Axel Arthur Bostrom

Axel Arthur Bostrom passed away on June 14, 2025 at the age of 19, as a result of injuries he sustained in an automobile accident.

Axel was born in Landstuhl, Germany on September 12, 2005. Axel was a military "brat" as his father, Dr. Paul F. Bostrom, served in the Air Force for twenty years. During Axel's seven years in Germany, he discovered his love of soccer (especially being in the goalie net) and building Legos. Legoland was one of Axel's favorite places to visit as a child, and for many years he aspired to become a Lego Masterbuilder. Axel enjoyed making German friends in pre-school and kindergarten in Waldmohr, our German "hometown," as well as American ones he met on Joint Base Ramstein, where Axel attended elementary school.

After moving to the U.S. in 2013, Axel lived in Del Rio, TX, a small town on the Mexican border. In 2015, Axel and his family headed north to Lincoln, MA, where he attended Lincoln Public Schools for 4th-7th grades, and made many lifelong friends. A new military assignment brought Axel to Bethesda, MD for 8th and 9th grades before his family settled in Acton, MA in 2021.

A member of Concord Academy's Class of 2024, Axel excelled academically, socially and athletically, culminating with his acceptance to Duke University. Axel's natural athleticism shined at Concord Academy as a tri-season Varsity athlete, where he played soccer, basketball, and track & field. His senior year, Axel was a captain of each of his Varsity sports teams and helped the Boys Varsity Track & Field Team win their first ever EIL Championship in spring 2024.

Passionate about re-learning the language of his childhood, Axel attended the German Language School (GLS) for six months in Berlin, Germany during his 2024-2025 gap year. At GLS, he successfully completed a B2 intermediate language course. Axel spent the other half of his gap year as a Department of Defense employee working at the Hanscom Air Force Base Fitness Center in Bedford, MA. As a Recreational Specialist and member of the 66th Force Support Squadron, Axel fostered a love of physical fitness and sport in members. In addition, Axel trained for his first half marathon during his gap year, which he finished in Boston this past Memorial Day weekend.

Axel began Cub Scouts at the age of six in Germany and eventually crossed over to Boy Scout Troop 114 in Shrewsbury, MA, from which he earned Eagle Scout in August 2021 at the age of fifteen. In addition to Scouts, Axel combined his love of basketball and helping others with his repeated participation in the A Shot for Life Gauntlet basketball marathon fundraiser, ultimately raising over $3,000 for brain cancer research. Axel and his family belong to the historic Old North Church in Boston, where he volunteered during services as a reader of the Prayers of the People. He also joined the annual Greening of the Campus holiday decorating and several Outreach Ministry volunteer efforts.

People were Axel's passion. Here and abroad, Axel's light shines on through his friendships and the countless memories he shares with his loved ones.

Axel loved the arts- playing the piano, sketching, and film photography. More recently, Axel discovered his love of DJing. Axel began mixing music with his sister, Juliette, and quickly became obsessed with the art of mixing. In Berlin, Axel avidly watched many DJ sets and further fostered his love of techno music, which coincidentally is a favorite genre of his father.

A beautiful light, Axel is greatly missed by his parents, Dr. Paul and Robyn Bostrom, and his sister, Juliette, of Acton, MA; his grandparents, Bruce and Claudette Bostrom of Milwaukee, WI; his aunt, Deborah Jablonski of Forest Park, IL; his aunt, Patricia Clark (Miguel Pinales) of Maurertown, VA; his uncle, Ross J. Clark, Jr. (Christina Manos) of Shrewsbury, MA; his first cousins Maggie Clark and Matthew Clark of Shrewsbury, MA, Selene Melancon of Milwaukee, WI and Bradly Adams of Forest Park, IL; and many other relatives.

Axel was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Dr. Ross J. Clark, Sr and Dr. Bettie I. Clark of Washington, D.C.

Axel's life and legacy was celebrated during a memorial service on Saturday, June 21st at 10:00 am in Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord, MA. A reception gathering followed in the parish hall. Because Axel lived life with positivity and light, the family encouraged those attending to wear his favorite color, red, or bright colors, in his memory.

Please click here to access the video recording of Axel's service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. You are invited to share a favorite memory or photo of Axel here on his tribute page.