Michael Jon Axness

Michael Jon Axness, age 69, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, at PVSL and went to his eternal heavenly home. Mike was born on January 7, 1956, to Harvey and Frances (Holt) Axness and

13 short months later Mikes brother Tom was born.

Throughout Mike’s childhood, he and his brother did many things together as they were so close in age.

When they were young, “quite young”, they started worked as a team with their parents on the farm, swathing, combining and plowing in Norwegian Grove Township. When Mike & Tom were in their young teens they bought some gilts together, they farrowed and finished the hogs, this business lasted for 6 years. When Mike was 14, he and Tom would drive motorcycles, starting with 100cc Bridgestone’s, then 350 Honda’s, they drove all over the countryside. Did their parents really know where they were? If you know an Axness, some of them tend to have the need for speed, and Mike was no exception. There are stories. And when the motorcycles were worn out, parked, and driver’s licenses were acquired, these two young Axness men bought a Torino together. More stories…

Mike Graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1975. Following high school, he attended Moorhead Technical Institute and graduated with a 2yr Auto Mechanic Degree. Mike was baptized, confirmed, and has been a lifelong member at North Immanuel Lutheran Church & served on Church council.

Mike worked for Ripleys Inc operating a man powered backhoe aka-a spade. Mike worked for Farnams as a mechanic, Dilworth at the Round House- installing brakes on rail cars. He also worked at Federal Beef in Fargo, ND and Long Prairie Packing Co.- meat processing. From 1996 to present Mike was on disability ending his working career.

Mike was always fond of eagles, possibly admiring their majesty, wisdom, and most of all their freedom. Mike was always interested in how the farming was going for Tom, he always wanted the best for him. He took joy in his four nephews from childhood to adult, and was very proud of them, their wives and families. Mike was a patient caregiver for his mom in her later years and was very attentive to her needs. Mike and Fran would go for daily drives to visit family, friends, or out for coffee & treats.

Mike faced some very difficult challenges throughout his life. Yet he wasn’t bitter, he was kind, had a heart of gratitude, and a smile that stretched up to his eyes. On Nov 2016 Mike was in a one car accident that left him paralyzed. This accident resulted in a disability to walk, but it created an ability & opportunity for Mike to reach out to many with his Christian faith. Mike wasn’t hesitant to let others know that he believed in God and his forever home would be in heaven with Jesus with a healed mind and body. Mike didn’t complain about his circumstances. When asked do you need anything? He’d say, “I have all that I need.” Two days before Mike’s passing, he said “I’ve had a good life,” “A little more suffering and I will be able to walk again”

Mike was under the kind, patient, and compassionate care of the Pelican Valley Senior Living care team for 8 years, 2 months, and 27 days. He was also under the gentle comfort care of Vivie Hospice for his last week of life. 

Mike is survived by his brother Tom (Conni), Pelican Rapids, his nephews Justin (Rachel) Axness, Barnesville Joe (Teri) Axness, Rothsay, Jay (Samira) Axness, Rothsay, Jesse (Barbara)Axness, Hawley and great nieces & nephews, Jack, Allison, Samuel and Laura, Odin, Thea, Jens and Ole, Lena, and Zahra, Emma and Cora. One uncle Wally Holt, and Aunt Geneva (Holt) Adams, faithful cousins, and friends.

Mike is proceeded in death by his infant sister Susan, and his parents.