Obituary of Lester G. Axdahl

Lester Glen Axdahl was born April 27, 1923 to Bert and Gertie Axdahl in Paullina, IA. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Paullina High School in 1941. In 1944 he graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD with a Chemistry degree. Les worked for 3M Company in their Chemical Division, focusing on resins and adhesives. For two years he served in the US Army Infantry during World War II, stationed in the Philippine Islands. After his honorable discharge, Les returned to 3M, where he was a Senior Chemical Research Specialist. In retirement, he continued working as a freelance research consultant. Les was a charter member of the 3M Male Chorus, and also sang with the 3M Mellow Fellows. He visited schools in his retirement as a 3M Visiting Wizard, delighting students with science experiments. Les married Evelyn Smith on September 23, 1950 at Concordia Lutheran Church in NE Minneapolis. They made their home for more than 60 years in Maplewood, MN and raised four children, Gwen, Lee, Jane, and Ann. In his leisure time, Les enjoyed travel, photography, reading, politics, and genealogy. He was Mayor of Maplewood from 1968-1973, and chairperson of the Maplewood Planning Commission for twelve years. Les lived with grace, gentleness, and humility throughout his life, even as his Alzheimer’s disease progressed. Lester died on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at The Shores of Lake Phalen in Maplewood. Les is survived by his wife Evelyn; his children, Gwen (Kevin) Arneson of Cottonwood, MN; Lee (Lennis) Axdahl of Pierre, SD; Jane (Lindsey) Cartwright of Windom, MN; and Ann (David) Lund of Woodbury, MN. He is also survived by grandchildren: Bjorn (Brittany) Arneson; Hans Arneson; Ingrid Arneson (Paul) Rasmussen; Erik (Rachel) Axdahl; Andrew Axdahl; Sarah Cartwright; Marissa Cartwright; Peder Lund; Kelsey (Nick) Sullivan; and Karl Lund; and by his greatgrandchildren Ella Ann Sullivan, and Leif Lester Arneson, and Baby Sullivan due in August. He is also survived by his father-in-law Maurice Smith; and sisters-in-law Maurine (Sheldon) Johnson, and Karen (Mark) Hyland; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marget, and his brothers Gilbert, Bentley, and Martin. Funeral service will be Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 AM at Lakeview Lutheran Church, 1194 E. County Rd. C, Maplewood, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to Lakeview Lutheran Church, Augustana College (SD), Alzheimer’s Research, or charities of donor’s choice.