John Randolph Axe

John Randolph Axe obituary, Detroit, MI

John Randolph Axe

Upcoming Events

Mar

12

Service

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church

157 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Mar

12

Service

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church

157 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

John Axe Obituary

Published by Legacy on Feb. 5, 2026.
John Randolph Axe passed away at the age of 87 in Detroit, Michigan, due to cancer. Born on April 30, 1938, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, John was a beacon of knowledge and expertise who left an indelible mark on his profession and those who had the fortune to know him.

John studied Political Science at the University of Michigan before continuing his education at Harvard Law School. His passion for law and governance was evident in his long and illustrious career, which spanned six decades. Throughout his career, John was revered as a well-respected expert in municipal law. His contributions were pivotal in enacting laws and practices that continue to guide the field to this day.

Beyond his professional achievements, John was a family man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda S. Axe, and his daughter, Cathie Axe (Chris); son, Peter Axe; daughter Meredith Shanle (John); daughter Sara Axe Lucas (Steve); son Jay Axe; grandsons Brady Shanle and Sawyer Lucas; stepson Gregory Stroh (Christine); stepdaughter Suzanne Berger-Stroh (Amy); and step grandchildren Phillippa Berger-Stroh and Charlotte Stroh.

John's Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions and providing comfort through the trials and triumphs he encountered. Those who knew John appreciated his intelligence, passion, and analytical mind. A voracious reader, John's love for history was evident in his extensive collection of books. He was also an avid collector of maps, whirlygigs, antiques, war posters, and sports ephemera. Each piece in his collection had a story, and John was always eager to share it with others, bringing history to life with his vivid storytelling.

As we remember John Randolph Axe, we reflect on a life that was rich in knowledge, love, and service. His legacy will live on not only in the legal frameworks he helped shape but also in the hearts of those who knew him. John's life reminds us of the impact one individual can have on the world, and he will be deeply missed.

Services will be held on March 12, 2026 at 10 am at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms. A luncheon will follow at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.

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Upcoming Events

Mar

12

Service

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church

157 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Mar

12

Service

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church

157 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels