Gerald Axtman

Gerald "Jerry" Axtman, 64, of Bismarck, ND, died January 12, 2012, at the Veterans Hospital, Fargo, ND, surrounded by his family. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at Church of St. Mary in Bismarck with the Rev. Gene Lindemann officiating. Burial will be at the ND Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 16, at Eastgate Funeral Service where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Jerry was born March 19, 1947, in Rugby, ND, to Rudy and Elizabeth Axtman. He graduated from Rugby High School in 1965 and attended NDSU until October, 1966 when he enlisted with the United States Army and served three tours of duty in Vietnam, becoming Sergeant while also earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star during his time of service. Upon discharge, Jerry attended North Dakota State School of Science where he met his future wife Shirlene Kessel; they were married April 28, 1973. Together Jerry and Shirlene had a son, Jacob, and a daughter, Jaylene. They made their home in Bismarck, ND. Jerry worked many jobs throughout his life including positions in real estate, insurance sales, oil and gas landman, and business entrepreneurship where he attained a US Patent for an electrostatic oil purification system. No matter his occupation, Jerry loved interacting with people. His positive attitude, and charismatic personality earned him many friendships over the years, all of which he very much treasured. Jerry enjoyed playing cards, golfing, hunting, fishing, and boating with friends and family. He will be remembered as a tireless family man with a heart of gold and a contagious smile. He is survived by his son, Jacob; his daughter, Jaylene, both of Bismarck; his brothers and sisters, Janice Gerald Nohr, Bothell, WA, Darold, Bismarck, Bernetta Alfred Haman, Bismarck, Larry Pat Becker, Bismarck, Laverne Roger Duchscher, Rugby, Wayne Myra, Hazen, Vernon Susan Bednarz, Bismarck, Karen Mark Hagel, Bismarck, Denise Rich Iliff, Garrison, Curtis Cheryl, Beulah, and Keith Pam, Minot; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Rudy and Elizabeth Axtman.

Gerald Axtman

March 19, 1947 - January 12, 2012