Lorraine Axtell, 97, of Surprise, AZ, and a longtime resident of Waterloo, died on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in Surprise, AZ.

Lorraine was born on November 3, 1926, in Renwick, IA, to William and Inda Packard Blesie. She attended school there and graduated as valedictorian from Renwick High School in 1944. She attended ISTC (UNI) majoring in business education.

Lorraine met her future husband on a blind date set up by a sorority sister at the 1945 homecoming. She married Marion R. Axtell on June 6, 1948, in Renwick; he died just four days before their fiftieth anniversary, June 2, 1998.

Lorraine worked at Random Gift House for a short time and otherwise enjoyed being a homemaker and serving her community in numerous ways. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and PEO Chapter KS and served on numerous boards. Lorraine loved roses and peonies and collecting Hummels and turtles. She and Marion traveled all over the country in their Air Stream and later wintered in Venice, Florida. She was an excellent seamstress and sewed all her daughters’ clothes as they grew up.

Lorraine is survived by her daughters, Linda (Keith) Messenger of Wittmann, AZ, and Janis (Sam) McCort of Perth, Western Australia; grandchildren: Damon Butler, Cherise (Shane) Miner, Mandy (Mike) Parker, Darci Jackson, Scott Bagenstos, Beth (Matt) Dobbins, Cale (Michelle) McCort, Nathan (Crystal) McCort, Tamar (Jesse) McCunniff and Ryan Messenger; and 19 great grandchildren.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Peggy Bagenstos; and siblings: Donald Blesie, Dale Blesie, Dorothy Prang and Delores Orlando.

Memorials may be made to the Cedar Bend Humane Society, 1166 W Airline Hwy, Waterloo, IA 50703.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 am, June 11, 2025, at Katherine Graham Pahl Chapel, Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery, with a visitation for one hour prior to the services.

Arrangements by Locke on 4th, 1519 West 4th St, Waterloo, IA 50702, 319-233-6138.