Landon Lien

Landon David Lien was born May 23, 1994 in Alexandria, MN, the son of Gary and Sonja (Larson) Lien. He grew up on his parent?s farm in Carlos, MN with sisters Liana and Lariah. Landon had a special connection with his little sister Lariah, who lovingly called him ?Daywood? (David). No matter how busy Landon was, he always took the time to show Lariah how much he loved her. And he looked to his older sister Liana for advice and approval about the important things in life? Looking good, smelling good and of course, girls. Landon became fascinated with firearms at a young age; he was packing a toy six-shooter in diapers at age two. He grew to become a gun enthusiast and skilled marksman, enjoying the outdoors and spending much of his time hunting game and spearing. Second to the outdoors was Landon's truck. It was very special to him and he took great care of it, seeing to its maintenance and always keeping it polished and spotless. Mom could ride it, but never drive it, and everything needed to be left as Landon had it or she would hear about it! Landon also took an interest in re-enactments of World War II battles. At age 14 he began working at Mike's Carwash earning money to collect several authentic World War II uniforms. His interest in re-enactment costumes and props caught the eye of an independent film company and he was given the opportunity of a lifetime ? a role as a World War II re-enactor in the movie Memorial Day starring James Cromwell. Filming took place during 2010-2011 and was released in 2012. Despite his excitement about his role in the film, Landon was greatly disappointed to learn he would be unable to serve his country in the armed forces due to his asthma. Landon graduated from Jefferson High School in 2012. Following high school, Landon attended Vermilion Community College in Ely, MN where he studied Wilderness Management. Following his studies in Vermilion, Landon worked on the family farm and proudly helped his father with Prairie Construction. He also worked at Godfather's Pizza and Zorbaz, with plans to move to Pine City, MN to attend gunsmith school. On Saturday, May 25, 2013 Landon's life was cut short in an automobile accident at the age of nineteen. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Lien and Loretta Lien, and Orlando 'Sonny' and Dellor 'Dee' Larson; a sibling, Baby Lien; two uncles, Stuart and Steven Larson; and one cousin Joy Koep. Landon is survived by his parents, Gary and Sonja Lien of Carlos; two sisters, Liana Lien of St. Peter, MN and Lariah Lien of Carlos; aunts and uncles, Susan and Joe Strong, Shelly and Jim Schalback, Bob and Jan Lien, Michael Lien and Kathy Sigfrid, Greg and Laura Lien, Barb and Russ Koep, Val Lien, Tom Lien, Joan and Mike Otto, Jeannie Schjei and Wayne Carstens, Ann and Jim Peyton, Terry and Ramona Lien and Bruce and Sherie Lien; and many cousins. He had a wonderful kindness within him, always willing to put others before himself. If someone needed help, Landon was always there, ready to give 100 percent to help family, friends, and strangers. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, May 31, 2013 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN. Reverend Greg Billberg will officiate. Music will be provided by Randy Morken. Interment will follow at Zunker Cemetery in Carlos Township. Casket bearers include: Dillion Church; Jake Hennessy; Darian Bowmann; Jacob Callaghan; Austin Klug; Jonathon Salto; Dylan Hauer; and Matthew Dreger. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net