Lois Elaine

Porter Axtman

Lois Elaine Porter Axtman, age 101, of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in Grand Forks, ND with family at her side.

Lois lived 101 years, and what a life she had! Born on May 19, 1925, to Ernest and Gladys (Atchison) Porter in Hannah, ND, she grew up on a farm, where she learned the value of hard work, family, and making the most of what life brings. She experienced loss at a young age when her mother passed away, but carried a strength and independence with her throughout her life.

Lois had a calling to care for others. She graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1948 as an Army Nurse Cadet and went on to work at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake, ND, St. Mary's Hospital in Minneapolis, MN and Valley Memorial Homes in Grand Forks. Nursing was an important part of her life and reflected the caring person she was.

On November 12, 1949, she married Robert “Bob” Axtman in Nekoma, ND. Together they raised their family and made many wonderful memories. Lois loved being around people, visiting, sharing stories, and having a good laugh. She enjoyed life and found happiness in the company of family and friends. After retirement, she and Bob enjoyed hosting casino bus trips for Superhighway Tours, meeting people and having fun along the way. She was also a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks, where her faith was an important part of her life. Lois was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She leaves behind her children, Vicki (Douglas) Kjono, Jeanne (Damus) Chaput, and James (Renee) Axtman; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many special cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob”, with whom she shared over 70 years of marriage, a brother, Gordon Porter, and her parents.

Reaching 101 years is something special. Lois saw so much change in the world, experienced more than most of us can imagine, and made memories with generations of family. We will miss her visits, her stories, her laughter, chocolate nuggets and simply having her with us. We are grateful for the many years we had and for the family, traditions, and memories she leaves behind. Her life was a gift to all who knew her.

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2026 in Valley 4000 Senior Living, Grand Forks, ND. 
Visitation: One hour prior to the Memorial Service in Valley 4000 Senior Living.
Interment: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.