Todd Andrew Axthelm

With heavy hearts, countless fond memories, and more than a few "Todd-isms" echoing in our ears, we celebrate the life of Todd Andrew Axthelm, age 72, who passed peacefully on August 22, 2026, at the Mayo Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Todd was born on February 24, 1954, in Gothenburg, Nebraska, to Glen and Colleen (Emery) Axthelm. From an early age, he embraced life with curiosity and a love for people, the outdoors, a good story, music, and a bit of mischief. These qualities became hallmarks of the man he was and the memories he created with everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Todd graduated from North Platte High School in 1972 and attended Chadron State College, where he participated in football and track. His college football career ended after suffering a neck injury in 1975, but not before gaining the nicknames of "Stick" in high school and "Stork" during college, as well as breaking the Chadron State College high jump record of 6' 6". Todd began his working years with the Chicago & North Western Railroad and in 1982 began a 39-year career with Farm Bureau Financial Services. For Todd, work was never just a job. He genuinely loved helping people and over the years many of the people he met through work became lifelong friends. In March 2022, he retired and soon after was diagnosed with leukemia. Following his leukemia diagnosis, Todd underwent a bone marrow transplant on July 24, 2023, a date that became known as his "rebirthday." His love of music was a source of comfort and healing during his 4.5 year battle. Todd and Demaris enjoyed many afternoons at outdoor music venues, as well as music therapy in his hospital room, during their stays at the Mayo Clinic.

On January 6, 1979, Todd married the love of his life, Demaris (Robins) Axthelm. Together they shared 47 years of marriage, a lifetime of adventures, projects, and a family they were incredibly proud of. Todd and Demaris lived throughout Nebraska before moving to Pierre, South Dakota, in 1988, where they raised their children. Eventually, the two settled in their dream destination, the beautiful Northern Black Hills of South Dakota.

Todd's greatest pride was his family. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Demaris; his children, Kenzi (Joe) Bisbing of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Brock (Kiah) Axthelm of Spearfish, South Dakota, and Kashia (Cody) Rosenau of Eugene, Oregon; his grandchildren, Austen, Grayson, Ezra, Otis, Arlo, Ivan, Rowan, and Mila; his sister, Susan Axthelm; his brother, Dan (Carole) Axthelm; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Colleen (Emery) Axthelm; his infant sister, Zoe; his in-laws, Norm and Dorothy Tinsley and Clifford Robins; his brother-in-law, Von Keller; and sister-in-law, Donelle Robins.

Todd had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome. With his quick wit, generous heart, beautiful smile, and mischievous spirit, he brought warmth and joy wherever he went. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and somehow leave with a new friend. In fact, there are simply too many friends to list because Todd seemed to find one everywhere he went.

To know Todd was to know his humor, kindness, endless stories, music played loud enough for all to hear, and the art of turning ordinary moments into memorable ones. Behind all of the jokes was an incredibly caring man who loved deeply and showed it through his actions, his laughter, and his unwavering presence. He gave the biggest bear hugs, delivered the hardest tickles, and believed laughter was always worth sharing. He found the bright side of everything, often reminding those around him that it was "a piece-o-cake." While his family will deeply miss him, they take comfort in knowing he lived exactly the way he wanted: surrounded by people he loved.

The family asks that you honor Todd by telling a good story, sharing a bear hug, playing your favorite song out loud, donating bone marrow, or helping someone in need. Those wishing to send flowers may have them delivered to 212 Upper Valley Road in Spearfish in care of Todd Axthelm.

The family is hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 20th at The Barn at Aspen Acres, 11011 Kellem Lane, Spearfish, SD 57783. The ceremony will begin at 1pm, followed by a celebration of food and fellowship throughout the afternoon.

To reach The Barn at Aspen Acres, take exit 10 off I-90 and head north on Highway 85 for 1.3 miles. Turn east onto Kellem Lane and continue until you arrive at the white barn.