Loretta Lien, 90

Loretta Anna Lien, 90, Parkers Prairie, died Saturday, April 7, 2012, in Alexandria.

Loretta was born April 26, 1921 to Michael Raymond and Sophia Mary (Julig) Thoennes in Effington Township, Otter Tail County. She was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank. She grew up on the home farm, attended District #85 Country School before attending Fergus Falls High School. She graduated valedictorian of Parkers Prairie High School in 1943 and graduated from St. Francis Nursing School in Wahpeton, North Dakota as a member of the Army Nurse Corps Cadet Program with a degree in nursing.

Following her education she worked as a registered nurse at several local hospitals before she was united in marriage to Robert Lien on May 31, 1947 in Webster, North Dakota.

Following their marriage they purchased a family farm near Urbank, where she helped operate the farm with her husband and raise their 12 children.

Loretta continued her nursing career by working at the Parkers Prairie District Hospital for many years until its closing, at which time she retired from nursing. She built a new home on the family farm in 1981, on the site of her former country school house.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, its Christian Mothers and the Parkers Prairie Hospital Auxiliary. Loretta enjoyed reading, especially the Journal of American Medicine, flower gardening, music and cooking. She especially enjoyed sharing the holidays with her family and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by eight sons, Robert (Janet) Lien Jr. of Winona, Michael (Kathy Sigfrid) Lien of Brandon, Gregory (Laura) Lien of Two Harbors, Val Lien of Parkers Prairie, Thomas Lien of Clitherall, Terrence (Ramona) Lien of Brandon, Gary (Sonja) Lien of Carlos and Bruce (Sherie) Lien of Miltona; four daughters, Barbara (Russell) Koep of Alexandria, Joan (Michael) Otto of Clitherall, Mary Jean (Wayne) Schjei Carstens of Brandon and Ann (Jim) Peyton of North Oaks; 24 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Robert Lien Sr.; four infant siblings; sister, Hildegard; granddaughter, Joy; and step-grandson, Nathan Sigfrid.

Funeral services were held Thursday, April 12 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank with Fr. Jeff Ethen officiating. Music was provided by Kim Byrne. Burial took place at the church cemetery with full military honors.

Pallbearers were her grandsons, Kevin Koep, Craig Otto, Jonathan Schjei, PFC. Grant Lien, Joseph Peyton, Landon Lien, Cody Lien and Rob Lien. Honorary pallbearers were her remaining grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Lind Family Funeral and Cremation Service in Parkers Prairie, www.lindfamilyfh.com.

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