Edward M. Axtman, age 98 of Helena

Edward “Ed” Martin Axtman, 98, longtime resident of Canyon Ferry Lake, died of natural causes on Saturday December 28, 2024 surrounded at home by his loving sons.

Ed was born on June 2, 1926 in Balta North Dakota to John and Barbara (Senger) Axtmann who had immigrated from Germany. He was the 2nd of 7 children, speaking only German until he entered primary school at age 7. He grew up on a family farm until the Great Depression, when the family moved to Black Eagle, MT where Ed attended St. Mary’s in Great Falls. Ed’s life was defined by hard work and dedication. He started working at a young age. He worked as a carpenter’s assistant for the Great Northern Railway until February of 1944 when, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Southern Pacific on LST 699 during WWII and was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 11, 1947.

During a leave from the Navy, Ed began a whirlwind romance with the love of his life: Dolores “Dode” Wheeler, who affectionately called him Eddie. Ed and Dode were married on August 28 1947, only a few short months after he returned from sea and were married for 71 years until her passing in 2019. They initially lived in Great Falls, where Ed worked for Dode’s uncle Paul as a carpenter. He then began a 20-year career with the Great Falls police department, retiring as a lieutenant in 1972. During their time in Great Falls, he built houses on the side, living in 15 homes in 15 years as they also built their family which included four boys: Ron (Sue) of Boise, ID, Ricky (Emily) of Concord, NH, Greg (Maryann) of Canyon Ferry Lake, and Dave (Kathy) of Great Falls, MT.

Ed built a cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake, which he and Dode moved to in 1972, to enjoy their retirement and lives as grandparents. He spent many days in his victory garden, orchard, and greenhouse growing an impressive variety of vegetables, which included a state record holding 62 lb squash and the largest onions you’ve ever seen!. He was before his time in the field of organic farming, and his grandkids have fond memories of Grandpa Eddie creating new tomato juice recipes, canning many a pickle, and helping to sell his apples at the farmers market. Ed had a deep faith in God and followed Jesus throughout his life. He donated produce to God’s Love and was instrumental in the construction of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on Canyon Ferry. After moving to Canyon Ferry he came out of retirement to go into construction with his son Greg in 1976.

Ed built his final home right off the lake in 1989 in which he and Dode lived for the rest of their lives. When Dode suffered from a stroke in 2006, Ed took loving care of her for twelve years until her passing in 2019. He not only helped her enjoy her previous activities like quilting and sewing, but also curled her hair with rollers and impressively did her makeup (which included brow-liner). Eddie acted out his love for Dode every day, and they lived independently late into their lives. Eddie was always known for his independence (and maybe a bit of stubbornness), which was showcased by his attention to his gardens and orchards, his late life with Dode, and even his ability to drive until he was 96 years old.

“Grandpa Ed” will be remembered for his strength and stubbornness, his hands that could grow and build so many things, the way he loved Grandma Dode, the way he ended every phone call with “say your rosary” and every letter with “God Bless You”. He will be remembered by our country for being one of the last of the Greatest Generation and he will be remembered by God as one of his children.

Ed is survived by his 4 boys and their wives, his 14 grandchildren; Claire Sitts, Marchelle Springer, Seth Axtman, Jon Axtman, Kristyn Schelhaas, Sara Hickok, Dustin Axtman, Darek Axtman, Shaw Axtman, Kristin Norman, Ashley Frank, Ty Axtman, Sophia Axtman, and Phoebe Axtman; 24 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his wife: Dolores, siblings: George, Victoria, Harry, Howard, Hildegard, and Delores, and his parents John and Barbara Axtmann.

The Axtman family would like to thank Dianne Jewitt, a neighbor, caregiver, and close friend who took care of Ed and Dode for 15 years. They would also like to thank Lisa Jewitt, Dr. Smith, and the amazing crew at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, as well as Britta and Jenna Retz with St. Peter’s Hospital.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602 starting at 6pm with a Rosary to follow. The funeral mass will take place on Friday, January 3, 2024 at 12 pm at SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs St., East Helena, MT 59635. Burial will follow to the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, 3550 Heroes Rd., Fort Harrison, MT 59636. After the conclusion of the burial, a reception will be held back at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ed’s name are suggested to Tri Lake Volunteer Fire Department 3200 Spokane Creek Rd, East Helena, MT 59635 or to SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs St., East Helena, MT 59635.

Service Schedule

Visitation

6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Thursday January 2, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, MT 59602

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Rosary

7:00 pm

Thursday January 2, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, MT 59602

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Funeral Mass

12:00 pm

Friday January 3, 2025

SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church

120 W Riggs St

East Helena, MT 59635

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Burial

1:30pm

Friday January 3, 2025

Montana State Veteran's Cemetery- Fort Harrison

3550 Heroes Road

Fort Harrison, MT 59636

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Reception

Following the Burial

Friday January 3, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, MT 59602

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