Johnny Lien 80, 0f Valentine passed away Tuesday, January 28th at the Ainsworth Care Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1st at our Savior Lutheran Church in Valentine. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, January 31st, beginning at 1:00 at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines.

Johnny Bob Lien was born April 10, 1933 to Theodore and Minnie (Leithoff) Lien, in Todd County, South Dakota. He attended Littleburg School through the 8th grade and then received his education in Mission, SD where graduated from the 12th grade. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was inducted on April 8, 1953 and was honorably discharged on April 5, 1955.

After returning home from the service Johnny married Lois Schmidt on May 1, 1955. They made their home in the Littleburg area of South Dakota and lived only ½ mile from the school. They ranched in this area until 1963 when they bought a ranch and moved to Keya Paha County in the Springview area. John and Lois were blessed with five children; Rick, Ron, Russ, David and Debra.

Johnny was a member of the American Legion in Springview and Grace Lutheran Church in Burton, NE. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his greatest joy was his family. Johnny was a rancher his entire life until moving to Valentine in 2008.

Johnny passed away January 28, 2014 at the Ainsworth Care Center. He was preceded in death by his parents Minnie and Theodore "Ted" Lien, two brothers Marion and Edward Lien. He is survived by his Wife Lois of Valentine, Sons Rick of Hemingford, Ne, Ron of Minatare, NE, Russ of Aguanga, California, David of Valentine, NE and daughter Debra Witte of Valentine, 9 Grandchildren Jeff, Jena, Brock, Tim, Tyler, Troy, Tracy, Kelly, Trevor and 10 Great Grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Jim of Tucson, AZ, Clem of Henderson, NV, Bill of Gregory, SD, Dick of Watertown, SD and Sister Betty Rodgers of Valentine and sister-in-law Luree Lien.