Rev. Dr. A. John EhlenArlis John Ehlen passed away at age 85 in San Rafael on December 15 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. John was born in Sioux City, IA to Waldemar and Paula Ehlen. He received his MDiv degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and later studied at Brandeis University and at the University of Bonn, Germany as a Fulbright scholar. He received a Doctorate from Harvard University and returned to teach at Concordia Seminary, and later, Seminex (Concordia Seminary in Exile), as a professor of Old Testament studies.

In 1977, the Ehlen family moved to Marinwood while John worked for Fireman's Fund as a legal analyst and stayed as it transitioned to American Express and then GECA until his retirement in 1996.

He is survived by his wife Dayna, his children Timothy (Minah), Elizabeth Ehlen Hall (Mark) and Peter (Samantha), grandchildren Katheryn Ehlen, Elizabeth Hall, Maia Ehlen, and sister Alice Whistler.

A true gentleman and scholar, he was also an avid walker and hiker and held a deep respect and appreciation for nature. These interests and qualities informed his humanitarian concerns about an equitable and sustainable future for our planet.

A memorial service will be held at Marin Lutheran Church, Corte Madera on Jan. 7 at 2:00pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Nature Conservancy or Marin Agricultural Land Trust.