Carl Martinus Ahlen was born in Helle, Telemarken, Norway, to parents Nels and Karen Hanson on November 3, 1877. His father died when he was two years old, and at the age of four his mother immigrated to America with her two small sons, Hans and Martin, and they settled at Wegdahl, Minnesota, where they had relatives. In 1888 his widowed mother married Olaf Ahlen and they moved to his farm in Tyro Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. Here Martin grew to manhood and he operated the farm for many years and after the death of his step-father he became the owner of the farm and made his home there until September, 1949 when he broke his hip. His physical condition prevented proper healing, and he was confined to hospitals practically all the time from then on until November 1, 1952, when he was taken to the home of his foster sister, Mrs. Ella Resxstad, at Eagle Bend, Minnesota. His condition gradually deteriorated and he passed away July 28, 1953, at the age of 75 years, 8 months and 25 days. He leaves to mourn his death, his niece, Mrs. Oliver Rikke and her family and his foster sister, Mrs. Ella Rexstad and family. His parents and his brother Hans preceded him in death. Martin was bedridden the last four years of his life, and although he did not always suffer physical pain, his eyes failed him and he was unable to read, but he showed remarkable patience during his affliction and confinement. Funeral Service Friday, July 31, 1953, 2:00 p.m. First English Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Rev. C.O. Bomgren Vocal Soloists Mrs. Arden Lynne Rev. C.O. Bomgren Pallbearers Carl Dotseth ~ Oscar Dotseth Leon Goff ~ Carl Mahlberg Oscar Peterson ~ Simon Larson Final Resting Place Fridhem Lutheran Cemetery, Tyro Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota