Larry James Axelson, “Axe”, age 84, from Frederic, Wisconsin, passed away Nov. 11, 2025, at Traditions of Frederic, after a prolonged battle with COPD and its complications. He was born Jan. 8, 1941 in Marion, North Dakota. He was the son of Harold and Genevieve (Cloke) Axelson. He had six siblings. He spent his childhood in LaMoure, North Dakota.
While in high school he excelled at baseball, basketball and football. After high school, Larry served in the US Navy for four years. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Larry attended UW-River Falls. There he met his future wife, Nancy Miller. He married the love of his life on June 15, 1963 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Frederic. Larry and Nancy spent many years living in Milwaukee after they were married. He was a police officer for the Milwaukee Police Department, where he received citations for his heroism. While living in Milwaukee, he was involved in coaching Little League Baseball and enjoyed participating in dog trials with his springer spaniels. In 1982, he became owner of Clam Falls Tavern in Clam Falls, Wisconsin. Throughout his life he spent many days hunting and fishing. After the move to Clam Falls, he was involved in starting the Southfork Sporting Club and he became a master gardener with Nancy.
He was dad to five children, Penny (David) Messling, twins, Robert and Rodney, and twins, Thomas (Angella) and John (Josephine); grandpa to eight grandchildren, Heather (Fiancé Ryan), Maria; Analiese, Aubriana; Cody (Jessa), Caleb (Hope), Leila (Miles) and Brent; great-grandpa to Raelyn, Cooper, Eliza, Lillian, and Everett; as well as uncle to 20 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his infant sons, Robert and Rodney; parents, Harold and Genevieve; two brothers, Victor and Brent; one sister, Jeanine; and one sister-in-law, Linda. He is survived by sister, Pamela (Mike); brothers, Kim (Julie) and Todd; sister-in-law, Kathy; wife, Nancy; and children, Penny (David), Thomas (Angella), and John (Josie); as well as his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and 20 nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to St. Croix Hospice nursing and CNA staff, Heather and McKinzie; Traditions Assisted Living staff; and Dr. Khan and his nurse Tanya for the kindness, compassion and outstanding care they provided.
Memorial services will be on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m., at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Frederic, Wisconsin. Visitation will be on Saturday, Nov. 15, one hour prior to the service at the Church. A Committal Service will be held at Spooner, Wisconsin Veteran Memorial Cemetery at a later date. You are invited to leave condolences, memories, and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, Wisconsin, 715-327-4475.
