Obituary: Duane Dewey Lien, 82, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Duane “Dewey” LeRoy Lien passes away in Sioux Falls at age 82

The Sioux Falls community and the extended family spanning Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida are mourning the loss of Duane “Dewey” LeRoy Lien, who passed away peacefully on November 7, 2026. According to a report from Miller Funeral Home, the 82-year-old left behind a legacy defined by a deep connection to his family, a passion for competitive sports, and a lifelong enthusiasm for the simple joys of life.

Born on December 30, 1943, in Slayton, Minnesota, Dewey’s early years were shaped by the rhythms of the family farm. Raised by Lloyd and Bertha Lien alongside his two older brothers, David and Don, he developed a foundational love for animals that would persist throughout his life. This agricultural upbringing instilled a work ethic and a connection to the land that many in the Midwest recognize as a hallmark of that generation.

Dewey’s life was marked by a series of significant milestones that bridged the gap between the rural Midwest and a life of varied interests and travel. He was a man who found meaning in the “little moments”—the quiet mornings on a deck, the shared laughter of a family gathering, or the steady companionship of his wife, Connie.

A lifetime of athletic achievement and professional dedication

Sports were more than a hobby for Dewey; they were a central pillar of his identity. A standout athlete from his time at Slayton High School, he was a notable left-handed pitcher on the baseball team. This talent transitioned into higher education, where he attended both South Dakota State University and Mankato State University, eventually earning his degree in 1966.

Among his many athletic feats, one particular achievement stood out in the memories of his peers and family: a perfect game pitched on the baseball diamond. It was a story he revisited often, serving as a testament to his skill and his competitive spirit. This drive followed him into his professional life at ECM Publishing in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where he worked until his retirement.

Beyond the baseball field, Dewey was a fixture in the golfing community. He was known not just as a player, but as an enthusiast who understood the mechanics of the game, even custom-crafting his own golf clubs. His passion for the sport extended to his role as a mentor, as he spent countless hours teaching his daughter and grandchildren the nuances of the game.

The enduring bond of a 31-year marriage

On October 14, 1995, Dewey and Connie married at their home in New Brighton, Minnesota. For 31 years, they built a life characterized by shared adventures and a sense of home that moved with them. Whether they were enjoying their lake home on Webb Lake in Wisconsin, spending time at Voyager Village Country Club in Webster, Wisconsin, or relaxing at Timber Greens Country Club in New Port Richey, Florida, they prioritized creating lasting connections.

For Connie, the impact of Dewey’s presence was found in the reliability of his companionship. His family remembers him not through grand, sweeping gestures, but through his steady presence and his unique humor. He was a man who made the ordinary feel memorable, whether through a quiet morning or a shared afternoon on the golf course.

A legacy left to family and friends

Dewey’s influence is most visible in the family he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife, Connie; his daughter, Jennifer (Craig) Hahn; and his grandchildren, Jayden and Simon Hahn, all of whom reside in Minnetonka, Minnesota. His larger family includes three stepsons, Dennis Thurman, Shannon (Julie) Thurman, and Lincoln (Ashley) Thurman, along with 12 step-grandchildren and two great-step-grandchildren.

Duane "Dewey" R Ehmen Funeral at Luther Memorial Church, NE 3-3-2026

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Bertha Lien, and his brothers, David and Don Lien.

While his passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew him, his family notes that his spirit remains present in the activities he loved. His memory is tied to the quiet mornings on the lake, the sound of a golf ball hitting a club, and the simple, familiar comfort of a handful of M&Ms. There are no scheduled services in Sioux Falls at this time.

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