Lindsey E. Lien, 68, of Excelsior, Minnesota and Ely, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017, at his home as a result of cancer diagnosed in 2015 and, after a short remission, returned. His wife, Mary Ellen, was at his side.
Lindsey was born November 16, 1948, in Princeton, Minnesota, the son of Elton and Mildred (Schultz) Lien. At a young age, he moved with his family to Northfield where he was raised and graduated in 1967. He then attended the University of Minnesota where he met his future wife, Mary Ellen Gardner. Lindsey and Mary Ellen were united in marriage on June 25, 1971 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Lindsey worked as a carpenter and built their dream home near Lake Minnetonka and their cabin in Ely.
Those that knew Lindsey, knew him as a fair, kind and thoughtful man. He had a gentle demeaner about him and was respected by all that called him friend. He had a great sense of knowledge, remembered stories in great detail and added his own personal twist. Just recently in the mail, Lindsey received his invitation to the Northfield High School 50-year reunion. He understood that he wouldn’t be able to attend as with time and his health deteriorating wouldn’t be possible.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Ellen of Excelsior, a sister Betsy Lien of St. Paul, sisters-in-law Cathy (Hank) Brooks of Robbinsdale, Flora (Steve) Thomsen of Carlsbad, CA, Susan (Mike) Stearns of Eagan, and his brother-in-law Frank (Karen) Gardner of Minneapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A reception and luncheon will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017 beginning at 1 PM at Bierman Funeral Home, Northfield. Services will be on Saturday following the luncheon at 2 PM in the funeral home. For those that cannot attend the service, visitation will continue until 4 PM. Arrangements by Bierman Funeral Home.