Paul Reynold Axness

Paul Axness died on March 7th surrounded by his family. Paul was born in 1940 to Reynold Axness and LaVerne Axness in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Paul met Sandra Lind in 1959. Neither Paul nor Sandy could remember the first time they met, but Paul insisted that for him it was love at first sight. They married in 1962. Paul will be dearly missed, but not the way he missed his beloved wife Sandy these past two and a half years. Their sixty-two year marriage was a partnership in every aspect and an inspiration for those who knew them.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1963, Paul taught middle school science for two years before hearing the call and entering Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary. His ordination followed an internship in Seattle. His first church brought his family to Great Falls, Montana. A brief stint at Suomi College in Hancock, Michigan ended in 1976. Paul then became the college pastor at Grandview College. Paul enjoyed his time and career at Grandview but he heard the call to church ministry and returned to the pulpit at Luther Memorial Church in Des Moines in the early 90s. Paul ended his career as an interim minister, serving around a dozen churches around Iowa. In his retirement he volunteered at Iowa Lutheran Hospital.

Paul is survived by daughter Beth, son Eric-Paul [ex-wife Deanna and fiancee Sara], grandchildren Ingrid, Vivian, Gretchen, and Fina, along with Silas and Elin [children of Sara].

Services will be at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church on Monday, March 16th at 11:00. A visitation will precede the service at 10:00. Those who are unable to attend in person can live stream the service by clicking on Online Services at https://www.whlc.org/. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Windsor Heights Lutheran Church Ministry.