Christian Thuesle Axelgard III, a prominent Southern California high school coach and two-time All American water polo player, passed away on July 20, 2026, in Santa Clarita, California. Axelgard, known to many as 'CT,' died in a weakened condition after several years of battling esophageal cancer.
International Childhood and Utah Roots
Axelgard's life was marked by international beginnings and deep ties to both California and Utah. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, on October 10, 1958, his birth date held significance for his family’s Taiwanese friends as it coincided with their national independence day. The son of Verna and Wiggo Axelgard, he spent much of his early childhood traveling through Taiwan, Iran, and Greece due to his father's international employment with Foremost Dairies.
Lifelong Connection to Utah
The family returned to the United States in 1965, briefly reconnecting with their ancestral roots in eastern Utah before settling permanently in La Crescenta, California. Despite spending his adult life as a Californian, Axelgard maintained a strong affection for the state of Utah and its pioneer heritage. He frequently visited Utah's reservoirs and streams, including fishing in Huntington Canyon with his great-grandfather and taking his nieces and nephews to Potters’ Pond and Joe’s Valley.
Athletic Legacy and Coaching Career
Axelgard's athletic achievements in Southern California were significant. During his time at Crescenta Valley High School, he was a dominant pitcher in the Foothill League and remains the only water polo player in the school's history to be recognized as a two-time All American. His early baseball success also included leading a Glendale Little League team to its first undefeated season as a pitcher.
Three Decades of Coaching
After graduating from Chapman College, where he earned his teaching credential, Axelgard dedicated 35 years to coaching high school sports in the Glendale area. He coached varsity baseball and water polo at Glendale High School and later assisted the Crescenta Valley High School girls' water polo team in winning a CIF championship in 2013. Reflecting on his philosophy of competition, he once noted that athletics taught him how to lose and use those losses as motivation to try harder.
Faith and Community Service
A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Axelgard served as an ordinance worker in the Los Angeles temple and frequently supported missionary elders. Even while undergoing chemotherapy, he delivered a notable sermon on Mother's Day in 2023. His family expressed deep gratitude to his caregiver, Priscilla Kellogg, for her support during his final months.
Funeral Arrangements and Survivors
Axelgard is survived by his siblings, Kaye Axelgard-Reeves, Fred Axelgard, and Robyn Axelgard, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Verna Robbins Axelgard and Wiggo Frederick Axelgard. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, July 24, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Valencia, California, with a viewing beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Final Resting Place
Following the services in California, Axelgard will be interred at the Huntington City Cemetery in Huntington, Utah. The cemetery is maintained by the local municipality as part of its department directory for Emery County.
