LaVern Axt

LaVern V. Axt, 91, died peacefully surrounded by family on July 9, 2023.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, July 15, at Century Baptist Church, 205 Colt Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-6:30 PM, Friday, July 14, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 PM.

Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.

LaVern was born August 15, 1931, in McClusky, ND, the son of David and Annie (Mauch) Axt. He grew up on a farm northwest of McClusky and graduated from McClusky High School in 1949. LaVern married Mary Dockter on September 28, 1952, at McClusky Baptist Church. They loved each other dearly and were a wonderful example of a faithful marriage for 70 years. The couple was blessed with three children, Laurell, Michael and Lynn, who they raised on a farm one mile east of his family’s farmstead. LaVern spent 65 years working as a farmer and rancher.

After becoming a believer at age 18, LaVern lived out his love for the Lord by serving in a number of roles at McClusky Baptist Church and then Century Baptist Church in Bismarck and going on mission trips to Brazil and Mexico. He also enjoyed volunteering at Crystal Springs Baptist Camp near Medina, ND. He helped with many building construction projects there, built a disc golf course and gave campers rides on his boat. He became a Gideon and regularly handed out Bibles, attended meetings and spoke to churches on their behalf.

LaVern was a hard worker both on the farm and in his hobbies. With a knack for auto mechanics, he always had a vehicle he was restoring or repurposing.

While it was hard to take a break from the farm, LaVern did like to take his family on spontaneous, quick road trips to the Black Hills where he made sure they saw the progress on Crazy Horse. He also liked to celebrate our freedom by buying fireworks at smaller stands.

LaVern had many long-time friends at Century Baptist Church, through the Gideons and from McClusky who regularly met for coffee.

Always well-dressed and with his hair combed, he was a man of few words and was known for his dry sense of humor. LaVern loved to laugh and share chocolates and treats with his nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He prayed for each one and hoped that they would come to know Jesus as their savior. To the end of his time on earth, he shared the hope of eternal life through Jesus with anyone who would listen.

In addition to being a caring grandfather to his grandchildren, LaVern was also a grandpa figure to many of his nieces and nephews. His family is close and continues to celebrate holidays together. LaVern was a strong, honest man who was a blessing to many and will be dearly missed.

LaVern is survived by his wife, Mary; his sister, Lorraine Kahler; his children, Laurell (Harry) Brown, Michael (Marjorie) and Lynn (Paul) Singer; his grandchildren, Joshua (Jenni) Brown, Jason (Cindy) Axt, David (Carrie) Axt, Jessica (Billy) Streu, Carissa (fiancé Darin Spelhaug) Axt, Jordan (Kimberly) Singer, Todd (Kamaya) Singer, Katie (Nate) Sgrignoli and Grant (Jordyn) Singer; 22 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five of his siblings, Lloyd, Arnold, Evangeline, Olivia and Donald.

Memorials can be made to Crystal Springs Baptist Camp or Gideons International.