Alvin Axness, 95, of Roslyn died Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Strand-Kjorsvig Home, Roslyn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 Thursday, June 20 at Christ The King Catholic Church, Webster. Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery, Eden. With Military Graveside Rites conducted by Rudolph-Boukol American Legion Post #253.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 19 from 5-8 at Christ The King Catholic Church, Webster with a Wake Service at 7 at the church. Visitation will resume again one hour prior to the services at the church.

Alvin Axness was born on May 29, 1918, to Ole and Thea (Sandvold) Axness at the family homestead in Independence Township, Pierpont, SD. He was the youngest of six children.

Alvin was baptized and confirmed at Skudesnes Church. He attended country school at Independence District 205 through the 8th grade. Alvin's mother died when he was a young boy. He grew up on the family homestead with his father and siblings. He experienced first hand the hardship of the dirty thirties and had many stories to tell about it. As he grew up he worked for many farmers in the area. One of his favorites to work for was Eston Bolland. All fieldwork was done with teams of horses and he became quite the horseman. He had a great love for horses all of his life. He was proud to tell you that he could cross country ski to Langford in 30 minutes and it takes just about that long to drive there today.

On February 28, 1942, Alvin entered into active duty in the military branch of the Army Air Force. He was stationed at the Aleutian Islands for 28 months during World War ll. While there he received the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon, and the Bronze Star Medal. The Bronze Star is given for an act of bravery during wartime. While stationed at Walla Walla, Washington, he married his fiancée Regina Deutsch on May 29, 1945. He was honorably discharged on October 24, 1945. When home on furlough in 1944 Alvin bought the family homestead from his Dad. After his discharge from the Army they returned to Independence Township to farm. They farmed the land that he bought and rented the Hedman farm where they lived. They later purchased and moved to the Monson farm. He and Regina had five children. Alvin served on school and township boards. On May 26, 1977, Regina passed away.

He married Eveline Kohlhoff on June 9, 1978. They moved to her farm near Waubay and continued farming until 1998 when they moved to Waubay. Alvin loved farming and it was his life's enjoyment. He had a deep passion for animals and growing his crops. He told stories about the days when he was threshing and enjoyed attending threshing shows. He also enjoyed dancing, rodeos, watching westerns, and his John Deere tractors especially his "B", and we can't forget his snuff and a cup of coffee with something sweet to eat. A good time for Alvin was visiting with his family and friends.

Alvin and Eveline entered the Strand-Kjorsvig Living Center in Roslyn on June 23, 2012. Eveline died on July 4, 2012. He continued to live there until his death on June 13, 2013. He was 95 years and 15 days old.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Waubay and Rudolph-Baukol American Legion Post #253.

Alvin is survived by four children, Imogene (Richard) Helgeson, Roslyn; Larry (Cindi) Axness, Pierpont; Duane (Luan) Axness, Brookings; and Marcie (Gene) Beisch, Webster; 14 grandchildren, and 35 great grandchildren, four step children Darlene (Charles) Cleal, Ainsworth, Nebraska; Roberta (Don) Zubke, Waubay; Cindy (Mike) Wolf, Chamberlain; Dale (Kari) Kohlhoff, Fredericksburg, Texas; 9 step grandchildren, and 11 step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, son Elwood, great granddaughter Faith, three brothers, Pedar, Clarence, and Kenneth; and two sisters, Ida, and Mabel

Coester Funeral Home, Webster
(www.coesterfuneralhome.net)