Philip M Axelson

Phil was my youth pastor at First Presbyterian, Bremerton. I came to Christ under his ministry there. At the time, I didn't know it but looking back I needed Phil's quiet yet firm demeanor and outlook as a young believer. He was one of the reasons I went into pastoral ministry. And Jonna Beth was right there also. Several times, my brother Mark and I spent the night at their home because our car would break down getting home and we drove quite a distance to be a part of the youth group at First Pres. Both Phil and Jonna Beth had servant-hearts who made so many of us know we were welcome both in their home and in the household of faith. I am ever grateful. Phil, I look forward to seeing you on the other side of eternity.

When Nancy and I served in Bethel, Ak, a bush village, we were always welcomed when coming to town. In fact, the church there allowed us to store our car at their parking lot. Phil and Jonna made Anchorage First Covenant feel like being in a bush church in the city! What a dynamic duo!

My favorite memories are two. The look on his face when he first saw me with my now wife ,Robin,when we were on our first date and then the happiness on his face when he gave Robin away at our wedding. Thank you Phil.I love you, my brother in Christ.

We shared a special friendship with Phil and Joanna. Just found this on facebook!

Our love and prayers of comfort go out to Jonna and family as we have just learned of Phil's Home-Going via Facebook today. We have been so blessed to have known Phil and Jonna through the many times they hosted us in their homes over the years when we were stateside between overseas missions service. What an amazing couple who have demonstrated clearly and generously their love for God and for their "neighbor". Their commitment to support missions and missionaries has been a tremendous blessing on MANY lives around the world. How very great must be the reward that Phil now enjoys in the presence of the Lord!

The world has lost a wonderful MAN OF GOD who showed GOD'S love to everyone he met. We had a bible study with him on the book of Revelation=A VERY TOUGH BOOK TO UNDERSTAND but he did a wonderful job of explaining it to us. Jonna Linda and I are praying for you and the whole family.

We were blessed to have Phil and Jonna as a part of our Christmann family. Over the years, they visited us in Minnesota and Arizona. I recall getting up early to start breakfast and to find Phil at the kitchen table with a bowl of oatmeal and his Bible. What a beautiful way to start his day! He was an inspiration to all of us

I will really miss him, but now he is with his Savior and pure joy, and love. So glad that about 4 years ago we were able to have that Bible study together with Rose Kelly, those were some real Holy moments, my sympathies go out to Jonna and the family. Love Lisa

Phil has made a difference in so many lives. We're grateful to have known him. Hugs and prayers for you as you navigate this transition.

Here is a Photo taken at Twin Harbors state park church camp. On the left is our advisor Larry, Phil in the middle and Bill Grant on the right and the 41 Chevy in the background.

I'm sorry to hear of Phil's passing..He was always genuinely glad to see me, and I enjoyed hearing his stories...I remember fondly a get-together at Phil anf Jonna's...great food and stories!!...You will be missed,Phil...Rest in Peace..

Sonje and I have many fond memories of Phil and family while they were here in St Charles. Our boys spent many hours with Pete and Dave enjoying many different endeavors.
Our sincerest condolences to Jonna, Cami, Pete, and Dave.
Len and Sonje Lemke

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends and neighbors. Bless you for being such a devoted daughter. Yours always, Terry

The relationship I've had with Pastor Phil and the Axelson family is a significant weaving of bright colors in the tapestry of my life. Over forty years of solid biblical sermons, church potluck dinners, Bible studies, choir, fellowship events, and deep friendship are all woven for eternity. One of my favorite places was the Axelson home in Barrington overlooking a peaceful cove where Pastor Phil and I would check out the birds, ducks, discuss the egrets' fishing activities, and eat wonderful food made with love. The visit my mother and I made to Alaska when he and Jonna ministered there will remain one of the highlights of my life, right up there with their return to RI. "Bagy Wrinkle" also became a warm haven because love resides there. I'm sure there is a big party happening in Heaven right now with Pastor Phil relating his favorite stories to loved ones he hasn't seen in a while. Amen and amen.

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I was a Riverside covenant member 1978-1997 and loved Phil´s sermons, integrity and played BB with sons Dave and Pete plus tennis with Dave, a musician like his Dad. What a legacy for his family.

Phil and I go way back to the 1950's in Bremerton. We sang together and hung out with our group from the First Presbyterian Church. He and his family had us over for dinner after church on Sunday on many of times and shared many a prank at Twin Harbors State Park Church camp. He was always a friend, and we shared many questions about our faith. Bless your whole family at this loss. I have a few pictures somewhere. I will look for them. I regret we lost touch in our "Mid-lives", but the memories are always there. Dick Hawes

I will miss Phil's stories, his walks, his love of family, his embracement of fruit tarteline, and his rejection of chocolate tarteline.

My sincerest sympathy, Jonna! May your shared memories bring you comfort and strength. May God be ever present. Love you!

I will never forget paster Axelson telling one of the youth (*name retracted for privacy) to sit down in the middle of his sermon. What a great man.

What a legacy!! We love you Papa Phill <3

My sincerest condolences to the Axelson family... It was a surprise to read that you were only in the St. Charles area for 7 short years because Pastor Phil and the family were such a significant part of my late grade school and early/mid teen years that it seemed like a much longer time to me. The boys were like older brothers and were definite role models for me. Jonna took care of me like one of her own (haircuts, trombone accompaniments when Pastor Phil and I played our trombones together, and frothy orange juice made in the blender when I spent a week at their house while my fam was on vacation ). I treasure those memories and will always remember the positive influence my Maranatha church family had on me during my formative years. Rest in peace, Pastor Phil. I expect that he's hearing "Well done, my good and faithful servant" about now.