Joy Marion Axmark

Joy Marion Olson was born July 4th, 1926, in Minneapolis, MN. the 6th of 7 children (1 brother, 5 sisters). Joy’s childhood was centered around her church and to quote her: “Church was the most important facet of our lives - most of my free time was spent there. It was a place of worship and fellowship. It was everything to my family.” Lasting friendships were formed there and “the Christian fellowship was great fun.” Her family was tight knit, loving, and often they had “extras” joining them around the dinner table. Joy lived in her childhood home until marrying the love of her life, Vern Axmark in 1947. Her family grew to include daughter Anita and son Brian. The family stayed busy as active members of their church as well as spending many happy weekends at their lake cabin near Park Rapids, MN. Family vacations, downhill skiing, and 2 trips to Norway and Sweden rounded out the adventures. In 1978 Joy welcomed her granddaughter Heather into the world. Retiring in 1986 Joy and Vern were able to spend even more time with family and friends. They often opened their home for extended visits. Fishing, pontoon rides, cross country skiing, ice skating, and card games added to the adventures. Vern went to be with the Lord in 1997 and now Joy has joined him in heaven. Though Joy will be greatly missed, her family takes much comfort knowing that Joy’s personal relationship with Jesus means she is with him now. Joys faith, frequent laughter, and love of life will continue to be an inspiration to her family.