BURLESON — Axel I. Olson, 82, passed away on Monday December 23, 2013 at his home. Funeral: 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at Mayfield Kiser Funeral Home in Burleson. Visitation: 2 hours prior to service. Interment: 1:15 P.M. Tuesday at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. Axel is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret in 2011 and his mother, Adina Olsson. Survivors: son, David and wife, Debbie; daughter, Adina Sawyer and husband, Brent; beloved sister, Mary of Sweden; grandchildren, Christopher and Bradley Olson, Hannah Olmstead, Crystal Johnson-Teckley and husband John, Nicholas and Heather Wang; great grandson, Gavin Teckley; 2 nephews also of Sweden. Axel was born to Adina and Georg Olsson on November 15, 1931 in Lamas Sweden. His sister Mary was already three years old. Axel’s mother, Adina owned her own coffee shop in Lamas at the age of eighteen. It was around this time that she met Axel’s father, Georg. Adina sold the coffee shop and bought a small home in Lamas where Axel was born. Georg supported the family by selling reading glasses. He would set out on his bicycle each day with a suitcase full of different eye glasses and sell them to the farmers and people about town. Adina was a very religious person then and would be for the rest of her life. Unfortunately George was quite the opposite. This caused discord in the relationship and unfortunately Adina and Georg were divorced when Axel was only three years old. Georg moved to Vanersborg and Adina, Mary and Axel remained in the “little red house with white corners” in Lamas. Perhaps it is because of this that Axel and Mary were always so close. Adina had two cows, some chickens and a pig or two. Evenings found Mary and Axel getting water from the well and tending to the livestock, but mostly doing their homework by the light of the oil lamp in the kitchen. School was always important to Axel and Mary so they made sure that they were in bed early each night so that they could be up at 5:00 AM. School did not start until 8:00, but was an hour walk away and included cutting through the forest before getting to the road that lead to the school. The fear of running into a wolf or a bear during the early morning hours was a very real fear Axel and Mary. Summertime found Axel and Mary riding their bicycles to nearby Vanern Lake where they would much of their time. They also made some extra money helping the farmers sell their strawberry crops. Rumor has it that Mary and Axel ate many of the strawberries themselves. Adina feared that Axel, who was now 16, would be drafted into the Swedish Army as were all young men in Sweden at the time. Adina did not want her son to learn how to handle a weapon so she sent him to be with her brother, Elias, in the United States. So at 16 years old Axel came to the United States and worked on his uncle’s farm. It was his plan to work on the farm for about a year and try to save enough money to buy a car and then tour the United States. When Axel had saved the money to buy his car he found himself at a used car dealership in Oneonta New York. When Axel walked onto the lot it was more that just the cars that caught his eye. It turns out that the car dealers 16 year old daughter, Clara, also deserved a test drive. The two hit it off immediately and Axel put his plans to tour the country on hold. Axel and Clara would be married in 1952. Even though his mother had done her best to keep him out of the military in Sweden the United States found itself at war in Korea. Axel was drafted into the United States Army and after a quick honeymoon in Niagara Falls found himself in boot camp at Fort Brag North Carolina. Axel served in the intelligence branch of the army and was fortunate enough to not spend any time in Korea. When his time was up they offered him promotions and pay raises, but Axel was eager to leave his army life behind and start a family. Axel and Clara Settled down in Sidney New York where they lived in a small duplex. Axel began to work in construction and learned the trade. Axel and Clara then began to build their own home. The home that they would eventually raise their family in. Axel build the home on his own, block by block, with the assistance of Clara. They began their family in 1960 with the birth of David and then with the birth of Adina in 1961. Axel continued his career in construction. Not only did he have the knowledge that it took to build a home, but more importantly he took great pride in what he did and everyone in Sidney knew that if they bought a home built by Axel Olson they were getting one of the finest homes available. A home that would last a lifetime. All of the homes and apartment buildings that he built are still standing today! Axel was also very much a family man spending time camping with his family at Sidney Dam and spring breaks in Myrtle Beach. In 1980 Axel and Clara followed son David and daughter Adina to live in Texas. Axel would continue his contracting career for awhile, but would eventually retire. Now it was time to do the traveling that he did not get to do as a young man. Axel and Clara bought a motor home and found themselves traveling around the country, camping, spending time with family, and even hitting a casino two. After 60 years together the Lord took Clara to be with him in 2011. Anyone who had the opportunity to spend time with Axel at that time was
20 Responses
Axel was my Uncle, and from my childhood and even today, he was always that friendly and caring Uncle, you always wish for. He always carried a sense of warmth and kindness around him, I even sensed over here, whenever I or my Mom talked to him on the phone. I surely will miss having my Uncle around! His memory though will always be bright and strong for me…..forever! Anders
Axel was my Uncle, and from my childhood and even today, he was always that friendly and caring Uncle, you always wish for. He always carried a sense of warmth and kindness around him, I even sensed over here, whenever I or my Mom talked to him on the phone. I surely will miss having my Uncle around! His memory though will always be bright and strong for me…..forever! Anders
Axel Olson was married to my mother’s little sister Clara. He built the home that my parents are still living in, more than fifty years ago. I will always remember him as a quite, kind man, who spoke softly and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He adored his wife, and was both pleased and proud of his family. Uncle Axel was one of the few of whom it can be said: he was a good man! He will be missed by all who knew him.
Axel Olson was married to my mother’s little sister Clara. He built the home that my parents are still living in, more than fifty years ago. I will always remember him as a quite, kind man, who spoke softly and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He adored his wife, and was both pleased and proud of his family. Uncle Axel was one of the few of whom it can be said: he was a good man! He will be missed by all who knew him.
Axel always greeted you with a smile. He was truly a nice person to know. Even though we were miles apart, you will always be remembered with great fondness.
Axel always greeted you with a smile. He was truly a nice person to know. Even though we were miles apart, you will always be remembered with great fondness.
Axel always greeted you with a smile.
Even though we were miles apart, he will be missed.
Axel always greeted you with a smile.
Even though we were miles apart, he will be missed.
My sister, Clara, found her soul mate when she met Axel. They traveled and enjoyed the country. Together they built a prosperous business. They raised two awesome children and had a good life together. When Clara died my husband and I stayed with Axel for awhile. He talked of the time he came to America to help his Uncle. He stayed on and finished school here. Axel showed me pictures of Sweden and talked about leaving his home to come to America. He was proud to be an American and proud of his service in the Army as an interpreter. He was a kind and loving husband father and friend. He will be missed.
Ron & Joyce Kollgaard
My sister, Clara, found her soul mate when she met Axel. They traveled and enjoyed the country. Together they built a prosperous business. They raised two awesome children and had a good life together. When Clara died my husband and I stayed with Axel for awhile. He talked of the time he came to America to help his Uncle. He stayed on and finished school here. Axel showed me pictures of Sweden and talked about leaving his home to come to America. He was proud to be an American and proud of his service in the Army as an interpreter. He was a kind and loving husband father and friend. He will be missed.
Ron & Joyce Kollgaard
Axel was my “little brother”, 3 years younger. At the age of 14 he moved to US to stay with our Uncle Elias.
We wrote constantly to each other, and later we talked over the phone.
During the years, we could travel to each other, a number of times.
They could have been more – a lot more! Specially when we were younger.
But we always had a special bond between us that never weakened throughout the years.
He always cared for me as I was the younger one – and not the opposite!
He was a very loving brother.
Distance kept us apart – but never in heart.
I will miss you Axel very much, but you will forever be close to me in heart. If distance never could part us, time never will either!
Axel was my “little brother”, 3 years younger. At the age of 14 he moved to US to stay with our Uncle Elias.
We wrote constantly to each other, and later we talked over the phone.
During the years, we could travel to each other, a number of times.
They could have been more – a lot more! Specially when we were younger.
But we always had a special bond between us that never weakened throughout the years.
He always cared for me as I was the younger one – and not the opposite!
He was a very loving brother.
Distance kept us apart – but never in heart.
I will miss you Axel very much, but you will forever be close to me in heart. If distance never could part us, time never will either!
Uncle Axel is missed by all of his relatives here in Sweden.
It was always fun and interesting to meet him here in Sweden or in the USA, later years we kept contact by phone.
Axel has made a remarkable journey leaving Sweden very young starting a prosperous family and working hard creating his business and future in the USA.
We are glad that Axel had time to enjoy later years of his life with his retirement, spending time with family, children and grandchildren which meant so much to him.
A great, kind, concerning man, my uncle Axel is missed.
Uncle Axel is missed by all of his relatives here in Sweden.
It was always fun and interesting to meet him here in Sweden or in the USA, later years we kept contact by phone.
Axel has made a remarkable journey leaving Sweden very young starting a prosperous family and working hard creating his business and future in the USA.
We are glad that Axel had time to enjoy later years of his life with his retirement, spending time with family, children and grandchildren which meant so much to him.
A great, kind, concerning man, my uncle Axel is missed.
My dad was one of the strongest men I knew He taught me to love and forgive. In his lifetime I grew from his little girl to the person I am today. He built the first home for us while he was working. Mom and Dad built the home block by block. I remember them telling me the story of them saving everything to build the house. My dad learned the building business while working for another builder. He started his own company and became one of the best known builders in the area. People in Sidney knew that if they bought a home that Axel Olson had built, they had purchased one of the finest homes available. he took great pride in his work and his family. His legacy in Sidney will live on for many years. The apartment building he built is named after him. He wanted to protect me from all harm, teach me to be wise with money, work hard, and above all love my family. Family was the most important thing to him. He loved my brother and I so much. Even when we messed up. Which we did over the years. our dad was one remarkable dad. He was the head of his family. He guided us through hard times and celebrated the good times with us. He always told me when I sold a house how excited he was for me. It was as if he was making the money himself. He wanted to make sure all of us where safe, fed, and loved. He told me every time I talked to him that he loved me, and was proud of me. He was my protector. One day he told me that he was not afraid of anyone. I was his little girl and he was my dad. I thank god for the time I had with him. I know he is with mom, but I miss him more than I can say. I am thankful for a brother who is doing his best to take care of things to spare any of any more pain. He is as strong as my dad in the way he is handling things. I lost my dad, but gain a big brother who is one heck of a man.
My dad was one of the strongest men I knew He taught me to love and forgive. In his lifetime I grew from his little girl to the person I am today. He built the first home for us while he was working. Mom and Dad built the home block by block. I remember them telling me the story of them saving everything to build the house. My dad learned the building business while working for another builder. He started his own company and became one of the best known builders in the area. People in Sidney knew that if they bought a home that Axel Olson had built, they had purchased one of the finest homes available. he took great pride in his work and his family. His legacy in Sidney will live on for many years. The apartment building he built is named after him. He wanted to protect me from all harm, teach me to be wise with money, work hard, and above all love my family. Family was the most important thing to him. He loved my brother and I so much. Even when we messed up. Which we did over the years. our dad was one remarkable dad. He was the head of his family. He guided us through hard times and celebrated the good times with us. He always told me when I sold a house how excited he was for me. It was as if he was making the money himself. He wanted to make sure all of us where safe, fed, and loved. He told me every time I talked to him that he loved me, and was proud of me. He was my protector. One day he told me that he was not afraid of anyone. I was his little girl and he was my dad. I thank god for the time I had with him. I know he is with mom, but I miss him more than I can say. I am thankful for a brother who is doing his best to take care of things to spare any of any more pain. He is as strong as my dad in the way he is handling things. I lost my dad, but gain a big brother who is one heck of a man.
Axel built our Haynes Blvd. house in Sidney, NY. He was a fantastic man to work with,very willing to give us suggestions, so very dependable and honest as the day long. We have always been so happy to know him, have him do the work for us on our house, and proud to have known him. He was a great guy, who worked hard and liked what he did—always trying to do the very best job that he could.
Bless you Axel!! Rest in peace!!
Axel built our Haynes Blvd. house in Sidney, NY. He was a fantastic man to work with,very willing to give us suggestions, so very dependable and honest as the day long. We have always been so happy to know him, have him do the work for us on our house, and proud to have known him. He was a great guy, who worked hard and liked what he did—always trying to do the very best job that he could.
Bless you Axel!! Rest in peace!!
RIP Axel, You were such a wonderful man, very good family man, your wife Clara was my cousin. A great couple, you will be missed by your family and friends. God Bless. Maryann
RIP Axel, You were such a wonderful man, very good family man, your wife Clara was my cousin. A great couple, you will be missed by your family and friends. God Bless. Maryann