Axdahl Passes On The Purse
At last fall's AMCA meeting (1997) in Milwaukee, longtime Treasurer, Les Axdahl, announced he would be stepping down from the Treasurer position effective with the new elections. Subsequently, Third VP Robert Esko undertook to do some research on Les's tenure in that job and has provided the following for us:
Les began his illustrious career in AMCA leadership roles in 1956 when he was elected President of the (then) Midwest Conference, and automatically became a Vice President of the AMCA.
Then, in 1957, he was elected Governor of the Upper Midwest District, a position he held until 1965. In the early 1960s, the AMCA Treasurer was Jerome Brabb, who held that position until 1965, when some changes occurred in the top leadership of AMCA.
Executive Secretary Guy Stoppert died unexpectedly (heart attack) on March 11, 1965. On the following May 1st, the Board met in Rhinelander, WI and elected Elmer Rehbein to assume the Executive Secretary position. (The AMCA Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Mr. Stoppert.) My research of AMCA meeting minutes indicates that Les Axdahl was elected Treasurer at the fall meeting in 1966.
Beginning in 1966 and ending in 1997, Les served 31 years as AMCA Treasurer -- a very impressive record! At this point in my research, it would appear that he set the longevity record for all AMCA elected officers, including Clayton Old, founder of AMCA (1924-45). Possibly there are others, at the local chorus level, who have held a single office for a longer period or time but no one longer at the International level.
(Editors Note - Felsch)
Les Axdahl, now 74, was born and was raised in rural Northwest Iowa. He was graduated from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD with a BA in Chemistry. He began work at 3M Company in 1944 but soon entered the Army. Les spent the majority or his two-year stint in the Phillipines. On returning to civilian life and his job a 3M, he climbed through the research ranks and retired in 1982 as a Senior Research Specialist responsible for a ten member research group.
Les was also active in local politics, being elected mayor of Maplewood, MN and serving 6 years in that position. He was also on the Maplewood Planning Commission and was active in church affairs as well being director of a rural bank.
Les's wife, Evie, is and has long been active in the Republican Party serving in many capacities including national committeewoman.
The Axdahls reside in Maplewood, MN.
(Picture: Evie and Les Axdahl)
