Willis A. Lien

Willis Allen “Willie” Lien, a caring, well-respected family man and friend to all, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at CHI, St. Alexius Heath, Devils Lake surrounded by his loving family.

Willie was born in Lakota, North Dakota on September 25th, 1934, to Nels and Clara (Fjeld) Lien. After his days of living and enjoying his farm life with his family and loving animals, Willie joined the United States Army and proudly served his country. He was honorably discharged on August 5, 1962 with the rank of Medic SPC4.

Willie married his first wife, Roselen Schneider, on March 17, 1960, and was blessed with three amazing children.

Later in life, Willie married Marita Kunkel on Augst 13, 1981. Willie later adopted her youngest son but always treated all of Marita’s children as his own and his compassion for everyone was incredible.

Willie worked as a carpenter for many years and would pick up a hammer or saw any change that he could. Lake Lumber was a big part of Willie’s life, and he enjoyed his cups of coffee at the lumber yard with coworkers and friends before he started his day. Many churches, homes, and businesses had the blessed touch that was left by this wonderful man.

After leaving Lake Lumber, Willie and his friends started Lake Region Builders. Cliff Erickson, Joel Schneider, Darcy Olson, and Willie spent many days together under the hot sun and in the cold winters of North Dakota pounding nails with hammers and using saws. Although work was a part of their day, so was socializing with each other afterwards.

Working was a big part of Willie’s life, but the times with his family were the highlight of his day. If he wasn’t in the presence of some of his children, willie made phone calls to them to assure that they were not forgotten.

The Lake Lot that he had were enjoyed by family and friends. Willie always welcomed everyone and never would turn a soul away. Willie was a wonderful listener to every adult and child that stopped by and the conversations could last hours.

Willie’s compassion for his grandchildren took even a higher level, taking them fishing, canoeing, going for walks to explore and wrestling matches, jumping on the trampoline, and just finding every way that a wonderful Grandpa could find to keep his grandkids active and full of enjoyment. It didn’t stop there though; Willie would work on and build many projects to keep things looking nice at his lake lot as well as his home. Another favored camping spot was Stump Lake. Threshing Bee’s, boating, roller skating with family, and even swinging on the swing set. Willie never turned down a request for an activity, no matter if it was from a child or an adult.

At home, you would find Willie working hours in his shop, sharpening blades, working on wood projects, or fixing something for himself or someone else. There probably isn’t a saw blade in town that wasn’t touched by his magic hands. I believe the favorite build of all was the Stilts that he made. When family or friends stopped by, the stilts were taken out of the garage and there was Willie, walking on those stilts longer than anyone else could.

If Willie wasn’t in his shop, he would be working in his yard or garden. He would work hours outside and then take his bicycle for a ride looking for chokecherries to make his famous “Chokecherry Wine” that he shared with friends and family.

The kindness and compassion that poured from this man’s heart and soul will be remembered and missed by many people in this community and surrounding areas. Willie taught everyone that life is not about materialistic things. Life is about loving and enjoying family and friendships.

Willie is survived by his wife, Marita Lien; six children and nineteen grandchildren Brian (Kaylynn) Lien, grandchildren Nathan, Sarah, Scott (Chris): Dawn (Eric) Bricker, grandchildren Grady and Hannah: Werner (Joyce) Rummer, grandchildren Marc and David: Silvia (Ed) Beckedahl, grandchildren Chris, Justin, and Shane: Nancy Hanson, grandchildren Jeff, Aaron, Amanda, Dylan, Sarah, and Chase: Mike Lien, grandchildren Kambria, Kaiser, and Kyanna; many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and ten siblings. The family of Willis Lien would like to send a special thank you to Dr. George Trimble and the amazing staff at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake for the amazing care and compassion that he received.

There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial for Willie on Saturday, August 30th, 2025, at Spirit Lake Resort, Cabin 7 Lakehouse with Military Honors. Times of services yet to be determined.

Willis is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND