December 30, 2022 at 10:23 a.m.

Irene Axtell


Irene Axtell, 89, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines.  Funeral services 11am Wednesday, December 28 at St. Mark Lutheran Church where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Irene was born August 11, 1933 in St. Croix Falls, WI to Elmer and Mabel (Williams) Lindstrom, and grew up on a farm just outside of Lindstrom, MN.  After moving to Minneapolis, she met Maynard J. Axtell Jr and the couple married on March 23, 1957.  They raised two children, Joe and Susan, in Minneapolis and Montana prior to moving to the Des Moines area in 1971.  After retiring, the couple spent winters at their home in Sun City West, AZ.  

Irene was an avid bridge player and ultimately achieved the Gold Life Master ranking in the American Contract Bridge League.  She enjoyed playing golf and beat Maynard in having the first “hole in one.”   When she wasn’t competing, she kept busy with crochet and needlepoint and many, many arts and crafts projects.  She volunteered at several organizations including Methodist Hospital and the Polk County Attorney’s office.  The couple camped with the family around the United States, traveled to Europe, Asia and Australia and enjoyed several cruises with their children and grandchildren.  Irene was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church and P.E.O.  

Survivors include husband Maynard; son  M Joseph Axtell III (Teresa) of Morristown, NJ; daughter Susan Axtell of Frisco, CO; grandchildren Katherine and Julia Axtell; brother Frank Lindstrom (Barbara) of Center City, MN.
 
Irene was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Mark Lutheran Church, West Des Moines, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.


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