Michael was born April 14, 1980, in Sioux City, the son of David and Lynn (Langel) Ahlers. He was raised in Remsen and baptized at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Remsen. He attended Remsen-Union Community School, graduating in 1999. Michael attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, Iowa, starting in November 1999 until he graduated in May 2001, with a degree in diesel mechanics.

During his college years, Michael worked part-time for Spencer International as a farm equipment tech. Upon graduation, he worked full-time for Spencer International until September 2002. He then moved back to Remsen and started working for Vern Anderson Equipment in Le Mars, Iowa, from October 2002 until November 2006. Michael transferred to Titan Machinery in Kingsley as the shop foreman from November 2006 until present. Michael received many awards and certificates for his trade throughout the years.

In June of 2007, Michael became the proud owner of an acreage north of Remsen. He worked long hours making his acreage a home. He enjoyed being with family and friends, boating at Okoboji and Round Lake and taking trips down Apple River. He also enjoyed attending car shows, camping, playing mud volleyball, helping farmers, working on his '67 Impala, working with his dad and uncles on various projects on the farm. Michael was the "go-to-guy" who enjoyed everything.