Bookkeepers, managers, and members of the boards of directors for local co-ops as well as local business owners, became like family to him. Also because he was “on the road” so often he was fortunate to establish life long friendships. His family always anticipated his coming home on Friday’s, as he would conjure up lively activities for the weekend, sometimes to the uneasiness of Doris. In the early years, Alan traveled on gravel roads to the local co-ops, often being gone for a full week due to the distance. His passionate belief in cooperatives and the significance of “family farms” began as a child, rooted from his father’s work establishing strong local cooperatives throughout North Dakota, and serving on the Board of Directors of the Farmers Union Central Exchange in St. His territory covered a one hundred mile radius of Devils Lake. Alan was a Licensed Public Accountant, working with Farmers Union Central Exchange for 60 years. The couple made their home in Devils Lake, North Dakota, where he has resided to the present day. After a memorable courtship the “Liddle” girl from Park River and this charming man, with an infectious smile were united in marriage September 20, 1953. He met Doris Ann Liddle in 1951 on a blind date, and promptly fell in love. In the fall of 1946 he enrolled at Dakota Business College in Fargo completing his degree in two years. Following his education, he stayed home and worked for two years on the farm. He attended Bracht Country Elementary School and graduated from Chaffee High School in 1944 at the tender age of 16. Peter’s Lutheran Church, just six miles from their farm.

Alan Charles Martin was born Jin his family home in Chaffee, North Dakota, the second of eight children born to late William and Ada (Hacke) Martin. Music will be provided by Karen Radisewitz and Donovan Foughty, vocalists and Lynda Pearson, pianist. Honorary Bearers will be William Martin, Philip Martin, Wesley Martin, Roger Martin and Prince Montgomery. Rodney Brown, Danny Irmen, Jacob Martin, Don Irmen, Cary Radisewitz, Mark Koehn and Travis Koehn will serve as Casket Bearers for Alan. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Devils Lake with burial in the Christiansen Cemetery, rural Park River, ND later in the spring. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, Apat 11:00 a.m. Martin, 85 of Devils Lake, ND died Friday morning, Apat Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Alan c martin