Karen K. (Koochel) Axman 79, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2021, at the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center at Via Christi, St Francis, Wichita KS. She was born November 20, 1941 at St. Rose Hospital, Great Bend KS, daughter to Elwyn and Florine (Urban) Koochel. Karen grew up on the family farm North West of Albert. She attended Walnut View Grade School, the Prep School of the Dominican Sisters of Great Bend and graduated from Otis Bison High School. She married Anthony L. Axman on August 21, 1961.
Karen was a resident of Great Bend until 1983, she then moved to the Axman farm North of Olmitz. Tony and Karen resided there for 30 years before moving back to Great Bend to care for Karen’s mother. She was a homemaker until all of her 4 children were in school. She then began a 36-year-long career working with her husband in their computer processing/programming business, Sonrise Software.
Karen was an extremely giving person. She was co-founder of Birthright in Great Bend. For many years she traveled the state of Kansas advocating for the value and rights of the unborn child. She also took into her home and assisted a number of unwed expectant mothers. She enjoyed her prayer time, crocheting, crossword puzzles, playing card games with family and friends and whipping up new recipes. She had terrific cooking and baking skills.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Tony Axman; a daughter, Karla Crissman and husband Doug of Great Bend, KS; three sons, David Axman and wife Teri of Eudora, KS, Steve Axman and wife Sherry of Great Bend, KS and Ryan Axman and wife Ann of Olmitz, KS; four brothers, Michael Koochel and wife Lois, Mark Koochel and wife Charlene, Kevin Koochel and wife Cheri and Pat Koochel and wife Jillane; two sisters, Jane Brady and husband Lee and Judi Webster and husband Alan; nine grandchildren Alisha Hunley (Clifton), Ashley Howell, Chasity Ellis (Brent), Tony Axman (Dyan), Kelly Burris (Bryce), Addie Axman, Britany Axman (Tyler), Jessica Mead (Josh), and Jon Crissman (Jennifer) and eighteen great-grandchildren, She was preceded in death by her parents; and a grandson, Jared Axman.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday October 19, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Olmitz with Karen’s Cousin Father Reginald Urban and Father Anselm Eke, MSP, presiding. Interment will be in the St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz. Memorials have been designated to St. Ann Catholic Church or Birthright, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Funeral arrangements provided by
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 17, 2021
