Donald Axt

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Peoria Journal Star Obituaries in Peoria, IL | Peoria Journal Star

Donald Axt

PEORIA - Donald Arthur Axt, 92, formerly of Peoria, slipped away suddenly, but peacefully, on Thursday, October 7, 2021, in Naperville, IL, surrounded by his family.

Don was born on Sept. 26, 1929, in New York City to Arthur and Anne (Vockroth) Axt. He married Carolyn "Kelly" Greene on Nov. 1, 1958. She preceded him in death in 2013. Also preceding him in death were his parents and his sister, Suzanne (Robert) Reininga of Hinsdale, IL.

Don is survived by his children, Amy (John) Hanson of Tacoma, WA, David Axt of Seattle, WA, and Carla Axt-Pilon of Naperville, IL; and beloved grandchildren, Rosemary Hanson, Will Hanson, Alice Axt-Pilon and Betsy Pilon.

Don attended Oak Park High School, class of 1947. He was an Alpha Tau Omega at Iowa State and graduated with a major in Forestry in 1951. After college, he worked briefly as a forest ranger and for McCormick Farmall (now International Harvester). In 1954, a job with Gates Rubber Company brought him to Peoria, where he also worked for WMBD radio before getting a job in parts services at Caterpillar, later moving to advertising. His Caterpillar career spanned 32 years.

In Peoria he was involved with Corn Stock Theatre, Northminster Presbyterian Church and the Boy Scouts. He was an accomplished painter, sculptor and woodworker. He has been a lifelong lover of nature and, in particular, he enjoyed bird watching.

From 1962 to 1977, Don wrote and illustrated a humorous column in the Observer called "Refugee From the Weekend." He also wrote weekly "Reading the Landscape" nature columns from 1997 to 1999. In retirement, Don was a freelance writer, involved in Bradley's OLLi Learning in Retirement programs, AA, and loved Elderhostel trips and traveling with his wife.

He will be remembered for his big personality, humor, creativity, generous spirit, pride in being German, being a "Ford man," and for never letting truth get in the way of a good story. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held later this year at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 18, in the Waters of Life Chapel at Hillside Lutheran Village in Peoria, with a luncheon reception to follow.

Arrangements are being made by Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home of Naperville. For more information, call (630) 355-0264 or visit www.beidelmankunschfh.com.

Memorials can be made to the Illinois Wetlands Initiative, St. Jude or the Salvation Army.

Posted online on October 16, 2021

Published in Peoria Journal Star