Gary Kermit Lien, age 85, passed away December 29, 2023, in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Gary Kermit Lien was born July 7, 1938, at home in Huron, South Dakota. Gary attended schools in South Dakota and graduated from Watertown High School in 1955. Some early jobs included Dairy Queen, caddying, and working at a service station. He attended South Dakota State University and graduated in 1962 before he began a career as a social worker in Webster, South Dakota, then moved to work in Anoka County. Gary met his wife, Burnetta "Bunny", who was also a social worker in Anoka County. They later eloped and were married at the United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1967. Earlier in 1968 he went to work at Anoka State Hospital to be a social worker and retired in 1994. Their first house was on Eldorado Street in Coon Rapids; later, they purchased a house on Bowers Drive where families and friends enjoyed many pool and river parties. Their first child, a daughter, Hallie Benita, was born in 1968 and their son, Eric Thomas, was born in 1972.

Gary loved hunting in South Dakota, and golfing anywhere. They traveled all over - from Mexico, California (favorite was Palm Springs), Florida, Arizona, Texas and many other places. They also enjoyed traveling to National Lamp Shows and antique stores. Gary was very knowledgeable in so many areas such as: sports, nature, history, Aladdin Lamps, antiques, and people. Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, nephew, son, coach, and friend who cherished time with his family, coworkers, and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Burnetta "Bunny" Ellen (Pierce) Lien of Minnesota; his parents, Erwin Thomas Lien and Edna Henrietta (Kornmann) Lien; his sister, Mary Glenda Lien of South Dakota; along with brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gary is survived by daughter, Hallie (Rich) Michealson; and son, Eric Lien; along with his grandchildren, Richie, Mathew, Odin, and Damien; brother-in-law, John Becker; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gary's Funeral Service will be held on January 6, 2023 at the Anoka United Methodist Church, 850 South Street. The Service will begin at 11am, with the visitation starting one hour prior. A lunch will follow the service, and his burial will take place at 1:30pm at Pierce Cemetery, 221 Avenue and Nightingale Street in Oak Grove. At that time, his wife Burnetta "Bunny" Ellen (Pierce) Lien who died on April 29, 2022, will also be buried.

May they rest in Peace together knowing that they are gone but not forgotten.