Ronald L. Lien

Lien, Ronald L. of Edina, MN passed away on June 13, 2022. Born October 18, 1931, to Ernest and Belinda Lien in Moorhead, MN, Ron is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rebecca (Gisselquist), son Eric (Sarah), daughters Krysta (Greg Clark) and Karyn (Nathan Simmons) and grandchildren, Haakon, Morgan, Tyler, Karianna, Jimmy, Fritz, Tacie, and Liv. Ron cherished his time with his children and grandchildren, especially time spent with them at the family cabin. He was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Lokensgard. He spent his early years in rural North Dakota, Rustad, MN, and Onigum, a small town on the Leech Lake Reservation, where his parents taught school. After graduating from St. Olaf College in 1954, he served in the Marine Corps as an officer before teaching on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. After receiving a doctorate in education at the University of North Dakota, his career took him to teaching at Mankato State University, to Control Data Corporation, and to Aid Association for Lutherans, where he assisted in the development design of instructional curriculum for use in multi-media learning centers. Ron centered his life around his family and service to others. He cheered on and supported his children and grandchildren in their educational and extracurricular activities. His many volunteer commitments included leadership positions in his local congregations and in professional associations centered around education. Proud of his Norwegian heritage, Ron researched his immigrant roots in his retirement, which resulted in two published books. While he wrote primarily to inform his family about their ancestry and connect them to their past, he hoped that understanding one's own immigration story would lead to empathy and support for the challenges faced by new immigrants as well as greater inclusion of all races, religions, and cultures. A celebration of Ron's life will be held on Friday, June 17th at 11 AM, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4801 France Ave. So. Minneapolis with visitation one hour prior. Masks are optional. Service will be live streamed at goodshepherdmpls.org/.... Private interment at Lakewood Cemetery. The family thanks the staff of York Gardens Memory Care and Park Nicollet Hospice for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Lien Family Endowment at St. Olaf College, The Lien Instructional Endowment at the University of North Dakota, or Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Foundation. Gill Brothers 612-861-6088 gillbrothers.com