. Our Grandparents were our “life”. As my sister Sherry stated; our holidays were such beautiful memories because of their love, and nurturing they gave us. Those memories I will always cherish.
Heres what I remember about Grandpa Axtman:
Grandpa loved children. He loved teasing them, rough housing with them, and giving them horsy rides on his leg.
Grandpa would chatter his false teeth to scare you and make you laugh! He could dislodge his false teeth and chatter them without using his hands.
Grandpa would always say to the kids, Pull my finger, and then he would fart! He had the ability to do that almost every time. We thought that was so funny!
Grandpa had a slight German accent. When he said 33, it sounded like turdy-tree.
Grandpa snored like a lion. A few times, my brothers and I got to spend the night or weekend with Grandpa and Grandma. I remember waking up scared, because I heard a roaring sound coming from their bedroom. It was Grandpa snoring.
Grandpa teased animals. Grandpa would growl at dogs and poke at cats with his cane.
Grandpa and Grandma had lots of visitors at their house. Relatives and friends would always stop by for a visit.
Grandpa had big hands and fingers. He would “thunk” you on the head if you got in trouble or he’d “thunk” you just for fun. It hurt!
Grandpa liked Limburger cheese. Smelly, but good, I guess.
Grandpa’s facial expressions were hilarious! Especially, if something was sour.
Grandpa liked coffee with his sugar. He liked his sugar! Some people worried that he put too much sugar in his coffee – sometimes four teaspoonfuls! His health didnt suffer from that. Maybe thats one of his secrets for living to be 98 years old!
Grandpa was a man of few words. His way of saying hello sometimes was to poke you with his cane, acknowledge you by nodding his head, or by waving his hand.
Grandpa had a cute smile. All the ladies loved his smile!
The family wishes to thank those folks who came to Grandpa and Grandma’s house every week to give them communion.
And … Thank you to my aunts and uncles Florence and Gene Finn, and Darl and Marilee Axtman for taking good care of Grandpa during the last several years and especially the last few months.
We will all miss Grandpa Axtman very much, but he’s in a better place. There’s probably a big family reunion happening right now in heaven. I’m sure it’s a humdinger! Enjoy!
I love you, Grandpa!
Jill Johnson Meinecke
Granddaughter
Thank you for everything, you will be deeply missed. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers always.
Love,
Marty-Grandson
We have such wonderful memories of Great Grandpa and will miss him dearly. We all were so lucky to have him with us for so long. Another thing I am so thankful for is that he got to spend some time with my daugher Alyssa His Great-Great Granddaughter I will never forget how she would smile for him. We will miss you forever Grandpa.
Love,
Amber & Ashley Finn – Great Granddaughters
Grandpa,
We are thinking of you and know that you are in the most
wondrous, joyful place of all: In our Lord’s kingdom in
heaven, where you belong beside Grandma.
The two of you have left a
legacy with your children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren. We all thank
you for being the loving, fun
grandparents you were! We
feel so blessed to have had you in our lives. You will live forever in our hearts.
Love,
Ron, Georgia, Ryan, Kevin & Kyle
I knew Mr. Axtman from one of his granddaughters, Jill Johnson Meinecke and he was a very kind, quiet man. I enjoyed riding our bikes to their house in Richland and stopping by to visit with both of them and take a break from our bike ride or else to take a quick dip in their pool. He has a lovely family that he leaves behind and had a wonderful life full of love, joy and laughter and he will be truly missed by everyone that he knew.
when grandpa would ask us kids to pull his finger and then he would ‘fart’ he found that very funny. i also remember going to there house in the summer time and going swimming it was alot of fun . he will be missed.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures and brief history. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Grandpa,
You and Grandma have been two influential people in my life. Your love and care for your family will long be remembered. We all will remember your loving hospitality that you extended to all that visited your home. It was always a pleasure going to see you. There was always lots of awesome food, tons of laughs, and love and sharing. Your love of family is something that will be passed down from generation to generation. Us kids could not ask for better grandparents–you were the best! Thank you for everything! After Grandma passed away, you did o.k. taking care of yourself Grandpa. However, I knew that you might get lonely, so I tried to call you and visit you often. I really enjoyed visiting with you Grandpa. I especially enjoyed your stories about the good old days back in North Dakota. You saw a lot of things happen in your lifetime and I wanted to know more about the past. Thank you for sharing with me. I am really going to miss you, but I know that you are in Heaven with Grandma, other family members, and God. Take care and watch over us. Love, Gary
I have very fond memories of visiting Uncle Martin in Pasco, Wa when I was eleven or twelve. God bless him.
As one of uncle Martin’s nephews and my Godfather and neighbor at the homestead, I will always remember him as my best uncle and friend. He taught me a lot about everyday work on the farm.
I remember the first job I had at about 6 years old. I’d ride the horse and Uncle Martin worked the potato cultivator.
On Sunday Uncle Martin would make home made ice cream, which in those days that was rare.
We would have picnics in the trees with Aunt Agnes,Leo, Audry,Florence,Annabell and Darl.
We left the homestead, but I went to visit him every chance I could.
He was a good husband, father, and a great uncle. I will miss him. He is in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless him.
Grandpa, We will miss your sense of humor and your quiet strength. We will remember you always and hope you are at peace. I know Grandma was waiting for you. We will think of you when we hear Lawrence Welk or when we see home canned foods. You are a one of a kind. Special thanks to Florence,Darl,Gene and Marilee for their support in caring for this special person.
Great Grandpa will always be remembered for his big smile, warm heart, and his overwhelming love for children. I will carry many great memories of him with me always.
Love Always,
Christine
Great Grand-Daughter
Thank you to all of our family and friends for their kind thoughts. Thanks also for all of the food and flowers sent to the services. It was wonderful to have all of you present. Dad would have been so proud and great ful to have been remembered so fondly by all. Our special hugs and kisses also to Florence for all of her kind help and loving care she has given to ALL of us, as well as to Dad over all these years.
Our love to all,
Darl and Marilee
Darl, Jill and Norrie,
Our family extends our
prayers during this time and
ask God to bless you with His
peace.
Sending our Love,
Joy, Debbie, Dianne & Paul
Grandpa & Grandma let us dip out toast in hot Chocolate and oatmeal.We were not allowed to do that at home.
That was very special to me.
I love the Holidays, vacations, any reason to come to Grandpa and Grandma’s was a great reason. They always make me feel special!!! They have a way of doing that and making each of us feel special to them.
Grandpa and Grandma thank you
for the wonderful memories I have growing up with you two.
I love you both
Being the eldest Grandchild, I always felt very blessed to of had such loving Grandparents as we had. I lived with my Grandparents for 2 years in my young childhood. Our Grandparents were our “life”. As my sister Sherry stated; our holidays were such beautiful memories because of their love, and nurturing they gave us. Those memories I will always cherish.
Heres what I remember about Grandpa Axtman:
Grandpa loved children. He loved teasing them, rough housing with them, and giving them horsy rides on his leg.
Grandpa would chatter his false teeth to scare you and make you laugh! He could dislodge his false teeth and chatter them without using his hands.
Grandpa would always say to the kids, Pull my finger, and then he would fart! He had the ability to do that almost every time. We thought that was so funny!
Grandpa had a slight German accent. When he said 33, it sounded like turdy-tree.
Grandpa snored like a lion. A few times, my brothers and I got to spend the night or weekend with Grandpa and Grandma. I remember waking up scared, because I heard a roaring sound coming from their bedroom. It was Grandpa snoring.
Grandpa teased animals. Grandpa would growl at dogs and poke at cats with his cane.
Grandpa and Grandma had lots of visitors at their house. Relatives and friends would always stop by for a visit.
Grandpa had big hands and fingers. He would “thunk” you on the head if you got in trouble or he’d “thunk” you just for fun. It hurt!
Grandpa liked Limburger cheese. Smelly, but good, I guess.
Grandpa’s facial expressions were hilarious! Especially, if something was sour.
Grandpa liked coffee with his sugar. He liked his sugar! Some people worried that he put too much sugar in his coffee – sometimes four teaspoonfuls! His health didnt suffer from that. Maybe thats one of his secrets for living to be 98 years old!
Grandpa was a man of few words. His way of saying hello sometimes was to poke you with his cane, acknowledge you by nodding his head, or by waving his hand.
Grandpa had a cute smile. All the ladies loved his smile!
The family wishes to thank those folks who came to Grandpa and Grandma’s house every week to give them communion.
And … Thank you to my aunts and uncles Florence and Gene Finn, and Darl and Marilee Axtman for taking good care of Grandpa during the last several years and especially the last few months.
We will all miss Grandpa Axtman very much, but he’s in a better place. There’s probably a big family reunion happening right now in heaven. I’m sure it’s a humdinger! Enjoy!
I love you, Grandpa!
Jill Johnson Meinecke
Granddaughter
Thank you for everything, you will be deeply missed. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers always.
Love,
Marty-Grandson
We have such wonderful memories of Great Grandpa and will miss him dearly. We all were so lucky to have him with us for so long. Another thing I am so thankful for is that he got to spend some time with my daugher Alyssa His Great-Great Granddaughter I will never forget how she would smile for him. We will miss you forever Grandpa.
Love,
Amber & Ashley Finn – Great Granddaughters
Grandpa,
We are thinking of you and know that you are in the most
wondrous, joyful place of all: In our Lord’s kingdom in
heaven, where you belong beside Grandma.
The two of you have left a
legacy with your children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren. We all thank
you for being the loving, fun
grandparents you were! We
feel so blessed to have had you in our lives. You will live forever in our hearts.
Love,
Ron, Georgia, Ryan, Kevin & Kyle
I knew Mr. Axtman from one of his granddaughters, Jill Johnson Meinecke and he was a very kind, quiet man. I enjoyed riding our bikes to their house in Richland and stopping by to visit with both of them and take a break from our bike ride or else to take a quick dip in their pool. He has a lovely family that he leaves behind and had a wonderful life full of love, joy and laughter and he will be truly missed by everyone that he knew.
when grandpa would ask us kids to pull his finger and then he would ‘fart’ he found that very funny. i also remember going to there house in the summer time and going swimming it was alot of fun . he will be missed.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures and brief history. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Grandpa,
You and Grandma have been two influential people in my life. Your love and care for your family will long be remembered. We all will remember your loving hospitality that you extended to all that visited your home. It was always a pleasure going to see you. There was always lots of awesome food, tons of laughs, and love and sharing. Your love of family is something that will be passed down from generation to generation. Us kids could not ask for better grandparents–you were the best! Thank you for everything! After Grandma passed away, you did o.k. taking care of yourself Grandpa. However, I knew that you might get lonely, so I tried to call you and visit you often. I really enjoyed visiting with you Grandpa. I especially enjoyed your stories about the good old days back in North Dakota. You saw a lot of things happen in your lifetime and I wanted to know more about the past. Thank you for sharing with me. I am really going to miss you, but I know that you are in Heaven with Grandma, other family members, and God. Take care and watch over us. Love, Gary
I have very fond memories of visiting Uncle Martin in Pasco, Wa when I was eleven or twelve. God bless him.
As one of uncle Martin’s nephews and my Godfather and neighbor at the homestead, I will always remember him as my best uncle and friend. He taught me a lot about everyday work on the farm.
I remember the first job I had at about 6 years old. I’d ride the horse and Uncle Martin worked the potato cultivator.
On Sunday Uncle Martin would make home made ice cream, which in those days that was rare.
We would have picnics in the trees with Aunt Agnes,Leo, Audry,Florence,Annabell and Darl.
We left the homestead, but I went to visit him every chance I could.
He was a good husband, father, and a great uncle. I will miss him. He is in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless him.
Grandpa, We will miss your sense of humor and your quiet strength. We will remember you always and hope you are at peace. I know Grandma was waiting for you. We will think of you when we hear Lawrence Welk or when we see home canned foods. You are a one of a kind. Special thanks to Florence,Darl,Gene and Marilee for their support in caring for this special person.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I have so many fun memories of Grandpa! The most fond one was his love for his family, it was so unique, and I am so blessed because I get to see it in my dad everyday!! What a great role model they both are to me! He was so good with us grandkids! I am so glad he was a part of my life for so many years. What a comfort it is to know that he lived such a full life! I know now that he is in heaven, a better place with God, smiling down on us all! I wish I could’ve been there with all the family, you are all so wonderful and great supports to each other. You are all in my prayers and I love you all! Love, Katie
Granddaughter
I remember mostly his sense of humor, he always made me laugh the few times I did see him as a child. We also havesomthing in common, we share the same birthday. So he will always be remembered and celebrated when our shared birthday comes around. Also we share it with George Washington wich is kind of special too. So I will never forget to wish you a Happy Birthday to my Great Grandpa, Goodbye and i’ll miss you. Sincerely, Michael…
Guestbook for
Martin M. Axtman