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Corie Lien, age 49, of Hettinger, ND, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024 at the St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND.

Celebration of Corie's life will be Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Centennial Chapel of Evanson Jensen Funeral Homes (700 2nd Avenue S.) in Hettinger, ND.  Fr. Greg Hilzendeger will officiate.

Corie Lynn was born on April 29, 1975, in Burlington, Wisconsin, to Robert Calliger and Sherry Young. Raised on a horse ranch in Wilmot, Wisconsin, showing horses across the county. At the age of 10, Corie relocated to Rockford, Illinois with her father and completed her education at Boylan Catholic High School in 1994. After a year at the University of Wisconsin, she moved to Sturgis, South Dakota with her mother, and later settled in Hettinger, North Dakota, where she crossed paths with Terry Lien.

In 1996, it was an instant connection, leading to their marriage in 1998. Terry was undeniably the one Corie adored the most. Corie could always be caught talking about her love for Terry and how handy he was. She had the best ideas and Terry always helped them come to fruition, as she supervised him along the way, but was never afraid to get her hands dirty. Throughout their relationship, they were inseparable, spending much of their early years working as a pit crew for Faller Racing.

In 1999, they welcomed their daughter Megan, who resembled her mother and shared her kind nature. A couple of years later, in 2002, Beth Ann arrived with her blonde hair, blue eyes, and the spirited nickname "Mouth." Her beautiful family was now complete and had become the center of her life. Corie deeply cherished her daughters and consistently expressed how proud she was of them as they grew up. She enjoyed accompanying them to various activities and even after they moved out, she continued to support them wholeheartedly in every aspect of their lives. Corie and Terry instilled a passion for hunting in their daughters, and a significant amount of their family bonding occurred in the field while hunting with their dogs.

Corie spent 8 years at Dakota Packing before joining Western Frontier Insurance in 2008 as a secretary. In just a year, she transitioned to an insurance agent and stayed with the company until her passing. Her dedication was evident as she assisted clients round the clock, from any place, earning their admiration for her unwavering support during their difficult moments.

Corie played a vital role as a board member and volunteer in multiple organizations within the Hettinger community, such as the Hettinger Country Club, Hettinger Public School Board, Hettinger Chamber of Commerce, and Adams County 4-H Club. She also provided significant assistance to the Hettinger Fire Department by serving as Terry's personal assistant while he was the fire chief.

She was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother, and friend not only to her children but also to the community members and lake visitors, who affectionately called her "Momma Lien" or "Lake Mom." She was a beloved friend and respected member of the community. Her unconditional love for her current and past pets was a genuine display of true affection. Corie loved cooking on the grill and hosting gatherings with family and friends. At any hour, she was prepared to light a fire, regardless of its size.

She will always be remembered for her infectious laughter, radiant smile, comforting embraces, sharp wit, and boundless love. Her cherished spots were The Lien Garage and The Lake, where she could be seen by the fire, on the deck, aboard the pontoon, or joyfully visiting neighbors with a drink in hand. Although our hearts ache with sorrow, we will honor Corie's life and take solace in knowing she watches over us.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents Jack and Olga (Klemchuck) Calliger; her rescue dog (who also rescued her), Tanka.

Corie is survived by her husband Terry Lien; children Megan and Beth Lien; father Robert Calliger; mother Sherry Young Spicer, and her beloved pets Cyrus, Chloe, Smoke, and Olive. Her mother-in-law Cindy Lein, father-in-law Lyle and Pat Lien, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers a Memorial has been established by Corie's family.  Cards can be sent to them at 405 6th Avenue North, Hettinger, ND  58639