Clifford Junior Lien

Clifford Junior Lien, age 89 of New Glarus, formerly of rural Belleville and Blanchardville died on Saturday morning, June 25, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.  Cliff was born May 4, 1933 in Blanchardville to Clifford Arnold and Alyce Hazel (Hendrickson) Lien.  He attended schools in Blanchardville and graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1951.  In 1948 he joined his father in the family-owned business, the Blanchardville Lumber Company.  He attended the University of Wisconsin for civil engineering from 1951-1952 leaving then to enter the US Army.  After returning home he bought the business in 1958 and he and his construction crew built or remodeled a large number of homes over the next 20 years.

On February 15, 1958, he and Beverly Rose Blanc were married at the Little Brown church in Nashua, Iowa.  In 1980 the construction/cabinet business was sold, and Clifford and Beverly moved to Monona to a new venture as Assistant Fire Chief.  After retiring in 1988 he became again involved in custom furniture making.  In 1992 he moved to rural Belleville/New Glarus area into a home that Bev and he designed and built, with the loving help of family and friends.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Bev Lien of New Glarus; three beautiful children, of whom he is very proud, Mikel (Sheilagh) Lien of Fitchburg, Michele (Paul Mross) Lien of New Glarus and David (Karen) Lien of Moscow, Idaho; three grandkids, Jared and Ryan (Mercedes) Lien of Moscow Idaho and Karna Mross of New Glarus; a step-granddaughter, Dawn Schwartz of Madison; adopted grandsons James and John Hermus, Oregon; and many cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cliff’s hobbies were Ham radio (first licensed W9NKW in 1950), music, wood working, automobile restoring and community service.  While living in Blanchardville he was active in cub scouts, boy scouts and was a scoutmaster.  He organized the first Explorer Post #529 in Blanchardville.  He was also an active member of Blanchardville Fire Department for 25 years, joining in 1956.  He was a CPR and first-aid Instructor.  In 1962 he became one of the six fire department members who established the first Fire Rescue Unit in Blanchardville.  While a member he served as chief from 1978 through 1980.  He also served on the Blanchardville Village Board.  He is a member of the New Hope Lutheran Church and was active on the council.

Cliff was very proud of serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and also his 35 years of public service to his country and community and with the fire/EMS departments.  He is a member and past commander of Dobson-Johnson American Legion Post 142, past member of Wisconsin Fire Mechanics Association, Wisconsin Fire/Arson Investigators Association, Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association and past Secretary of the Dane County Fire Chief’s Association.

Cliff enjoyed music over the years.  Playing a variety of instruments with area polka bands including Scandinavian Polka Jacks (Gilbert Prestbroten) 1949-50, Blanchardville Clown Band 1950’s 1960’s, Roger Bright from 1956-1963, Hank Blumer (Polka Boys) and Hank Paulson (Polka Tempos) from 1965-1978, country with Ol’ Hickory 1980’s, church, accompaniment with Bev, Gil and Darlene Koch (Polka Pals) playing at nursing homes and other gatherings.  His motto was: “I shall pass through this way but once, if therefore there is any kindness, I can show I will do it now.”

A visitation for Cliff Lien will be held Thursday evening, June 30, 2022 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at New Hope Lutheran in Blanchardville (305 Madison St).  A funeral service will be held Friday morning, July 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the church. 

The service will be live cast for the public on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page. 

http://www.facebook.com/saetherfuneralservice

Rev. Chris Strohm will officiate.  Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville.  The Dobson-Johnson-Gallagher American Legion Post and the United States Army will be providing graveside honors.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Dobson-Johnson-Gallagher Legion Post 142, New Hope Lutheran, Pecatonica Food pantry, Blanchardville Fire and EMS, St. Judes or charity of your choice.  Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com.

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