John A. Axelson, 88, of Oregon, died on Monday, Nov.13, 2017.
He was born on May 11, 1929 in Lorain, Ohio, the son of John and Mildred (Wolfrom) Axelson.
After graduating from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, he served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53.
He was stationed in Pusan, Korea, during the Korean War.
Returning from the service, he completed a master's degree in Counseling at the University of Michigan.
He was then employed at Lee M. Thurston High School in Detroit, Mchigan, for eight years while also being enrolled in the doctoral program at the University of Michigan.
He joined the faculty at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, in 1965 as a Professor of Counselor Education in the Graduate School.
During his 24 years as a professor and mentor at NIU, he enjoyed working with doctoral and master's students from all parts of the world.
His textbook on multicultural counseling was widely used in the counselor education field.
In addition, he also conducted many outreach workshops and training programs for schools, community agencies, and business and industry.
After living in DeKalb for 35 years, John and his wife moved to Oregon in 2000 to spend time with their grandchildren and family.
John enjoyed nature and being outdoors.
He liked yard work and a favorite pastime was creating various landscaping projects.
He enjoyed being with family and always looked forward to family gatherings.
John and his wife became members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon after being long-time members of First Lutheran in DeKalb.
John is survived by his wife, Ernestine; sons, Thomas (Lola) Axelson, of Camarillo, California, and Jon (Cindy) Axelson, of Oregon; and daughter, Kristin (Steve) Kochmeier, of Forreston; grandson, Erik (Spring) Axelson, of St. Charles, Missouri; granddaughter, Lynea (Jordan) Olp, of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; great grandsons, Elijah and Owen; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob; and two sisters, Mary and Betty.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 10 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fifth and Jefferson, Oregon.
Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, Oregon.
Memorials may be directed to Serenity Hospice & Home, St. Paul Lutheran Church, or the Oregon School Foundation.
Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon assisted the family with the arrangements.