Dale Axvig

Dale Axvig, age 78, of Cando, North Dakota, passed away on November 22, 2024. Dale was a beloved friend, father, and grandfather whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on October 27, 1946, in Hoople, ND, to Dorothy and Ken Axvig. Dale's family moved to Rugby, ND, when he was 12 years old. From a young age, Dale loved basketball and practiced for countless hours. His hard work earned him a spot as a starter for the Ruby Panthers. Among the highlights of his high school basketball career were playing against Phil Jackson, competing in the 1963 state tournament, and an unforgettable 31-point game against Mandan.

Dale continued his basketball journey at Minot State, where he majored in physical education and business administration. During college, he spent two summers working at a basketball camp in upstate New York, where he had the extraordinary opportunity to play and coach alongside his idols, Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain.

In 1969, Dale married Randi, whom he met at Minot State. Together, they moved to Park River, ND, where Dale began his teaching and coaching career at Lankin High School. In 1973, the family relocated to Cando, where Dale continued teaching and coaching basketball. In 1976, he transitioned to a new role as a Benefit Administrator and Credit Manager at Baker Electric, later Northern Plains Electric, where he worked for 31 years until his retirement in 2008. Alongside his professional career, Dale devoted 28 years to volunteering as an emergency medical technician in Cando, providing aid and comfort during countless emergencies. Dale and Randi raised three children, Kristin, Amy, and Chad, in Cando. 

Dale married Sharon in 2003. They shared a deep love and connection, enjoying many happy years together. They spent winters in Arizona among friends and summers in Cando golfing and cherishing time with family. Dale was a steadfast companion to Sharon during her five-year battle with illness, staying by her side until her passing in 2018.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Dale's love of basketball was rivaled only by his passion for golf. Over the years, he spent countless hours on the golf course, achieving four holes-in-one and famously playing 169 holes in a single day with his friend Larry. Dale had many friends that spanned all the time periods of his life and anytime he was anywhere in North Dakota, he would run into someone he knew. 

Dale is survived by his children, Kristin, Amy, and Chad; stepchildren Melanie and Brandon; grandchildren Madeline, Grace, Cal, Oliver, Lucas, Paia, and Charlie; and his brothers Keith and David. Dale's kindness and contributions to his community left a lasting impression on all who knew him, saying he was one of the nicest people they've ever met. He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Dale's life is planned for June 2025 at his favorite place, the Cando Golf Course. The exact date and details will be shared soon.