John E. Ahles, age 72, of Mahnomen, MN, died Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at Sanford Health in Fargo.

John Edward Ahles, the son of Lewy and Marie (Belsvik) Ahles, was born on April 17, 1944 in White Earth, MN. He was raised in the rural Waubun, MN area and as a young man he entered the United States Navy.   John dutifully served from 1967 until his honorable discharge in 1969, after which he was in the reserves. He then returned home and began working as a chef. Over the years, John cooked at Pinetown in Minneapolis, Pinehurst Resort in Naytahwaush, and at the Shooting Star Casino. After holding many positions at the Casino he retired in 2011.

John's true passion in life was crafting. He learned many of his skills from his mother and worked by her side crafting for many years. He was gifted at sewing and made many beautiful star quilts and ribbon shirts. He spent many hours making sweet grass, pine needle, and black ash baskets and other crafts. He was well known for his handmade roaches, war bonnets and headdresses. John also made braided rugs, crocheted, upholstered, leatherwork, and created delicate beadwork pieces. As an artist, he sold many of his pieces through the Casino gift shop, the White Earth Clinic, and out of "Granny's Attic" which was their workshop. John was also a self-taught carpenter and proudly built his own home.   He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved spending time with his   family. Although never married, John was never alone. He was very close with his siblings and each of his nieces and nephews. He shared many wonderful talents, as well as many great stories with all of them.

John is survived by three siblings: Mary Lou Chromy of Callaway, MN, David (Violet) of Minnetonka, MN, and Tony (Colleen) of Waubun and half-sister Jeanne Teiken. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Ruth Miller and stepfather, Bernard Martin.

A Memorial service was held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at 3:00 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Military honors were provided by the Mahnomen American Legion Issacson-Bjorge Post # 31 and the Minnesota National Guard Honor Guard.   Inurnment was at the St. Ann's Cemetery in Waubun, MN.