Ed was born Sept. 13, 1935, in Todd County, Minn., to German immigrant parents, Edwin and Ella Axel. The family resided in Morrison County, Minn. on the family farm. He graduated in 1953 from high school in Little Falls, Minn. In his high school years, he was involved in musical productions, a singing quartet, and was named football ‘Player of the Year’ during his senior year. A favorite family memory: singing hymns around the piano before doing farm chores.

Ed served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957 and in the reserves from 1958-1960. He was selected to go to Arlington, Virginia where he was stationed with the 3rd Infantry, known as ‘The Old Guard.’ As such he was honored to serve on the Presidential Honor Guard under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He also served on the Military District of Washington Rifle Team. He was released from the U.S. Army as a Specialist 4th class.

In 1959 he married Joan Nutter, and they established their home in Fairmont, Minn. where Ed began his 40-year career as a State Farm agent. He was a very successful and caring agent earning in State Farm’s life company the coveted Golden Triangle Award. They retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas where they enjoyed 15 years of retirement before relocating to Midlothian, Va.

In his spare time, Ed enjoyed traveling, golfing, hunting, fishing and singing with the Mozart Marching Society. On the civic side, he was actively engaged in the Fairmont Chamber of Commerce, served on his church’s Board of Elders, President of the Parent/Teacher League, founding member of Fairmont Growth Opportunities, and board positions on several non-profits and sponsoring local little league and high school teams.

His four daughters were the light of his life supporting them in their academic, band, choir, cheerleading and tennis endeavors. In later years, he thoroughly enjoyed the same with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan; four daughters, Jennifer Riegel (George), Susan Gracik (Michael), Mary Jane Kot (Greg) and Amy Sumser (Todd); six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Based on his life’s experiences, he will be remembered as a man of God who strenuously believed in

cherishing family, keeping friends close and working hard to achieve your dreams.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Redeemer Lutheran Church at redeemerric. org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org for Alzheimer’s research.

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