Axel William "Poju" Laxo of 909 West A St, Iron Mountain, Michigan, formerly of Republic quietly passed into the Hands of our Lord surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. Axel was born on July 6, 1930 to Axel (Laakso) Laxo and Vieno (Lehtola) Laxo at St. Mary's Hospital in Marquette, Michigan. His childhood was spent with his extended family and Cousin Gilbert Laakso and Uncle Jorma Lehtola while helping his parents in their grocery store/post office in Dukes, Michigan.

The family moved to Republic where Axel attended Republic High School until he answered the call to arms during the Korean Conflict. He returned home a decorated soldier having served with the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, he returned to Republic where he started his new career working for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co in their Ishpeming/Negaunee mines until a strike forced him and his family to move to Kellogg, Idaho. He worked in the mines there until a back injury forced him to rethink his career plans and soon he began studies to become a schoolteacher.
A call from his parents sent him back to Republic to take over the family business, Northern Specialty Company, until his retirement in 1997. Axel served as President of the Republic High School Board and as a member of the Republic Lions club, VFW post #5014 and the Bethany Lutheran Church.

Axel always cared about his family especially his mother who accompanied him on many of his numerous trips throughout the country. On a trip to Arizona, she remarked that she had seen the Biggest cactus ever. One year his mission was to find all the towns named Republic in the US. He had a successful trip and relayed many stories about all the different places and people he met. His Honda Gold Wing was his escape from the normal driving he had to do for the business and he and his friends, especially Wally Warlin, took many extended trips around Lake Superior.

Axel was preceded in death by his parents, Vieno and Axel; four infant baby brothers; his brother Paul; grandparents Wilho and Hilda Lehtola and Johan and Sanna Laakso.

Left to honor his memory and miss him dearly is his love for the past six years, Lois Zychowski, sisters Maria (Jim) Gengler of Delphos KS, Shiela (Lloyd) Glover, Republic MI and Dorothy Armstrong of Lexington OK, daughter Amy (Jim) Hilsabeck of Republic; sons: Peter, Houghton, Mi; Frank (Ann) of Grand Rapids, Mi; Duane (Lori) Negaunee, Mi; and Gordon (Geri) of Nashua, NH.
Also, grandchildren: Mike(Melissa) Kris(Larry), Ben (Ariane), Adam, Jason (Jess), Jessie, Renee, Seth, Andrew and Jennifer. Great Grandchildren: Ariel, Angelica, Michael, Alexander, Reilly and Miley plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In passing, Axel wanted to send his love and thanks to all of his family and friends for the wonderful ride they provided him and wants them to remember, "Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away".

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are requested to make them to the Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic, MI 49879 for the church Stained Glass Window Project.

Visitation will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, Republic, Mi from 1:30-3:00PM e.s.t. on Saturday, October 30, 2010 with funeral service at 3:00PM with Rev. Katherine Finegan officiating. A luncheon will be held following the service and burial at the Republic Cemetery with Military Honors following the Luncheon.

Axel's obituary may be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where his guest book may be signed.