Richard G. ’Dick’ Lien

Richard George Lien was born November 19, 1923, to Bert and Leanor Lien at Amor, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Amor Lutheran Church, attended Amor County school and graduated in Battle Lake, Minnesota. Richard was married to Violet Iverson Lien for 58 years. Violet survives along with their six daughters and sons-in-law: Gail Mark Silverstein, Brooklyn Park, MN, Joan Lonnie Guenther, Northwood, ND, Marcia Steven Smith, Moorhead, MN, Paulette Brant Beeson, Detroit Lakes, MN, Rachel Joel Nikle, Fargo, ND, and Wanda Rick Stenerson, Fargo, ND. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren: Adam Richard Silverstein, Justin Lien Smith and Cullin James Smith, Becky Chuck and son Tyler Beeson Hermanson, Ricky, Joanna and Mike Beeson, Jacob, Leah and Alex Nikle and Jack Richard Stenerson. He is also survived by Violet’s family, whom Dick considered his own . He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother. In his early years Dick was a Merchant Marine on the Great Lakes. Dick had one year of Army college and was a member of the U.S. Air Force. There he trained as a pilot and later gave each of his girls her first airplane ride. Dick worked for Libby McNeill & Libby for many years beginning in California in 1946. He transferred to Minneapolis, Fargo and to Moorhead. He worked for Seavy Florsheim for a few years until his retirement. Dick was a member of the Salesman Club, Toastmasters, Elks, American Legion and was on the council at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead where he had been a member for 45 years. The family enjoyed many camping trips together. Dick and Vi traveled all but two states, including a trip to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary. Dick loved to hunt and fish, and he had many great trips in Minnesota and out west with his brother-in-law and nephew. Dick and Vi also enjoyed snowmobiling, but his true love was West McDonald Lake. There he would gather his family and continued to show-off waterskiiing until he was 70. Dick and Vi made their home in Moorhead for 50 years. Dick passed away on April 17, 2004, at home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Dick was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and a trusted friend.