Nick Axtmann

Funeral mass was held Thursday, March 26 at Little Flower Catholic Church for Nicholas F. “Nick” Axtmann, 89, Rugby, who died Saturday, March 21 at the Heart of America Long Term Care Center.

Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring.

Nick was born May 17, 1919 in the home of his parents in Tuscarora Township, Pierce County, the son of Frank J. and Magdalena (Bohl) Axtmann. He was raised in the home of his parents and received his education in Brazil #2 rural school. On April 5, 1943 he married Veronica “Vernice” Bertsch in Balta. The couple farmed and ranched on the Axtmann family farm in Tuscarora Township. He retired from active farming in 1978 and moved into Rugby.

He was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church and served as a eucharistic minister for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a 4th Degree Knight and was a past Grand Knight. He served on the township board for 25 years and the Tunbridge Elevator board of directors. He was also a member of the Catholic Aid Society and the Germans from Russia Heritage Society.

He is survived by his wife; children, Kathy Hove, Fort Myers, Fla.; Karen Ratcliff, Rotunda West, Fla.; Joseph, Morris, Minn.; Keith, Rugby; Frank J., Watford City; and Nicki Haman, Towner; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Gunda Busch, Bismarck; Lena Mack, Harvey; and Rose Durbin, St. Petersburg, Alaska.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Anthony in infancy and Rev. Father Joseph S. Axtmann; two sisters, Clara Hagel and Elizabeth “Betty” Gilday; and a granddaughter.

Fr. Tom Graner and Msgr. Father Joseph Senger officiated. Organist was Angie Deplazes. Vocal leaders were Joseph and Kathleen Axtmann and Marie Langbehn.

Casketbearers were Jeremy Axtmann, Leonard Haman, Chad Hove, Jamie Ratcliff, David Hagel, Richard Hagel, Nick Mack and Blaine Mack. Honorary bearers were members of the John F. Kennedy #0786 Assembly of the 4th Degree, Rugby.

Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.