1997
2018
William John Axel IV of Erie, Michigan died Friday, March 2, 2018. He was the victim of a senseless drive - by shooting in Toledo, Ohio. William was born October 17, 1997 to Diann (Waldorf) and William J. Axel III in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 2003 he and his brother Kyle came to live In Erie, Michigan with their paternal grandfather William Axel II and his wife Kay Axel. On November 23, 2004 they were formally adopted by William and Kay.
Billy attended Mason Consolidated Schools kindergarten through graduation in 2016. At Mason he served as Senior Class Representative on the Mason School Board, and participated in Youth in Government, Science Olympiad, The Wizard of Oz play, Football, Basketball, and Track.
Billy was baptized and confirmed at the Erie United Methodist Church where he was unconditionally loved, served as an acolyte, participated in many church programs and events, and was a member of the youth group. He loved computers, lifted trucks, loud music, and all people. Billy had a wicked sense of humor that allowed him to charm his way with his mother. Billy was polite and respectful and thought of others first - sometimes to his own detriment. He was inquisitive, and analytical. Billy questioned everything, was extremely independent and was living life on his own terms.
Billy is deeply loved and survived by his parents, William II and Kay Axel, brother Kyle Axel, sister Christine Axel, sister Samantha Waldorf, Grandmother Barbra Jean DeMayer, Great Aunt Mary Craig, Great Aunt Patricia Scott of Illinois, Uncle Tom Axel and Aunt Carla Axel of Louisiana, Uncle Robert Travis of California, Uncle Kevin Kryder and Aunt Valerie Kryder of Gains Michigan, cousins, Brent Kryder, Amber Johnson, Becky Degree, Bobby Travis, 6 second cousins, his dog Sophia, cat Pickles and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his Aunt Janice Travis, Grandfather Ted DeMayer, Paternal great-grandparents William and Donna Axel, Maternal great-grandparents Ansyle and Beryl McGurck, Cousin Lawrence T. Craig, and Uncle Lawrence P. Craig.
Visitation will be from 3:00 - 8:00 pm, Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman) Temperance, MI. Funeral services on Thursday will be held at 4:00 pm at the Erie United Methodist Church, 1100 E. Samaria Road, Erie, Michigan. Interment services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made in Billy's name to Mason High School Youth in Government, and Erie United Methodist Church Youth Ministries.
www.pawlakfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home.
Missing you can't see so much Billy! Some day we will be together again in Heaven! You are coming with me in thoughts, heart, mind and spirits!
Dianne Waldorf
February 28, 2021
Missing you so much Billy! Love you and know you are watching over all of us! See you in Heaven!
Dianne Waldorf
March 2, 2020
We're heartbroken to hear the news. Sending love and light... The McCosh Family
March 17, 2018
With Deepest Sympathy For Your Loss
The DeMayer Family
March 9, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Billy was a great kid, gone way too soon.
Jayne Herman
March 8, 2018
Precious Billy you left us way too soon! I have loved you since the day you were born! I have your Mom and Dad , Kay and Bill to thank for being such wonderful parents to you who loved and taken care of you to the best of their ability in every way! You left us far too soon! You will always be with each of us who loved you so much in our heart, mind and soul every single day! Love you!
Dianne Waldorf
March 8, 2018
I didn't know Bill but I know how dearly Grandma Jean loved him. I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute you have written of him. May God wrap his arms around your loving family.
Marsha Fenton
March 7, 2018
WITH MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS
Julie Lewandowski (Delrue)
March 7, 2018
Dear Bill and Kay,
I was profoundly sorry to hear of Billy's senseless death. I can't imagine your grief and pain. God bless you both and Kyle.
Love, Karen and Bill
Karen O'Connor
March 6, 2018
God bless your family during this most difficult time. Our hearts are broken.
The Jacklitch Family
Chad, Chuck, Patricia
PATRICIA jacklitch
March 6, 2018
I'm sorry for your loss. Kate I won't Say I can ever know how much you hurt from this senseless death. A loss of a child is the worst thing that can EVER happen to a parent.
CARL Rankin
March 6, 2018
Our deepest sympathy.
Sending our thoughts and prayers.
Dan and Sharon Sauvey
Sharon Sauvey
March 6, 2018
Heather Anderson
March 6, 2018
Billy it was great being your teammate and friend. You were the first to introduce yourself when I moved to mason, and from that moment on we have been friends. Love you man.
David Kelly
March 6, 2018
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