Donald Freeman Axelsen

Venice, Florida – Donald Freeman Axelsen, Educator, Artist, Musician and Dancer died suddenly Sunday, December 11, 2011. He was born, June 18, 1929 in Portland, ME., son of Neil and Margaret Axelsen. He was a resident of Portland and Falmouth, ME before moving to Venice, FL in 1992.

Don was educated in Portland schools and graduated from Deering High School. He attended the Portland School of Fine and Applied Arts, Maine College of Art, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and the University of Maine, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He later attended Columbia University in NY, where he obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree.

Don started his teaching career at Jordan Grammar in Lewiston and then became Supervisor of Art in South Portland school system. He became Director of Art Education for the Westbrook school system, a position he held for 28 years before his retirement in 1982. During these years he was an Instructor for the University of Maine, Portland, in the Continuing Education Division teaching Art for the Classroom Teacher and Ballroom Dance. Both classes were always in demand. He also taught for the Portland Community Adult Education program in Art and Ballroom Dance. He was a member of many professional organizations; past President of the Maine Art Education Association, New England Art Education and National Art Education Associations. While working in Westbrook he received many awards for his art programs in the school. He received a Bronze Medal of Achievement from the University of Maine, for mentoring and supervising and outstandingly creative instructor. An artist in his own right, Don exhibited in Galleries in ME, CT and NY.

Don had many interests and hobbies. He was an entertainer and musician playing the Marimba and dancing Modern Jazz and Tap at many venues in both Maine and New England in the 40’s and 50’s. He had a great interest in dance and worked for the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Portland. He also studied dance at various studios in Maine and attended the June Taylor School of Dance in New York. While in Westbrook he had a Private Dance Studio and organized the Smooth Steppers Dance Club which had monthly theme dances and socials. One of his hobbies as a teenager was making Marionettes and putting on shows around the Portland area. A lover of nature all his life, he enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and walking.

Don was a member of St. Ansgars Lutheran Church in Portland. After moving to Florida, he became a member of Sun Coast Cathedral in Venice, FL and was a member of the Choir, participated in fundraising shows and decorated the church chancel with many creative flower arrangements.

Don was an active volunteer all of his life having given much of his time to many civic organizations; Presumpscot Grange, State Grange and National Grange. He was an active member of the Portland Players and Portland Lyric Theater. He was especially proud of his involvement at St. Josephs Manor in Portland. Where he enjoyed working with the residents, planning shows and entertainments. He became President of the Volunteer Association, a position he held for 3 years. In Florida he was active in the Venice Theater, Venice Opera Guild and Sarasota Opera where he was a Supernumerary and appeared in non-singing roles for two Opera Seasons.

Don was predeceased by his parents Neil and Margaret Axelsen and Stepfather William Strout and brothers, Neil, Theodore, Albert and sister, Marguerite Martin of Ellenboro, N.C.

He is survived by his life-long friend, David M. Flynn of Venice, FL. and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation Wednesday December 21, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland.

Graveside services will be held 11a.m. Thursday at Evergreen Cemetery 672 Stevens Ave Portland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sun Coast Cathedral MCC, 3276 E. Venice Ave Venice, FL 34292

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Don’s guestbook.