Agnes Axtman

Agnes Z. Axtman, the daughter of Paul and Clara (Vetsch) Sand was born on June 12, 1927, in Rugby, North Dakota. Agnes died at the age of 96 years on March 19, 2024, at the Heart of America Care Center in Rugby.

Agnes was raised in the family home in Balta. She attended school at Balta graduating valedictorian of the class of 1945. Agnes was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and was a member of the St. Ann’s Christian Mothers and the church choir where she served as the choir director for many years. On January 6, 1947, she was united in marriage to John S. Axtman at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Balta. Together the couple raised four children, Sheila, Mark, John, and Steve. Living together on the Axtman farm, Agnes and John farmed the land, and spent countless hours working their dairy industry. Agnes and John owned and operated the Rugby Livestock Auction business where she was the business office manager, later she was employed at Carol Ann’s Antique Shop in Rugby for 14 years and was also the recording secretary of the Pierce County Water Board for many years. Agnes enjoyed her years volunteering at the HAMC long term care center in Rugby, loved attending the sporting and school events of her children and grandchildren. Her hobbies included quilting and crocheting, making many quilts and Afghans for her family. She quilted with the ladies from First Lutheran Church in Rugby. The quilts were sent to the World Relief organization which gave Anges great purpose. She embroidered countless dish towels for all family and friends to enjoy. Agnes and John’s lives were centered around family, church, and farming,

Agnes is survived by a daughter, Sheila Axtman of Phoenix, Arizona; sons: Mark (Debra) of Phoenix, Arizona; John (Pat) of Williston, North Dakota; and Steve (Loy) of Rugby, North Dakota; 7 grandchildren; Nathan, Matthew (Alison), Kayla, Jake (Ciara), Casey (Abbie), Zachary (Alli) and Zane; and 10 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, John (2002); a grandson, Travis Axtman; George Meyer of Phoenix, Arizona, partner of daughter Sheila; sisters, Christine, Catherine, Rosa, Joan, and Monica; brothers, Paul, Peter, Claude, John, Phillip, Anthony, Meinrad and Gerald; and her parents.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with vigil prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby and will continue Monday in the church for one hour prior to the service.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 25th at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta with spring burial will be in the Church Cemetery, Balta. Father John Aerts, officiating.

Casket Bearers: Grandchildren: Nathan, Matthew, Kayla, Jake, Casey, Zachary, and Zane Axtman.