STEPHEN P. “STEVE” AXELSON
Longtime Butte funeral director, Steve Axelson of Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services, passed away on Friday evening April 14th in Butte, surrounded and lifted up by his loving family. He was 75.
Steve was born on April 10th 1948 in Butte to Arlo and Wilda (Parker) Axelson and attended local schools graduating from Butte High School in 1966.
After attending Montana State University, Steve served his country with The United States Navy during the Vietnam Era being honorably discharged as a Senior Damage Control Officer.
Following his military service, he returned to college at Montana Tech and graduated from The San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in June of 1973. Following graduation, he returned to Butte to join his family in funeral service, a career that lasted 50 years. He was also the owner and operator of Butte Crematories in Butte.
Steve was very active in community organizations having served as Master of Butte Lodge #22 A.F. & A.M. during the lodge’s centennial year in 1976. He and his wife Lorie were very involved in Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Butte and were honored as Montana’s Big Couple of The Year by Governor Marc Racicot. He was a charter member of Sunrise Kiwanis and had served as President in 2011-2012.
A superb woodworker, Steve created cherished works that he gave to all his family and friends. He was also a stained glass artist and crafted windows that he would donate to various local charities to be auctioned at fundraisers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mike Axelson and by his parents-in-law, Mary Anderson and Gene Reed.
Steve is survived by his beloved wife Lorie, brother and sister-in-law Jim and Janet Axelson, brothers in law and sisters in law Mike and Sally Reed, Kevin and Carol Reed, Dan Reed, Kelly and Bob Prystajko, Sandy Seccomb, Debbie and Chris Moore and Tracy and Mike Sheard. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews that he treated like his own children.
Services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 10th in Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Pastor Seth Leypoldt officiating. Friends are asked to call at the church after 10 a.m. and then to join with the family for services at 11. Entombment with Military Honors will be in Mount Moriah Cemetery. Memorials are requested to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is greatly privileged to care for Steve and his family. It is the greatest honor to care for those that came before us.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave
Butte, Montana
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
Following Service
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Mount Moriah Cemetery
2415 S Montana St
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave
Butte, Montana
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
Following Service
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Mount Moriah Cemetery
2415 S Montana St
Butte, Montana 59701
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Rosemary HAYES says
Lori. My sympathies on the passing of Steve. He will be missed.
Jim Hash says
A literal gentleman who cared for thousands of Butte families during the worst times of their lives. He did it professionally. He did it caringly. He did it lovingly. He did it perfectly. Butte has lost one of their best. He didn’t do it for the glory or fame. He simply did it because he cared. God Speed Steve, you will be missed! I’m a better person for knowing you. Thank you for sharing “you” with me!
Your friend,
Jim
Lori Mancuso says
Lorie- I am so very sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences. May peace be with you doing this difficult time. Much Love, Lori Mancuso
Millie Rigby says
Steve was so fun to wait on and visit with whenever he came to the Golf Rush. I’ve ran into him a few times since and always a smile and a little chit chat. Sincere sympathy and prayers for his family.
Millie Rigby
Dan & Ramona says
Our deepest sympathy to Lori, Jim and families.
Steve was a wonderful friend and neighbor and we will miss him.
Dennis and Lynn Doherty says
Lori, we are so sad to hear of Steve’s passing! We will miss him very much as he was always a joy to be around and visiting. We’ve enjoyed lake living with you guys for 24 years and can’t imagine Steve not being here. We will be in touch and our prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless!
Dennis and Lynn Doherty
Friend
Lisa Turley says
Lori: Please accept our deepest condolences!! Our families loved Steve so much!! From Dr Darrell and Lisa Turley; Elmer and Pauline Gless; the staff of the St Francis Veterinary Hospital!
Anne and Keith Edge says
Our sincere condolences to the entire Axelson family. We value our dear lifelong friendship and Steve will be greatly missed. God bless you all.
Maria Tromly says
Lori: So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Cele Pohle says
John and Cele Pohle We are so sorry to read of Steve’s passing. Our families have been connected since 1955. All our love and prayers to the family
Kathy Johnson says
Lori, I’m so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. My prayer and thoughts are with you.
Love
Kathy Griffith Johnson
Judi Case says
Lorie, I am so very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a loved man and will be remembered as always being kind, caring, loving and giving. I am blessed to have known him. Kiwanis won’t seem the same without him. Sending hugs and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything.
Love, Judi Case
Lew Griffith says
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Our prayers are with you Lori and the family.
Laura Hash says
My deepest sympathy to Jim, Janet, and Lorie on the passing of Steve. He was always so sweet and kind whenever we met. He always had kind, loving words. Rest in peace, Steve. I will think of you often .
Robin Ryan says
Sending condolences to Lorie and all of the family. I am grateful for the care and love Steve provided during my dad’s, Mickey Ryan, and Grandpa and Grandma Ryan’s funeral. Rest in piece.
Charlene Warren says
I am so sorry to see Steve’s passing.
He was always so kind and a friendly gentleman.
RIP buddy – you have earned your wings.
Charlene Messick Warren.
Diane McLaughlin says
Lori I am so Sorry and want you to know my Prayers, Thoughts & Hugs are with you! Steve was always so easy you talk to and be around and I admired you both. Take care and sending you Big Hugs! 🙏😔💔
Joyce Kuecks says
Always enjoyed Jim and his caring personality and humor. Prayers to all of you. Ron and Joyce Kuecks
Betty Carpenter says
Lori we are so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing .He was a great neighbor to us and always was so helpful when I had any questions about caring for my yard . We will miss him . Smiley and Betty Carpenter .
Rick Walter says
Dear Lorie; Jim, and all of Steve’s family, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Steve. I have very fond memories of working with Steve at the beginning of my career. I learned so much from him. I will be eternally grateful for his friendship and tutelage. His sense of humor was wonderful and we shared a lot of laughter. May he Rest in Peace.
Richard A Henningsen says
So sorry to hear. Steve was a great friend. Lorie, Jim and family, be comforted in knowing that Steve is smiling down on you
Lillie Ivey says
My deepest condolences & prayers to Lorie and family. Steve will be deeply missed. He had a very kind heart and always had a smile when he greeted you. He also loved his pets.
Bob & Roni Griffith says
We are truly grateful and blessed for the relationship we had with Steve and the Axelson families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Leona Knight says
Lorie, Jim & family
I’m so sorry for your loss ! Steve was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed visiting with him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you ! He’s now flying with all the angels and watching over you! God bless and help you through your loss! With deepest sympathies Leona Knight & Bob Tobin
Greg Micheletti says
We are so sorry to hear Steve is no longer with us. Steve was a wonderful guy and Lori, you are a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Lori and your family and Jim and his. When ever we were in Steve’s company, he made us laugh. With love and our deepest condolences.
Greg & Lois Micheletti
Dorea Wilmoth says
Lorie and family – Steve was such a nice, giving, and charitable person. He will be missed in this community. My condolences.