Paula Axtell

1944 - 2018

Axtell, Paula Paula Louise Axtell (nee Mitchell) passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Bonita Springs, FL, on November 19, 2018. She was born on June 5, 1944, in Detroit, MI to James & Lillian (nee Cottrell) Mitchell. Paula's parents predeceased her in 1956 and 1992, respectively. Paula grew up primarily in Kenosha, WI as one of seven children who lost their father at an early age. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in Kenosha and then worked in administrative roles for American Motors to help support her family until her marriage to Tim Lawler III in 1964. She became the beloved mother to four children; raising her kids was her life's pride and joy. After her divorce, Paula started her own successful business to help support her four children. In 1987, Paula met her match and great love, Dean Axtell. Together, they traveled the world while he was CEO of Trak International. He adored Paula and her children. They retired together in Bonita Springs. She cared for Dean with ceaseless devotion through his battle with cancer until he passed away in 2006. Paula was fortunate to have found a loving partner in Jim Nelson who served as her companion in life and love through her later years. She and Jim spent their time traveling between Bonita Springs, FL and Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas visiting family. She was immensely proud of her four children and ten grandchildren. Paula was a great cook and passed many of her favorite recipes on to her children and grandchildren. Paula had a close, loving bond with her six siblings that started in their shared childhood. She had a fantastic sense of humor with a quick wit and she loved to laugh. Paula also loved reading and would rarely be caught without a book or newspaper close at hand. She inspired this same intense love of reading and learning in each of her children and in many of her grandchildren. She is survived by her partner, Jim Nelson; four children Marianna (John) Kurzydlo of Deerfield, IL, Amy (Mark) Seiler of Charlotte, NC, Sheila (Ryan) Flaherty of Frisco, TX, and Tim (Lynn) Lawler IV of Lake Forest, IL; 10 grandchildren Lauren, Lily & Anna Kurzydlo, Taylor (Steve) Sutton, Patrick & Aidan Flaherty, and Clare, Charlotte, Timothy & Ian Lawler; and her six siblings Jean, Brian, Mike, Mary, Richard and Kathy. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, December 22 at 1:00PM at The Golden Mast Inn, W349 N5293 Lacy's Lane, Okauchee, WI 53069.