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Donald Dean Axtell, 78

After battling with cancer, Donald Dean Axtell died May 5, 2017, at the Hospice House in Hayden, Idaho, at the age of 78.

He is survived by his wife, Anita; their sons, Randy and Craig; their daughters, Vickie Dole and Carrie Aragon; and his sister, Kathryn Holwegner.

Don was born on May 18, 1938, in Macintosh, S.D., to mother Sarah Axtell and father Leon Axtell. When Don was 9, his father died in a railroad accident, and his mother married John Gullickson. Don was raised with his sisters, Kathryn and Helen in McLaughlin, S.D. Kathryn married Don’s best friend, Hank Holwegner. Don moved to Spirit Lake, Idaho, at the age of 20. In 1959, he married Anita Jones, and the couple settled permanently in Spirit Lake, where they raised their four children.

Don spent most of his working career as a lineman, before retiring in 2003. He also spent most of his free time working, which began in his teenage years farming with his uncle, Milbert. As his children grew, Don worked on numerous construction projects, passing along those skills to his two sons. Don provided advice about finances, hard work, and being a kind and good person to his daughters. He was a loyal and faithful husband to Anita.

Don was a member of the Spirit Lake Baptist Church, where his service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017. Donations can be sent to the church or Hayden Lake Hospice of North Idaho in lieu of flowers. Don requested that he be buried at the Spirit Lake Cemetery. He will be remembered by many for his generosity to family, friends and church.

The Axtell family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Hospice House. Their professionalism and compassion during Don’s last days had a significant impact.

Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Priest River is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com.