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KATHLEEN ANN AXELSON

1954 - 2009

KATHLEEN ANN AXELSON obituary, 1954-2009, Mount Vernon, WA

BORN

1954

DIED

2009

KATHLEEN AXELSON Obituary

Kathleen Ann Axelson relinquished her three decade long battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Leukemia cancers on December 8, 2009 at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.

Kay was born in Bellingham on May 28, 1954 to Rosella and Jack Nesheim of Burlington. She went to local elementary school and graduated from Burlington High in 1972. While attending Skagit Valley Community College she met her future husband Maynard. During college Kay worked at the Skagit Valley Herald and later for the federal agency Skagit Rural Opportunities.

Kay and Maynard married on February 19, 1977 and settled on Fir Island. The "city girl" had already developed a unique relationship with father-in-law Russell, the farmer. She had the ability to turn everyday chores into special moments they shared.

Son Chris came along on February 20, 1980, six weeks early due to Kay's diagnosis with Hodgkin's disease. After two years of treatment she was back to being a full time mother and raising calves on their dairy farm.

If Kay became interested in a cause, she was always fully engaged.

Chris's youth sports lead to a taxi service for many to soccer and little league. Suddenly she was involved in coaching a team that went on to a district championship!
Soon the city girl was showing cattle with Maynard from British Columbia to California to Wisconsin. One trip to Madison led to a stop at Mount Rushmore with a trailer load of cattle. She became treasurer for The Skagit County Holstein Club and served on the state board of directors. Eventually peers elected her to be the first woman president of the Washington State Holstein Association. Kay chaired the committee organizing Host Day for the 1994 National Holstein Convention in Seattle.

Her next project was "Cow Town", show casing the farm as a part of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Visitors from around the world enjoyed her barn displays, many returning year after year.

Kay was especially proud of the education programs she put on for school field trips at the farm. Thousands of kids were mesmerized by her animals and didn't even realize that they were learning where food comes from.
Often children in the grocery store would shout to their bewildered parents, "There's farmer Kay".

Her final special involvement was teaming with dear friends in the Carolyn Johnson Guild to fund raise for Children's Hospital, eventually serving as Guild President. She pushed for live auctions that forced husbands to learn new roles, turning the fundraisers into major family events.

Another of Kay's special enthusiasms was for planning family vacations.

This led to hikes in Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Bryce Canyon and Denali national parks. Some of Kay's other joys were crafting, spending time with family and of course she was ready at any moment to show her unlimited energy on the dance floor.
She often mixed these passions in with years of regular treatments for Lymphoma and more recently Leukemia. She had high praise for Dr. Shetabi and his staff of oncology nurses at United General Hospital.

Kay had a total unselfishness, always dedicating herself to family and friend's needs and never met an animal that she didn't like.

Kay is survived by husband Maynard of Fir Island, son Chris (Laura) Axelson of Mountlake Terrace, Mother Rosella Nesheim of Burlington, sisters Vicki (Dave) Eisenman of Oak Harbor and Jan Nesheim of Burlington. Brothers Mike (Teresa) Nesheim of Sedro Woolley and Mark (Jennifer) Nesheim of Seattle. Aunts Alice (Jim) Lafond of Ferndale and Ruth (Harold) Garrett of Olympia. Uncle Neil (Clarice) Nesheim of Everett. Sister in law Kathleen (David) Leander of Indianapolis, Indiana. "Sister in Spirit" Kathy Thomson of Sedro-Woolley along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in passing by her father Jack Nesheim, Mother in Law Madge Axelson and Father in law Russell Axelson.

Memorials are suggested to: Carolyn Johnson Guild for Children's Hospital of Seattle, 12363 Timber Lane, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, Washington State Holstein Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 519 Carnation, WA 98014.

A memorial celebration of her life will take place from 3 to 6 pm on December 16th at the Farmhouse Restaurant.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Dec. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for KATHLEEN AXELSON

Not sure what to say?





Marilyn Mayor

January 3, 2010

I miss you Kay.

Our friendship began 30+ years ago when you & I worked together at the Skagit Valley Herald. I have fond memories of the wonderful Nesheim family "adopting" me for many holiday celebrations when I couldn't be with my family who were far, far away. I got to see the beautiful romance you and Maynard shared blossom and I was honored to be a bridesmaid at your wedding. Even after I moved away, you visited me in California and we kept in touch through letters and emails filled with news of all your activities ... family life, the farm, Cowtown, readying for Tulip Festival, charitable activities and the zillion craft projects. Every year you sent calendar photos of Chris & a cow.

Your life was filled with love, laughter, and boundless energy. In spite of "the inconvenience" of medical treatments, you were the most go-see-do person I have ever met. Your positive attitude was an inspiration ... especially during my own brief health "hiccup." Thank you for all you gave to all of us and my condolences and prayers to your cherished Maynard, Chris, and family.

Dunrenton Ranch

December 29, 2009

There where so many times that I saw Kay at the fairs and thought she is always on the move and never stops. You are in our thoughts and prays. Now her and my dad are up there looking down on us to make sure we taking care of the cows right and just smiling and laughing together.

Wendy (Schilter) Erbsen

December 18, 2009

Maynard, May God hold your hand and heart during this difficult time. Please take time to rejoice and remember the many individual lives Kay touched and help mold. It is because of Kay and your guidance and wisdom in the registered Holstein breed that lead me to my adult life. Who would have known my first registered 4-H calf “Rania” from Firdell farms, which I purchased at the Lewis County sale in 1978, would have lead me to college in California and to marry a registered Holstein breeder in Illinois. I thank you both for all that you have done to create who I am. May we all carry on the selfless and kind action like Kay.

John Smalley

December 16, 2009

Dear Maynard and Chris, The Smalleys have such great memories of Kay. She will be remembered for her enthusiasm for everything she took her mind to. Chad's first comment was about the 4H days and what a great leader she was. Of course the Holstein group would not have been the same without her. You are so blessed to have had her in your lives. Thanks for sharing her with so many of us. Yours, John, Cheryl and Chad.

Kathy Pettersen

December 16, 2009

Dear Maynard, I am so very sorry for your loss; the little I knew of Kay, she was really a "rock" and a very unique and wonderful person. I remember coming to your house on Fir Island as you were remodeling the "BIG" house - what a monumental labor of love! Bless you.

December 16, 2009

Wow, you are so lucky to have had Kay with you for the time you had. myself being a former dairy women, want to thank you for letting us have her also, she was a blessing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Judy Odermann, Dairy Woman Thurston County

December 15, 2009

Maynard,
Even though we've been away from Washington for 7+ years, we still fondly remember those wonderful times spent with you and Kay. She was a special friend to both of us and an inspiration to me. Sending our thoughts and prayers across the miles.
Love, Brian & Tami Behnke, Wisconsin

December 14, 2009

Maynard & Family;
Wow, I always enjoyed Kay at the fairs and dairy events I attended. I had no idea of her struggles with cancer, she certainly never let on that there was anything wrong. Always a bundle of energy and smiles! I was so proud of how she educated everyone on dairy issues from caring to calves and how important dairy farming was to the community. I am just so sorry, she will be missed but always remembered.

God bless,
Gloria Edwards, Oakvile WA

Jim Lohman

December 14, 2009

Maynard, my deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. May your love and trust in God provide you with strength at this most difficult time in life's journey. Peace be with you and yours Maynard.

Patti Baines

December 14, 2009

I only knew "farmer kay" from the many field trips to "cow town" I had the pleasure to attend as a preschool teacher.
She was a joyful, intelligent woman, with a passion for helping young children understand the importance of the family farm. I still remember her telling us that the most beautiful cow in Washington state lived at cowtown!
My heartfelt prayers are with you and your family at this time.
sincerely
Patti Baines

Dale Johnson

December 14, 2009

Maynard, I am so sorry for your loss. Kay was such a blessing to you and all who knew her. I followed your family from a distance over the years. The news was always so special because of the exciting projects you and Kay developed

Randy Valentine

December 13, 2009

Maynard,
Sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. May God comfort you during this time.

Alice Oosterhof

December 13, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

December 13, 2009

Maynard - Kay was a truly beautiful person. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sad to hear that Kay passed away. She will be missed dearly... Lynn and Randy VanWieringen

Kirt Sloan

December 13, 2009

Maynard and Chris,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kay was one in a million, and a very special person. All of us in the dairy industry will remember her fondly and cherish the memory of her smile and her positive attitude.

Lori Hargrave

December 13, 2009

Maynard...Kay was the salt of the earth. A complete joy to around. I am so happy that I got to know her for the short while that I did. My heart felt sympathy for you and yours. So sorry... Lori Hargrave

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