Evelyn Irene Axdahl

Evelyn Irene Axdahl was born on March 28, 1929 to Ted (Theodore) Barkve and Gunellia Gjerde Barkve, in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Ted died when Evelyn was two years old and a few years later Gunellia married M. Maurice Smith. It was a happy day when Maurice adopted Evelyn and she became Evelyn Smith. The family made their home first in Iowa, then moved to Minneapolis. Evelyn graduated from Edison High School in NE Minneapolis, then attended Emmetsburg Junior College, and the University of Minnesota. Evelyn’s relative introduced her to his Augustana College roommate, Les Axdahl, and the romance between Les and Evie blossomed into marriage at Concordia Lutheran Church in NE Minneapolis on September 23, 1950. They made their home in St. Paul, MN, and later, Maplewood, MN where they lived for more than 60 years. To their family were born four children, Gwen, Lee, Jane, and Ann. She was an active member of Lakeview Lutheran Church in Maplewood, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, serving on the Christian Education Board and in the women’s organization. She served on the Maplewood Fine Arts Board and Maplewood Boosters. Evelyn was a homemaker and dedicated mother, and volunteered in a variety of ways within the Roseville School District while her children were students there. She was a cheerleader for all the endeavors of her kids. She was a fine seamstress and made many of the clothes for her family as they grew. She was a faithful soulmate for Les throughout their nearly 65 years of marriage. Evie became involved in politics when she was elected Chairwoman of the 4th District Independent Republican Committee. She was elected as a voting delegate at all levels of political involvement from grassroots to state to national. She enjoyed volunteering for countless campaigns; meeting with elected representatives, senators, and presidents; traveling for state and national conventions; and meeting with other members of the Republican National Committee. She served for 22 years as the National Committeewoman from Minnesota. She had the opportunity to attend several inaugural festivities for Minnesota’s governors and United States presidents. Her children recall many evening gatherings hosted by Evie and Les in their home when future governors and elected officials were seated in the living room and kitchen. Evie enjoyed traveling. She looked forward to the annual week-long trips to the North Shore with her family. She traveled internationally as part of her political involvement to South Africa and Taiwan. She dearly loved trips to Norway and soaked up sun in the Caribbean. Evie lived with grace, determination, strength in adversity, and a humble servant’s heart throughout her life. Evie died on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at St. Therese of Woodbury. Remembering her life with love and joy and cherishing a wonderful mother are: Gwen (Kevin) Arneson of Cottonwood, MN; Lee (Lennis) Axdahl of Pierre, SD; Jane (Lindsey) Cartwright of Windom, MN; and Ann (Dave) Lund of Cottage Grove, MN. Celebrating a loving grandmother are: Bjorn (Brittany) Arneson; Hans Arneson; Ingrid Arneson (Paul) Rasmussen; Erik (Rachel) Axdahl; Andrew Axdahl; Sarah (Chris) Tailowright; Marissa Cartwright; Peder Lund; Kelsey (Nick) Sullivan; and Karl Lund (fiancée Riley Steenstra). Looking forward to hearing stories about their great-grandma are: Ella Ann Sullivan; Penelope Elizabeth Sullivan; Adrian David Sullivan; Leif Lester Arneson; Linus Samuel Axdahl; and Solveig Evelyn Rasmussen. Evelyn is survived by her sisters, Maurine (Sheldon) Johnson; Karen (Mark) Hyland; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lester, and a stillborn sister. Memorial gifts are preferred to Lakeview Lutheran Church, the Lester Axdahl Scholarship at Lakeview Lutheran Church, Augustana University (Sioux Falls, SD), Union Gospel Mission, or the donor’s choice of charity. The funeral service is Monday, January 22, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Lakeview Lutheran Church, 1194 E. Cty Rd. C, Maplewood with visitation at 9:30 AM.

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Evelyn Irene Axdahl

January 14, 2018

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