Martin Per Heggedal, 61, was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on July 20, 1961 to Per and Marta (Isane) Heggedal. He grew up in Badger, Minnesota with his five siblings and countless aunts, uncles, and cousins where he loved being a farm boy. He graduated from Badger High School in 1979, where he played basketball, and was the shortest center in the state of Minnesota his senior year. He left the farm to go to Concordia College, where he graduated in 1983 with a degree in Accounting and took agronomy classes at North Dakota State University. He enjoyed his studies, which came naturally to him as he always enjoyed reading and writing. However, his favorite part of college was spending time with his friends and mentors. Martin continued to learn throughout his life by reading books, newspapers, and magazines on history (especially when they pertained to Norway and/or WWII) and current events. He often read laying down on the couch with his dog Max, and later Cooper, at his feet.