Obituary for Axel John Korsmoe

Age 96. January 27, 1927 - January 11, 2024

Dad was born at home in Hatton, ND where he grew up and graduated from Hatton High School on May 31, 1945. Thirteen days later, he was inducted into the army. He did his basic training in Tyler, Texas. He was sent to Frankfurt, Germany on an Army ship that landed on December 24, 1945. He always said that it was his Christmas present from Uncle Sam that year. He rose to the rank of Staff Sargent.

He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1952 and went to work for the Boy Scouts of America in Grand Forks, ND. It was in that office that he met the love of his life, Shirley Catherine Barrett.

Mom and Dad were married on September 8, 1956, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Grand Forks, MN and settled in Grand Rapids, MN. It was there that Cindy, Becky, and Rich were born. Mom was so proud to be his wife that she signed the checks as Mrs. Axel J. Korsmoe (stating, “I worked hard for that title.”)

Dad was promoted and the family moved to Brooklyn Center, MN. Greg and Tim were born in Golden Valley, MN.

Dad stayed with the Boy Scouts of America until the mid-1970s. He then went to work for the State of Minnesota. He retired in 1992.

Dad was always very active in his community. He served as President of the Kiwanis Club, District 281 as a PTA President, and both the American Legion and VFW Posts, AARP, and Boy Scouts Troop #39.

Dad served as a lead usher at Elim Lutheran Church for many years. He also put together the bulletins and handed them out for the church services.

Dad was the type of man who could never say no to helping others. He was a man to be counted on, relied and depended upon.

But nearest and dearest to Dad’s heart was the love and devotion he had for his family. Dad and Mom had a strong and loving bond enriched with deep faith. Together they created a warm and nurturing environment. It was a home filled with values, support, understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness.

He loved being a dad and truly expressed so much love to all of us at all times. Dad would stop at nothing to help any of us at any time. He raised his family with pride and inspiration us to be the best that we could be. He and Mom attended so many school fu8nctions such as parent-teacher conferences, Boy Scout meetings, plays, and various activities with their children.

The family always went up North for vacation every summer. Dad would take his kids fishing, on long drives, and visit our grandparents. Holidays at the Korsmoe home were always filled with love, laughter, and plenty of food.

Dad loved being a grandpa. His grandchildren brought him so much joy and pleasure. He loved going to dance recitals, plays, sporting events, and spending holidays with them. Dad liked to travel and took his family on many vacations.

Dad was a prankster and a joke-teller. He loved to make people laugh and entertain them. Dad was a great storyteller and it was a joy to hear him speak of his times growing up, serving in the Army, and about the life he and Mom built together.

Dad enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles. He was a collector of unique and rare coins. Being an accountant and manager for many years, he kept meticulous records and always balanced his checkbook to the penny. He was organized and knew where every piece of paper in his home was located.

Dad is survived by his children: Cynthia Ann, Rebecca Lynn (Rodney), Richard Arthur (Tina), Gregory John (Stacy), and Timothy James, 8 grandchildren; Tyler, Tara, Rachel, Alyssa, Shonna, Troy, Eric, and Brittany. 12 great-grandchildren; Charlie, Aida, Brennan, Jamie, Emilia, Selah, Samuel, Joseph, Natalie, Emily, Bradley, and Joshua; sister Darlene and niece Margo (Steve); Cousins Ruth (Leroy) and Charles; nephews, nieces; and hundreds of his dear friends.

Dad was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley Catherine, mother Amelia, father Axel John Senior, and step-father Arthur M. Eidem (Grandpa); brother-in-law, Robert Meisenholder aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of his friends.

A celebration service of Dad’s life will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 2:00pm. Elim Lutheran Church 3978 West Broadway Avenue, Robbinsdale, MN 55422. Visitation from 12:00-2:00 before the service at the church. Luncheon to follow service. Private interment.

In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society, Paws and Ears Animal Rescue in Glencoe, MN, The Animal Humane Society, The Boy Scouts of America, Bluebirds and Blooms in Edina, or the donor’s choice of charity in Dad’s memory. Or you could be so kind as to adopt a pet from any animal rescue shelter.

All of us wish to express our gratitude to the staff at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale who tended to Dad. Your care, kindness, and compassion are deeply appreciated.

The family would appreciate it if each of you to leave your favorite memories of Dad and how you met in the comment section below. Help keep him alive in all of our hearts as we remember him fondly.

Although the twinkle in Dad’s beautiful big blue eyes may never be seen here on Earth again, it shines down upon us now from Heaven as he keeps watch over us.