Barbara Axelson

Minot

Barbara Axelson, 80, Minot, died Thursday, January 30, 2025, in a Minot hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara J. Torgerson was born on February 7, 1944, in Powers Lake, ND, to parents Stewart and Glenice (Holly) Torgerson. She grew up in Tioga, ND, where she attended school and later graduated from Tioga High School in 1962.

Barbara married Robert “Bob” Axelson in 1963 and later was blessed with her first child, Brian, in 1964. Barb was then blessed with her second child, Brenda, in 1969. In their early married years, Barb and Bob lived and worked in Powers Lake, Tioga, Williston, and Glasgow, MT, before settling in Minot. Barbara began working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Minot shortly after moving to Minot, working in the Health Information Department as a Manager. Barb continued working at St. Joseph’s for over 20 years until the hospital was bought out by Trinity. Her husband Bob died on November 21, 2003. Barb later worked with various health information departments as a consultant. She married Allen Christenson on July 18, 2009, and later retired after dedicating herself to her work for many years.

In her retirement years, Barb was often found shopping with her daughter Brenda or visiting the New Town or Devils Lake casinos with her husband Allen. The memories of her often daily phone calls with Brian and Brenda will be fondly remembered. Friends and family were very important to Barb. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends, working with the church ladies of the Living Word Church, and dancing. In her home, she baked many delicious treats and wholesome meals making everyone feel welcome, from old friends to new acquaintances. Barb loved the holidays and always took great care to make them extra special for those who were around her. The family’s special request, every Christmas, was that Barb must make her delectable Christmas wreaths.

Barb was extremely proud of her grandchildren and attending their concerts and activities, whenever possible, was always at the top of her to-do list. She was someone you could depend on no matter what and her joyful demeanor could brighten even the gloomiest of days. Barb could enter a room of strangers and leave with many new friends. Barb touched the hearts of many and was truly loved by all.

Barbara’s loving family includes her husband, Allen; children, Brian (Leanne) Axelson, Minot, and Brenda (Dean) Miller, West Fargo; stepchildren, Bruce (Susan) Christenson, Minot, Jane (Greg) Smestad, Bismarck, and Rod (Karen) Christenson, Newburg; siblings, Jim (Analene) Torgerson; sister-in-law, Charlene Torgerson; sister-in-law Marge Sund, and brother-in-law Virgil (Sylvia) Christenson; grandchildren, Amanda (Eric), Clinton, Melissa (Anthony), Austin (Kilee), McKenzie (Brady), Carson, Robert (Rosa), Steve (Angelique), Brad (Tracy), Erin (Dan), Jenny (Cody), Christina (Chris), Olivia (Cody), Hannah (Kirk), Becca, Noah, and Zach; 25 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Robert Axelson; brothers, Bruce (Louise, Bev) Torgerson, and Ron Torgerson; daughter-in-law, Jan (Bruce) Christenson.

The family of Barbara Axelson would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and CNAs of the Trinity 4th Floor Medical Unit. Their compassion and care for Barbara was truly appreciated.

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. in Living Word Lutheran Church, Minot.

A delayed stream of the service will be available on the funeral home website on Sunday afternoon.

Visitation: Friday, February 7, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Interment: Powers Lake Cemetery, Spring 2025.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 5, 2025.