Larry James Axtell, age 76, of Muscatine, Iowa passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023. A funeral service in honor of Larry will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2023 at Weerts Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of service. Following the service, burial with military honors will proceed at Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be left to American Legion Post 26, AM Vets Post 144, or DAV Post 2. Online, condolences and fond memories may be expressed to the family at www.weertsfh.com
Larry Axtell was born August 5, 1946 in Muscatine, Iowa to parents Casey Weikert and Alma Elizabeth (Wakefield) Axtell. He was adopted by Harold Arthur Axtell as a baby when he married Alma.
Larry was a graduate of MHS, and attended MCC, he was five months away from receiving his BA when he was drafted in the Army. While in high school and in college, Larry played football as a running back. He won a scholarship to West Point. He was in NCO school in Kansas when he met Rita Bell, his wife to be. Later, they divorced. Years later, Larry married Julie Axtell. They also divorced.
Larry worked at Grain Processing Corporation in Muscatine, Grandview MKT, Grandview, IA, Kenworth trucking from Dubuque to Muscatine, Oscar Mayer in Davenport, and more recently at Rhythm City Casino as a part time maintenance person.
Larry served as a volunteer firefighter in Grandview, IA, Platoon and squad leader, member of Hillcrest Baptist in Davenport, American Legion, AM Vets, DAV North Right, Mahason Grotto, Salvation Army bell ringer, Honor Guard, AM Legion Commander, and Lions Club President for three years.
Larry is survived by his son, Mark Axtell of Missoula, Montana; daughter, Jessica Axtell of Otsego, Minnesota; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four brothers, Harold “Red” (Madge) of Cameron, Wisconsin, Gary of Haysi, Virginia, Garold (Darla) of King, North Carolina, Robert (Cindy) of Muscatine, Iowa and a devoted friend, Ken Leonard.
Larry was preceded in death by his biological Father, his parents, Harold and Alma Axtell, and an infant daughter.
“Thank you veterans for all your help all these years…” – Larry Axtell
