Axel Arnold Johnson, 94, Minot and formerly of Glenburn died on Sunday in a Velva care center.

Axel was born on September 7, 1912, in Outlook, Montana, to Ole and Ellen (Nelson) Johnson. He was raised and educated there and in Mylo, ND, where the family moved in 1924 and he graduated from Upham High School where he participated in band as a trumpeter and on the baseball team as their shortstop. After high school he took a correspondence course from the Gale Institute and operated the movie projector in the Upham Theatre. In addition, he was employed at Nortz Lumber, the Standard Oil Service Station and played in the Mert Orville Dance Band. As a young adult he assisted with surveying the land for the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge and he was employed as postal clerk for four years at the Upham Post Office.

Axel married Audrey Frank on November 21, 1938 in Towner, ND. They made their home at various places wherever Axel was employed by the Great Northern Railroad as a depot agent or telegraph operator for thirty-four years. The family resided in Glenburn, ND from 1949 until 1980 prior to moving to Minot. Axel retired in 1975. They resided at 140 26th St. S.W. and Edgewood Vista in Minot. Audrey died on September 30, 2000. Axel moved to the Souris Valley Care Center- Velva in October of 2005.

Axel was a member of Christ Lutheran Church Minot and a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church - Glenburn. He was a member of the N.R.A., Eagles Aerie and Moose Lodge. While residing in Glenburn he served on the city council, school board, church council and park board. He especially enjoyed cabinetry, woodworking and rifle collecting.

Axel's loving family includes his sons: Wayne (Sharon) Johnson of Minot and Jim (Kathy) Johnson of Minot; grandchildren: Craig (Paula) Johnson, Michelle (Brett) Johnson and Jennifer Johnson; great grandchildren: Mya and McKaya Johnson and Alissa and Alec Johnson and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Axel was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister: Illene Krenz and brother: Lyle Johnson.

Funeral Service: Friday April 20, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church Minot.
Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens Minot.
Visitation : Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church or Souris Valley Care Center.