Obituary for Mr. Richard John Axelson Axelson, Richard “Dick, Ax” age 89, passed away peacefully in his home in St. Anthony Village on October 11, 2018 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was a graduate of Edison High School in Northeast Minneapolis. He went on to earn an Associate of Arts from the University of Minnesota.
He attended seminary, served in the United States Navy, and taught English in the Peace Corps in Brazil, where he met his wife of 49 years, Irena Axelson. Dick gave everything he had to teaching and making a difference in the lives of students. He started his teaching journey at Park Rapids High School (MN), but he spent most of his career teaching in the Minneapolis Public Schools, retiring as a social studies teacher at the heart of the South High School Partnership Program in 1995.
He lived his life tenaciously and unapologetically, with curiosity, laughter, joy, and purpose. He was a Christian, a teacher, a coach, a civic advocate, an activist, an instigator, a DEMOCRAT, a music-lover, a friend, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Irena; their three children, Janio Axelson, Davi Axelson (Bridget), and Nina Axelson (Don Huettl); three grandchildren, Rayna, Calum, and Emma; his sister Jeanne Woodbury; his nieces and nephews; in-laws; and extended family.
A celebration of Dick’s life will begin with a visitation at Washburn-McReavy Northeast Chapel on Monday October 22 (2901 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418), from 4:30-7:30 PM. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday October 23 at Salem Covenant Church (2655 5th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112). Visitation begins at 10:00 AM.
Service begins at 11:00 AM. Donations in lieu of flowers would be greatly preferred and may be directed to the South High Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union. Upcoming Events Visitation , OCT 22.
04:30 PM – 07:30 PM Northeast Chapel 2901 Johnson Street N.E. Minneapolis, MN, US, 55418 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Richard’s Visitation begins. Visitation , OCT 23. 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Salem Covenant Church 2655 5th Street Northwest New Brighton, MN, US, 55112 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Richard’s Visitation begins.
Memorial Service , OCT 23. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Salem Covenant Church 2655 5th Street Northwest New Brighton, MN, US, 55112 Order Flowers for the Memorial Service Guaranteed delivery before Richard’s Memorial Service begins.
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