Ellen Lien, age 84, of Ulen, Minnesota, died Saturday, June 7, 2008, in the Viking Manor Nursing Home, Ulen.

Ellen Bickel was born October 15, 1923, the daughter of Herbert and Hilda (Hogenson) Bickel at home on a farm near Ulen where she was raised. She was baptized on December 16, 1923 and confirmed on May 30, 1937 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Ellen attended school at the Sunnyside School, at which time the teacher boarded in their home. From there she attended Ulen High School. Following high school, she lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a few years. On September 20, 1947, Ellen was united in marriage to Earl Lien in Moorhead, Minnesota. The couple made their home near Ulen where they operated a dairy farm until their retirement in 1975, when they moved into Ulen to make their home. Earl died December 15, 1991. In 1994, Ellen moved into the Agassiz Apartments in Ulen until moving into the Northern Lights Apartments in Ulen in 2002. In November of 2007, Ellen entered the Viking Manor Nursing Home where she resided until the time of her death.

Ellen was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and also circle at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Her favorite times were spent with family; from the times she could cook and bake all her wonderful treats for everyone to the times they spent quietly with her. Ellen enjoyed making quilts. She made them for family when they got married and always when a new baby arrived. These quilts were made with love and will always be treasured. She loved to help people and was always there when someone needed her. She enjoyed playing whist and also was an avid Minnesota Twins fan (especially Kirby Pucket). She rarely missed a game. She also enjoyed watching her family's sports activities when she was able to attend them.

Ellen is survived by a son, David and his wife, Karen Lien of Ulen, MN; one grandson, Chuck (Wendy) Lien; four granddaughters, Shannon (John) Chounard, Shelley (Keith) Hilde, Stacey (Jim) Anderson and Christy (Dan) Stall all of Ulen, MN; 14 great-grandchildren, Tracey (Tony) Holte of Dilworth, MN, Lindsey and Tanner Hilde, David, Wyatt, and Charlie Lien, Levi, Colby, Lacey, and Jacey Anderson, Alissa, Austin, Katelyn, and Alexa Stall all of Ulen, MN, and three great-great granddaughters, Molly, Drew, and Lainey Holte of Dilworth, MN; a brother, Harry Bickel of Detroit Lakes, MN; three sisters, Medora Hogetvedt and Avis (Corky) Ashmore both of Ulen, MN, and Shirley (Wayne) Davies of The Woodlands, TX, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters, two nieces, and three nephews.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 13, 2008, at 10:30am in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen. Officiating was Pastor John Lee with Carol Lockhart serving as organist and Melinda Weerts serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were Chuck Lien, Levi Anderson, Colby Anderson, David Lien, Wyatt Lien, Austin Stall, Tanner Hilde and Tony Holte.

Interment were in the North Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Ulen.