Axtell Walking Stick recipients praised for ‘a million small moments’ of love, hard work

AXTELL—A couple described by their bishop as “long-time residents of the community” who are always helping their neighbors received the Axtell Walking Stick during a community picnic last Friday, July 24.

The honor went to Brad and Kolleen Jensen, who live on and farm land passed down from Brad’s father Eugene Jensen. Their daughter, Camille Heidbrink, says her dad “has farmed all his life,” and mainly grows alfalfa and some corn.

The farm is on a road called Jensen Lane. The Jensens live on the property in the house where Brad Jensen grew up. They have four adult children, all of whom were on hand to see their parents honored.

A walking stick is given every year on Pioneer Day to a couple or individual who have symbolically walked many miles in service to the Axtell community.

This year, the picnic was held on a combination farm and retreat property on the outskirts of Axtell owned by Dick Christensen. It attracted upwards of 100 community members and friends.

As is traditional, a bountiful community potluck, including hamburgers, multiple salads, watermelon and root beer, was served prior to the award presentation.

Heidbrink read a tribute as part of the Walking Stick presentation.

“What makes our parents so special?” she asked rhetorically. “It isn’t just one big moment. It’s a million small ones. It’s the way they’ve always made our home a place of warmth, a place of prayer and a place of fun.

“It’s how selflessly they have raised their children and grandchildren—whether they’re navigating farm work, callings or everyday life.”

Heidbrink said her parents taught their children to “love one another and how to keep Christ in the center of our lives.”

She said her father works hard but also plays hard. “We spent many days and nights on the mountain in the winter enjoying the snow as a family,” she said. She added that her dad has a “funny personality” and said, “We aren’t sure he ever grew up.”

“Our mother is such a great example of loving the Savior,” Heidbrink added. She has 20 pictures of Christ in one room in their home. And “she is always ready to do something fun after the work is done. And always wanting to do fun things with the grandkids.”

The event concluded with the annual auction in which youth offered handicrafts, baked goods and promises to do work for community members. The proceeds support the Young Men’s and Young Women’s programs in the Axtell Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

One item was a “USA gift basket” containing an American flag, a patriotic banner, a blanket containing patriotic designs and a carved wood insignia across the top of the basket that read, “God Bless the USA.” The basket netted $200.

Other items included pickled quail eggs; a large wooden placard hand painted with and America 250 message; “patriotic brownies;” a s’mores night kit that included a stove for roasting s’mores and a game to be played during the night; a promise of summer and fall lawn aerating; and a promise to make a poppy seed cake upon request.