Aage Thuesen “Bill” Axelgard
1923-2016
Aage Thuesen “Bill” Axelgard, 93, finished his earthly mission on September 28, 2016 in Provo, Utah. He was born September 21, 1923 in Duchesne, Utah to Danish parents Christian Thuesen Jensen Axelgard and Karen Marie Sorensen-Hall.
He was the youngest of seven children, and was preceded in death by his wife, great-grandson, Joshua Aage Axelgard, parents, and siblings; Nan, Marguerite, Christine, Christian Thuesen, Wiggo Frederick, and Walter Thuesen Axelgard. He is survived by his three children: Kristee and Richard Roach (Spanish Fork), Mikel and Julie Axelgard (Orem), and Bill and Suzette Axelgard (Circleville). He loved, teased, and was immensely proud of his 8 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
His family moved to Price, Utah in 1927 where his father owned and operated a creamery and taught Bill and his brothers the value of hard work. He enjoyed football, swimming and tennis in his youth, and was an avid BYU basketball and football fan. He was always busy with building projects, home repairs, gardening, and reading novels and the scriptures. Bill loved the Gospel, his country, family, friends, Jeopardy, and strawberry milkshakes.
Bill proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II and was assigned to Pearl Harbor and Johnston Island. He was a model of self-reliance, integrity, service, kindness, and hard work. His lifelong motto was, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”
He married his eternal sweetheart Remola Colleen “Pat” Miller in August 1947, and after he joined the LDS Church they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in April of 1964. They were inseparable for over 67 years and he demonstrated his love and devotion to her as he tenderly cared for her during her last years.
Education was a high priority to Bill. He graduated from Carbon High School in 1941, received an Associate Degree from Central Utah Vocational School (now UVU) where he served as the school’s first student body president, and graduated with honors from Utah State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He retired as the Superintendent of Maintenance and Utilities for U.S. Steel in 1983.
When Bill made a commitment he fulfilled it with his whole heart. His testimony of Christ was exemplified through his kindness to others and Church service as Bishop, Stake Missionary, Stake High Council, St. George Temple Missions, Storehouse Agent and Transient Bishop at the Deseret Industries as well as numerous ward callings and years of temple service.
Family was his top priority. He showed his love through his unselfish sacrifices, service, college scholarships, mission money, camping trips, Lagoon adventures with grandchildren, nicknames, hugs, and wise counsel and advice.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 3th, at 11:00 am, at the Rivergrove 1st Ward, 780 North 700 West, Provo, Utah, where a Viewing will be held prior from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Interment with Military Honors in Provo City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.
Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary. Condolences may be shared atwww.uvfuneral.com.
