Dolores "Dee" Axelson

Dolores Marie "Dee" (Newacheck) Axelson, 81, of McPherson, passed away on January 7, 2012, after a courageous battle with leukemia. She was a devoted wife, amazing mother, and true friend. Her strong Christian faith and positive attitude were an inspiration to her family, friends and everyone she met throughout her life. She always wore a beautiful smile and loved the Lord with all of her heart. Her family and friends will miss her cheerful demeanor, her unwavering positive outlook on life, and her constant words of encouragement and message of hope. Dee was born in Russell, KS on April 25, 1930, the daughter of Karl and Mollie Newacheck. She attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, IL and then returned to Lindsborg, KS to earn a Bachelors Degree in Music from Bethany College in 1952. She was united in marriage to Freddie Axelson on September 27, 1953, and moved to McPherson, where they raised two daughters and a son.

Dee spent much of her time when the children were younger as a room mother, Cub Scout leader, and Campfire Girl leader. She was devoted to her children and instilled her love of music in all of them by teaching voice, piano and instrument lessons, and provided them with unlimited opportunities to develop their talents. She went on to become a private voice instructor at both Bethany College and McPherson College, where she made many lifelong friends with both students and others associated with the schools. After she left teaching, she spent over 20 years in customer accounting at the Home State Bank. The friendships she developed were her constant support throughout her illness. She felt very blessed that she and Freddie were able to spend over 30 years traveling to the Caribbean and Mexico to visit beautiful beaches and spend time just being together and enjoying each other's company. They truly were best friends.

Dee is survived by: her husband, Freddie of the home; a brother, Karl Newacheck of Russell, KS; two half-sisters, Ida Rose Willson of Houston, MO, and Mary David of Goodland, KS; three children, Linda Krehbiel of McPherson, Jeffrey and wife, Pam, of McPherson, and Julianne Osborn and husband, Scott, of Houston, TX; along with 8 grandchildren, Melanie Krehbiel, Leslie Auman and husband, David, Andrew Krehbiel, Marissa Axelson, Miranda Axelson, Ryan Osborn, Brent Osborn, and Jennifer Osborn; and two great-grandchildren. She received tremendous joy spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11 at Grace Lutheran Church in McPherson, with Pastor Dale Dumperth officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 10, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Stockham Family Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be given to Grace Lutheran Church or the Salvation Army in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dolores "Dee" Axelson please visit our Sympathy Store.