Martin I. Ahlin
February 25, 1924 - April 26, 2010
Martin I. Ahlin
Adored by his family, respected by his peers and admired by all who met him. Marty was born February 25, 1924 in Hiawatha, Utah to Martin and Josephine Travnik Ahlin who had both immigrated to the United States from Yugoslavia. He enjoyed a challenging yet adventurous youth growing up in the coal mining town of Kenilworth with his sisters, Josephine Rasmussen (Oklahoma) and Mary Jones (Idaho). Marty's father was the track boss of the mine and Marty had many stories of riding his bike to deliver shift assignments. These were difficult times complicated by the early death of their mother but they share tales of happiness and a house full of music.
Marty enlisted in the US Marine Corp serving in the Pacific during WWII. He was a machine gun squad leader in the 2nd Marine division landing on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Tarawa during which he was awarded a Purple Heart. Returning from the war he met the sunshine of his life, Pauline Tonc. In 1947 they began a marriage filled with 60 years of travel, adventure and love, dipping their toes in every ocean on Earth. Pauline preceded him in death in October 2007. Marty enjoyed a well-respected 35-year career with General Motors in the Motors Insurance Division. He retired in 1981 but remained involved with his work for many years, sustaining many endearing friendships.
Marty supported many civic and academic organizations sitting as the President of the Catholic Diocesan Board of Education for a time. Marty's public achievements could not have compared to his private happinesses. He loved flying, golfing, tennis, automobiles, deep see fishing, and politics. He was the consummate handy man known for perfection.
Survived by his daughter Mary Jo (Dane Falkner), daughter Peggy (Ron Weiss) and son Michael (Claudia Klawe). Especially grieving his loss are Papa’s Tiger, Nicholas Martin Falkner and Grandpa’s Angel Baby Princess, Erica Jade Ahlin as well as bonus grandchildren – Dane and Charlotte Falkner, Sara and Ben Ridges, Alisha and David Pedowitz, Brian Teichner and Becky Van Fleet, Bohdan and Adam Klawe. Marty's legacy includes his two great grandchildren, Itai and Faye Pauline Pedowitz. He leaves behind countless nieces, nephews and extended family including his sisters and in-laws, Louis and Madeline Tonc and Edith Tonc all living in Helper, UT and his adopted children Jeff, Jason and Amy.
Marty Ahlin filed his last flight plan in the company of his family on Monday, April 26th.
Marty taught us that wealth comes not only in the form of money but in life's wisdoms and that honesty should be your core. He taught us to learn daily, give constantly, work with integrity, cherish tradition, and love passionately. Marty was guided daily by the Marine Corp Motto SEMPER FI (always loyal). He was a true gentleman who loved his heritage, his religion, his country, his family and his life. He leaves this world a better place because of his touch. Michael is now the boss, God help us!
In lieu of flowers, Marty said he would prefer you walk together on Hawaii's beaches, take an Autumn hike in Cedar Breaks or take a basket ride in Madeira in his honor. He also hoped that you would share a good bottle of red wine with us – we have registered with the DABC! If you are inclined to make a donation in his name please consider the Pauline and Martin Ahlin Scholarship for Higher Education made out to Christmas Brick PO Box 57404, SLC, UT 84157-0404.
A Catholic funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 1st at 11:00am. You can visit with the family starting at 10:30am. St. Vincent de Paul 1385 Spring Lane. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Commander's House at Fort Douglas.
In Loving Memory
Dear MJ and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss and extend our most sincere sympathy to you all at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lidia Steinvoort and family
Lidia Steinvoort and family
Holladay, Ut
MJ, Peggy, Michael and family We would like to extend our deepest sympathy. The obituary was written beautifully. You father and mother were a true inspiration to us and every one who met them. They were the most genuine. loving and sincere people we have every met. I know they were very proud of you all. The love and wisdoms they have shared with you will always be there. Your are in our hearts. Much love The Pell family
olene and Doug Pell
salt lake city, ut
Dear Peggy, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I know how close your whole family is and how much you will all miss him. Reading the obituary, it was obvious that it was written by those who love him; it was so beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jan
Janet Wintch
West Jordan, UT
I am so truly sorry to hear about Marty. He was one of our favorite patients. You could always plan on a smile when he came in. He and Pauline were a true couple to look up to. He adored his family and you could always get a story out of him. You know that Marty and Pauline are standing on some beach somewhere, happy as ever. Our prayers are with you and all your loved ones. Love ya Betty
Betty Anderson (Dr. Ormsby's Office)
Murray, Ut
Fern and I express our sympathy. We enjoyed the time you lived next door to us. Nanette enjoyed going skiing with Peggy and singing together on the lift. I remember on one good friday when I was off and your dad was not saying us good Catholics have a holiday when Marty had to go to work.
J Verl Rasband
Provo, Ut
Dear MJ and family, We were saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless all of you! Williams Family
Jennifer R. Williams
Holladay, Ut
We would like to say how sorry we are to hear the loss of Uncle Marty. You written a beautiful obituary about him. We will miss both Teta Pauline and Uncle Marty very much, but we know they will be watching all of us. They will always be in my heart. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Always from us all, Donna Jean, Bill, Chuck and Bill Jr.
Donna Jean Ibbs and family
Leland, NC
Dear Peggy, Mike and Mary Jo, When I read of your father's passing a flood of memories passed by. I was so sorry to hear of his passing and to learn that you mom was already gone. My dad has a habit of reading the obituaries every morning. He is caring for my mom that has been disabled for some time. Mom says that she never dreamed life would end this way. I hope your dad didn't suffer. We enjoyed reading his obituary. It sounds as though he lived life to the fullest and accomplished much after moving from Provo. He was so much fun. Life at the Ahlins was filled with love. Your home was so inviting and comfortable. Please know I will feel your loss as I anticipate the passing of my own parents. I always am grateful for the friendships I had with you. I loved your beautiful Catholic Culture and the devotion your parents showed for our Heavenly Father. I have wondered about what you are doing and how your family is. Time has suddenly passed with thoughts of childhood and our past. I hope you are all well and living the life you imagined. I know my life is better because that the many days I spent in your home with your family. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you. Nan Theobald Payson, Utah
Nanette Rasband Theobald
Payson, Ut
Michael, MJ and Peggy - So sorry to hear about Marty. I'm sorry it's been so long, I just heard today. Marty was a wonderful blessing to all of you and he will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful person and I was very pleased to have known him all the years I worked for Michael. Wishing your family all the best.
Dawne Anderson
West Jordan, UT
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Kazunori
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