Sister Carol Axtmann

Sister Carol (Helen) Axtmann, OSB., a long-time member of the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, died February 26, 2023 at St. Vincent’s Care Center, Bismarck, ND.  She was 85 years of age.

Born in Rugby, ND, April 8, 1937, the daughter of Christine and Nick Axtmann. Most of her childhood education was in Orrin, ND, the place where her parents lived.  In high school she went to the Sacred Heart Academy, Minot, ND where she graduated. In 1955 she joined the Benedictine Sisters and made her perpetual profession on July 14, 1959.

Most of her ministerial life was in education teaching grade school children at Little Flower, Minot; St. Peter and Paul, Fallon; St. Leo’s in Minot, and Ryan High School in Minot.  She also spent fourteen years teaching in our mission school in Bogota, Colombia. She had a BA in education.  In later years, she went back to college and earned a Master’s degree in Theology followed by Certification by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. She switched ministries from education to chaplaincy.   She provided pastoral care at St. Vincent’s Care Center, Bismarck; Garrison Nursing Home, Garrison; Madonna Towers, Rochester, MN and at Subiaco Manor, Dickinson.  From 2019 onward, she considered herself retired.

Sr. Carol was an expert at knitting caps and gave hundreds to charities to distribute. She also made hundreds of rosaries.  She had an artistic bent and made countless banners etc., for people and organizations.

Sr. Carol was an active participant in monastic life. She served on several boards and council related to the works of the Sisters. She was also the coordinator of the Sacred Heart Academy alumnae for many years.

Sr. Carol is fourth of ten children.  She is survived by her sisters, Mary Ann Schuster, West Fargo, ND; Cathy O’Connell, Lakewood, WA; Alice Henderscheid, Center, ND; and brothers: Fr. David, Highmore, SD and George, Fargo, ND.  Deceased brothers are Fred, Ed, Tony, Paul.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Sr. Carol is survived by her Benedictine Sister family at Sacred Heart Monastery, Dickinson, ND.

Visitation will be held at St. Vincent’s Care Center, Wednesday, March 1, from 2:00-3:00 P.M. CT.   

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00AM MT, Thursday, March 2 at Assumption Abbey Church, Richardton, ND followed by burial in the Sacred Heart Monastery Cemetery, Richardton, ND.  Visitation will be one hour before services.

Memorials may be sent to Sacred Heart Monastery or to a charity of your choice.