Lisa Axelson

Lisa Rierson Axelson, age 44, of Hutchinson, formerly of Atwater, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, May 21, at her home in Hutchinson.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 25, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Atwater. Interment will be at Union Cemetery in Atwater. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at the church and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Atwater Funeral Home, www.petersonbrothers.com.

Lisa Marie Rierson Axelson was born December 15, 1972, in Litchfield, Minnesota, the daughter of Richard and Marjorie (Portele) Rierson. She grew up in Atwater and attended Atwater-Grove City schools, graduating in 1991. In school, Lisa was active in band, choir, basketball and cross-country, and was the first female cross-country runner at the school to letter as a 7th grader. Lisa then attended Ridgewater College, earning her LPN degree. Lisa worked at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson (formerly Burns Manor) her entire nursing career and was a kind and dedicated nurse. Lisa was also a member of the Meeker and McLeod County Sheriff's Posse and a CPR trainer for Hutchinson Health.

Lisa loved animals and owned two horses, which she showed in halter and western pleasure. She also volunteered at the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter. She enjoyed snowmobiling, especially trips to the Gun Flint Trail. She was a member of the Hutchinson Drifters and taught snowmobile training. Lisa loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cross-country skiing. She also enjoyed shopping, garage sales, and keeping a meticulous house. She was proud of her Scandinavian heritage. Lisa loved spending time with her family and especially adored her nephews, Finn and Jase.

Lisa is survived by her parents: Richard and Marjorie Rierson of Atwater; two brothers: Justin Rierson of Hutchinson, and John (and Michelle) Rierson of Atwater; two nephews, Finn and Jase; her three dogs, Lena, Sven, and Gunnar; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Palmer and Tillie Rierson, and John and Loretta Portele; and her beloved dog, Ole.

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