Reginald Lien

Lien, Reginald TOWN OF BURKE-Reginald Lien, age 86, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2009, surrounded by his family, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. He was born on Jan. 24, 1923, in the town of Burke, on the family farm, the son of Hans and Lena Lien. Reginald attended Madison East High School, graduating at the top of his class in 1940. He proudly served in the U. S. Army. Reginald was a lifelong member of Burke Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed, as well as a member of the church cemetery association for more than 50 years, with many of those years serving as treasurer. He was united in marriage to the "love of his life", June Valstad, on April 26, 1952. Together they had nine children, six boys and three girls. They had a dairy farm, and grew corn, tobacco and baled hay. Reginald truly loved farming, and all that came with it. In addition to farming, he owned his own insurance business and worked for the Dane County ASCS for 32 years. Reginald was involved in the Sons of Norway, Dane County Farmers Union, the Town of Burke Election Committee, and was a member of the Town of Burke Drainage Board for more than 40 years. He loved listening to the Brewers on the radio, doing the daily crossword puzzle from the newspaper, and reading novels. Reginald had a sweet tooth, and butter pecan ice cream, pecan pie, Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies or Juicy Fruit gum always brought a smile to his face. He was immensely proud of his Norwegian heritage, and visited Norway twice. Reginald was the type of man who would do anything he could for others, and lived by the golden rule. He loved God and his church, and he loved his family above everything else. Reginald taught us about working hard, the value of a dollar, doing our best, and that if we help each other, we can accomplish anything. The lessons he taught us will live on in our hearts and minds forever. Reginald is survived by his sons, Charles Lien, Thomas "Reggie" Lien (friend, Lila Funk), William (Debra) Lien, Steven Lien, and Sheldon Lien; his daughters, Rena Oldenburg, Teresa Hoveland, and Julie (James) Kachel; six grandchildren, Erica Lien, Christina Lien, Burleigh Hoveland, Chelsea Hoveland, Tyler Kachel, and Stephanie Kachel; three great-grandchildren, Tierra Lien, Tianna Lien, and Sean Lien; a sister-in-law, Lora Lien; brother-in-law, Dick Glatfelter; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, June in 2005; a son, Randall Lien; his parents; three brothers, Theodore Lien, Olaf Lien and Harold Lien; and his sister, Lenora Glatfelter. Funeral services will be held at BURKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5720 Portage Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2009, with the Rev. Russ Leeper presiding. Burial will be at Burke Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2009, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Burke Lutheran Church. The family wishes to thank Pastor Russ, Karen Tribbey, the doctors and nurses at UW Hospital and HospiceCare, and the staff at Angelus Retirement Community for their respect and dignified manner in which they cared for our Dad. His friends at Angelus meant a great deal to him, especially his dear friend, Marguerite. Reginald was a great man, role model, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, and will be greatly missed by the very many people who knew him. "Dad, you were the best, we love you, nightseeya!" Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com