Clara Axtman

   Clara Catherina Axtman, age 86, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND.

   Clara was born May 9, 1938 in Rugby, ND to Peter and Helen (Bischoff) Volk. She attended public school in Berwick, ND her first four years. Her fifth year, she attended a country school in McHenry County, and her sixth year in Towner, ND. Her 7th and 8th grade years, she attended Little Flower School in Rugby, ND, and graduated from Rugby High School in 1956.

   While in high school, Clara worked as a nurse's aide in surgery and the nursery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby. She met Clifford at a dance in Balta, and they were married September 10, 1957, at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby, ND. The celebrant was Rev. Boniface Axtman, with Rev. John Axtman as deacon (both uncles of Clifford), and Rev. Joe Axtman, second cousin of Clifford, as sub-deacon at the nuptial high mass.

   Clara and Clifford welcomed their first three children while living in Rugby, ND. After Clifford began working for Otter Tail Power Company in Devils Lake, ND they relocated multiple times. Their next two children were born in Hallock, MN. In 1973, the family returned to Devils Lake, where they remained until 2012, when they built a home in West Fargo, ND.

   Clara enjoyed square dancing, polka music, camping trips, and entertaining friends. She was a great cook, enjoyed gardening, playing cards with her nieces and nephews, and trying her luck at the casino. Clara was a collector of many things, most notably her bells. She enjoyed traveling, having visited all 50 states. Faith played a significant role in her life, and she adored her 13 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Clara took immense pride in attending her grandchildren’s school and musical events.

   Clara is survived by her children and grandchildren Gary (Cindy) Axtman of Devils Lake, ND and daughter Danica; Gail Jones of Prior Lake, MN and son Ariston (Sarah) Jones and great-granddaughter, Malia; Renae Axtman of Wellfleet, MA and children Odessa, Nadia, Calen and Chelsea; Roxane (Brian) Erickstad of Horace, ND and children Abigail (Ben) Osman, Jacob, Gracie and Ella; Keith (Mystal) Axtman of Horace, ND and children Sophie, Parker and Emma. She is also survived by a brother, Nick (Crystal) Volk of Pembina, ND; sister-in-law Judy Wiest of Jamestown, ND and several nieces and nephews.

   Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford of 61 years, parents Peter and Helen Volk, sister Bernadine and husband, Edward Jundt, son-in-law, Loren Jones, in-laws Jacob and Rose Axtman, Kenneth and Vickie Axtman, JP Wiest, and Sheila and Larry Kokkeler.

   We find comfort in knowing that mom’s legacy lives on through the lasting traditions she instilled in us, the love she shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

Visitation:  5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service November 7, 2024, at West Funeral Home in West Fargo.

Mass of Christian Burial:  2 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Fargo.

Interment: Fargo National Cemetery, rural Harwood, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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