Elaine Axtman

Elaine (Gauthier) Axtman went home to her heavenly Father on August 22nd, 2022.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. led by Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon.

Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 26^th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.  Condolences may be expressed at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com

She was born, Rita Ann Elaine Gauthier on January 12, 1940 in Bottineau, ND. and was the youngest daughter of Isidore and Antoinette Gauthier. During her early rearing the family lived in Devils Lake and Willow City. Elaine graduated in 1959 from St. Mary’s High School in Devils Lake. She loved to sing and dance and sang in the Choir.

In 1959 she met Michael J. Axtman. In September, 1960 they wed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devils Lake. They bought a home on 4th Street where they lived and raised 8 children. Mike worked for the Ramsey County Highway Department as a Surveying Engineer; Elaine worked as an Assistant Nurse on the birthing ward at Mercy Hospital.

Living in Devils Lake almost her entire life, Elaine had life long friendships (Christine Kraft). Many knew her from working at Mercy Hospital, Daycare, Good Samaritan Center, or through Unique Boutique (her hair styling business).

She loved children, especially babies. If there was a baby in the room, she was holding it. As the years evolved into blessings of children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. On one smiled brighter than she did the grand kids came around. Her heart filled with more love, happiness, joy and contentment.

After her stroke in 2009, her love of putting puzzles together became a daily activity. A guest or family couldn’t leave without helping Elaine put a couple of puzzle pieces in place. In the 13 years since her stroke she completed over 1000 puzzles.

Her favorite times were coffee-time with snacks, Friday Night Pizza, and Pajama Day. If you were lucky enough to stop by the house for a visit around 2 o’clock in the afternoon, you were showered with coffee and snacks. No one could say no the Elaine’s coffee time Every Friday night she looked forward to pizza and beer. It was a great way to wind down after a long week. Pajama’s, especially comfortable pajama bottoms were her favorite attire. Not having to dress in street clothing was just fine with her.

If she had a friend in need, she was there to be a friend indeed. She never said “NO” to anyone in need. Simplistic in nature, she was an amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and COOK. She made the most spectacular caramel rolls and meat pies. The aromatic smell of fresh baked bread or caramel rolls encased your senses as you entered the house. When the family came to visit from afar they knew they would be welcomed with a meal ready to eat. She loved cooking for others and would spend her days (before her stroke) baking and cooking only to pack it all up and drop it off to someone who she thought would enjoy it.

“The idea is NOT to live forever but to CREATE something that will.”

She has many wonderful family and friends who preceded her in death. But, she leaves many wonderful friends and family behind to carry on what she CREATED. She will be in great company when she sees our Heavenly Father, while we who survive, will miss her smile, laugh, hugs, singing, dancing and amazing food.

Survivors Include: Children: Diane Grove, Prescott AZ., Bob (Cara Halgren) Axtman Grand Forks, ND., Lynette Axtman (Lynn) New Rockford, ND., Helen (Doug) Evans Mt. Airy, MD., Rita (Bruce) Kitsch Webster, ND., Allan (Christine) Axtman San Diego CA., Laura (Curt) Spivey Moorpark, CA, Julie (Kevin) Jacobson Devils Lake, ND. Grandchildren: Ryan (Katie) Grove, Tiffany (Ryan) Jones, Matt Axtman, Travis (Jess) Brost, Stephanie (Eric) Espelien, Christopher Evans, Douglas Evans, Michael (Rachel) Kitsch, Erica (Jace) Peterson, Adam, Andrew, Alex, A.J and Alexis Axtman, Caleb Spivery, Hope Spivey, Christian Jacobson, Wyatt Jacobson, Great Grandchildren: Conner Bishop, Aiden Bishop, Hunter Jones, Gavin Grove, Desirae Brost, Lucas Brost, Emmett Espelien, Isabella Espelien, Sophie Kitsch, Grace Kitsch, Clint Peterson, Samantha Anderson, Toni Anderson.

In Lieu of flowers or money. Be a blessing for someone who would enjoy a homemade meal or baked goodies. “Pay it forward.”