Anthony Axtmann

Anthony Axtmann, age 71, died November 2, 2009, in Tri City Hospital, Calif. He was born April 25, 1938 in Rugby, N.D., the fifth child, third son, of Nick P. Axtmann and Christine Massine Axtmann of Orrin, N.D. He was baptized Anton but used Anthony or Tony since his teens. Having attended school in Orrin, he graduated from Crosier Prep School in Onamia, Minn. in 1956.

In 1961, he received a B.S. degree, cum laude, from Minot State Teachers College and was on the library staff there. In 1963, he became librarian at Fallbrook High School in Fallbrook, Calif. He earned his master’s degree in Library Science from UCLA and returned to Grand Forks, N.D. Public Libraries.

On December 7, 1968, he married Jane Comey Bridges in Vista, California, who survives, as do step-sons James C. Bridges (Jeanine) and Daniel B. Bridges (Lynne). He also leaves grandchildren James O. Bridges and Taylor C. Bridges of Natchitoches, Louisiana and Claire C. Bridges, Mariel Jane Bridges and Ethan D. Bridges of Vista, Calif.

Tony was preceded to eternity by his parents Nick and Christine Axtmann; an infant brother, Paul; brother, Ferdinand (Fred); sister-in-law, Guenetta; and nephew, Eric Axtmann.

Survivors include sister-in-law, Christine (Fred) of Rugby; brothers, Edward (Betty) of Bismarck, George of Fargo, and Father David of Webster, S.D.; sisters, Mary Anne (Conrad) Schuster of Willow City, Sister Carol, OSB, of Rochester, Minn., Catherine (Harold) O’Connell of Elgin, Ill., and Alice (Budd) Henderschied of Center, N.D.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, godchildren and dear friends.

Tony was proud to have served in the Peace Corps as a teacher in Yemen. His retirement pleasures were his lovely garden, his videography and his pride in his German-Russian background.

Inurnment is planned at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Orrin, N.D., in the spring. Date to be announced later.