Rose Axtell

Rose Marie (Flesner) Axtell was born on May 26, 1928 in Orient, SD to Frank and Luella (Coddington) Flesner. Rose married Bruce Axtell in 1946 in Portland, Oregon. Rose had 3 children, Tamrid, Bruce Jr., and Pamela. Rose moved from Sioux Falls in 1953 to Cohasset, MN. She then moved to rural Bovey in 1959. While working at Red Owl and JC Penney, she operated a dairy farm in Trout Lake Township. In 1968 she attended nursing school at Itasca Community College. In 1971 Rose moved to Portland, OR where she worked as a nurse at Emmanuel Hospital. She returned back to Grand Rapids in 1995 to work as a nurse at the Grand Rapids Hospital until 1998 when she retired. She moved to Farwell in January of 2010 to live with her daughter, Pam. Rose enjoyed gardening, collecting dolls and antiques. She belonged to the local garden and doll clubs. She was very talented at repairing antique dolls. Rose also enjoyed cooking, baking (the best chocolate cake), caring for others and playing cribbage. Rose loved being with her family and friends; especially spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rose died on December 19, 2012 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria at the age of 84. She is survived by her sons, Tamrid (Charlaine) Gatje of Pierre, SD and Bruce (Robin) Axtell of Isanti, MN; daughter, Pamela Bundermann of Farwell; grandchildren, Dawn (Erik) Filipiak, Steve (Karen) Bundermann, Michelle (Michael) Carlson, Denise Axtell, and David Axtell, step-grandchildren, Jackie (Tom) Archbold, Jay (Brenda) Ivers, and Jeff Ivers; 15 great-grandchildren, 8 step great-grandchildren, and 2 step great-great-grandchildren; brother, Gene (Patricia) Flesner of California; several nieces and nephews; and special friend William Marineau of Grand Rapids. A funeral service was held on Friday, December 21, 2012 at Oscar Lake Lutheran Church in Holmes City Township with Reverend Denise Croskey officiating. Music was provided by organist, Sara Rensink. Interment was held in the church cemetery. Casket bearers were Alex Ward, Steve Bundermann, Karen Bundermann, Cameron Filipiak, Erik Filipiak, and Dawn Filipiak. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.