trax

Dr. Ken Traxler (1966-2020)

The Bemidji State University family mourns the passing of professor, assistant football coach, friend and mentor Dr. Ken Traxler, who died on May 6, 2023. He was 53.

Traxler made the move to Bemidji in 1997 to serve as a professor in the Department of Chemistry. He remained there for the next 22 years, taking on many roles, including department chair.

Traxler also quickly found a home within BSU Athletics. Soon after his arrival in Bemidji, he joined the football staff as a volunteer coach, where he worked with the offensive linemen. After four years, he became an assistant coach and served in that role through the 2019 season. During his tenure with Beaver football, Traxler coached six all-Americans and 19 all-region student-athletes.

A fan of all Bemidji State sport programs, Traxler also worked closely with Beaver Pride as a volunteer, member and board member.

In accordance with Ken's wishes, gifts can be made to the Ken Traxler Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded each year to a BSU student who is studying biochemistry or is engaged in biochemical research at BSU.

Gifts can be made on this page or checks can be mailed to:

BSU Foundation
Attn: Ken Traxler Scholarship
1500 Birchmont Drive NE #17
Bemidji, MN 56601