August “Gus” Axtman

Funeral services were held Saturday, July 11, 2009 at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, Chico, Calif., for August J. “Gus” Axtman, 77, who died Thursday, July 2 after a brief illness.

Gus was born April 18, 1932 in Rugby to Florian and Mary Eva (Leboldus) Axtman. He attended rural elementary school at Brazil #2 and Rugby High School. He farmed with his brother, Andrew, until 1955 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the 8th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, Colo., from 1955 to 1957 and reached the rank of Specialist Third Class and was honorably discharged. He returned to Rugby and worked as an auto mechanic at M.J. McGuires dealership. He moved to Chico in 1963. There he married Mary Brown. He was a co-owner of East Ave. Brake and Wheel and later worked for Feather River Glass and Wood and West Gate Hardwoods. He was a master carpenter and built numerous furniture pieces. Some of his work was shipped worldwide.

He was a member of Our Divine Savior Catholic Church and helped serve meals at the Jesus Center and other facilities during the holidays.

He is survived by a brother, Andrew Axtman; two sisters, Ann Schall and Betty Angstadt; and several nieces and nephews, all of Rugby; stepsons, Steve and Ed Brown; a stepdaughter, Debbie DiGiordano; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, in California.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a sister, Helen Lascurain; two brothers, Ludwig and Rochus Axtman; and his parents.