Andrew Axtman, the son of Florian and Mary Eva (Leboldus) Axtman was born on December 15, 1917 in the home of his parents in Tuscarora Township, Pierce County, North Dakota.  He died at the age of 97 years on January 20, 2015 at the Heart of America Care Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Andrew, the oldest of seven children, was raised in the rural home of his parents.  He received his education at Brazil School #2 and graduated from the eighth grade.  He began a lifelong career in farming, first assisting his father with the operations of the family farm and after his father retired, Andrew purchased the farm.  In 1987, he retired and moved to Rugby.  In Rugby, he soon became a regular patron of the Corner Stone Café Coffee Club, where he developed and enjoyed many new and old friendships.  He eventually outlived most of them.  Andrew was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta until he moved to Rugby and became a member of St. Therese the Little Flower Catholic Church.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Rugby Eagles Aerie and the Balta Wildlife Club.  Andrew was a quiet, reserved and generous man who was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends.  He will be greatly missed by all.  May he rest in the peace of Christ.

Andrew is survived by his sister, Betty Angstadt of Rugby; nieces and nephews, Diane (Schall) Dodd of Rugby, Duane Schall of Towner, David Schall of Bismarck, Jim Lascurain, Judy Lascurain and John Lascurain, all of Oregon; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by three brothers, Ludwig, Rochus and August Axtman; two sisters, Ann Schall and Helen Lascurain; and his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24^th at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta with spring burial in the Little Flower Cemetery, Rugby.  Fr. Tom Graner, Celebrant and Fr. Brian Bachmeier, Con-celebrant.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday with a rosary & vigil prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the time of services on Saturday at the church.