Arlen "Wimpy" Martin

Arlen "Wimpy" Martin, 74, of Hazel Run, passed away at his home on August 14, 2025. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 21st at 11:00 am at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls. Visitation will be held Thursday morning beginning at 9:00am at the church.

Born on September 26, 1950, Arlen Keith Martin, known to most as Wimpy, was the third child to parents Hazel (Allchin) and Myron Martin. He grew up in the country and loved farm life. He spent his young years learning the ropes of caring for and tending to the land and its animals. He also enjoyed figuring out how to have fun on the farm and prank others, especially his cousins from town. There was a community in the country that Wimpy enjoyed immensely; his neighbors were also family.

Arlen was baptized and confirmed at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church. He attended school in Hanley Falls and was a member of the last class to graduate from Hanley Falls High School in 1968. In June 1970, Arlen was drafted into the US Army. He went to Vietnam to serve his Country and was honorably discharged after his 21st birthday. He went on to be very involved in the Anderson-Bestland Legion Post 127 in Hanley Falls and held positions of Commander, Vice Commander, Finance Officer, Sergeant-at-Arms and Adjutant.

After returning from Vietnam, he worked at Friendship Homes in Montevideo. He later joined the team at Prairies Edge Casino where he held different roles and retired from the Blackjack tables in February of 2013. Living and working on the farm was where life was at for Wimpy – from tilling the land to tending to his cattle. His mother often referred to him as the ‘Cattle Whisperer’.

He loved cows and people. Known for his infectious ‘inside’ voice and genuine jovial laugh, Wimpy was a frequent guest and ‘regular’ at many sale barns and loved to watch cattle auctions on his computer. Always looking for a deal, he could also be found at live auctions bidding up something he didn’t want or need knowing it was worth more than the open bid. Plus, there was always a cup of coffee, lunch and people to BS with.

Those left to cherish is memory are: Brother, Alan (Sue) Martin of Russell, MN. Nieces and Nephew: Brenda (Christopher) Bestland, Pittsburgh, PA, Bruce (Jennifer) Bestland, Granite Falls, Shannon (Dave) Geihl, Cottonwood and Kelly (Joe) Kimpe, Minneota, MN. Great nieces/nephews: Bryant (Emma) Bestland, Shaun and Channing Bestland, Tom Geihl, Jarret (Kailey) Geihl, Stephanie (Zac) Almjeld, Brenden and Isabelle Kimpe and great great nephews: Ezekial and Eli Almjeld and Kaysen Bestland; plus cousins and a host of friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Hazel and Myron Martin, sister and brother-in-law, Kay and David Bestland as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorials may be directed to the Anderson-Bestland Legion Post 127 in Hanley Falls or the Yellow Medicine East Cemetery in Hanley Falls