Lora J. Lien

Lora Jean Lien, age 95, of Weston, Wisconsin, formerly of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on January 5, 2026, following a brief illness. Lora resided at Rennes Health & Rehab Center, Weston for several years.

Lora was born at home on the family farm in Polo, Illinois, on August 27, 1930, to John Thomas Cunningham and Gertrude Valeria (Stoner) Cunningham. She was the youngest of eight children: Ruth, Pauline, John Jr., Marion, Willis, Doris, and Robert. Lora began her education in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Polo High School in 1948.

Her employment with American Scientific brought her to Madison, Wisconsin, where she met the love of her life, Theodore Clarence Lien. They were married in Polo, Illinois, in 1951 and shared 37 years of marriage until Ted's passing in 1988. Together they raised four children: Hans (Inge) Lien, John (Katherine) Lien, Valerie (Eric) Fromm, and Tracey (Jahn) Sandman.

Due to Ted's employment, Lora and Ted relocated several times before settling in Wisconsin Rapids in 1970. Lora worked as a catalog clerk at Montgomery Ward until the store's closure in 1985. Both Lora and Ted were active members of the United Commercial Travelers (UCT), where they held several senior leadership roles. Lora was also deeply involved with First English Lutheran Church for over 30 years, serving on the church council.

In retirement, Lora enjoyed traveling, including a memorable trip to Norway with Ted and their son John. She also traveled to Germany for the Oberammergau Passion Play and visited Charleston, Branson, California, Hawaii, Arizona, and Jamaica.

Lora found joy in gardening, thrift sales, bingo, bowling, and dog sitting. She was a beloved family babysitter, fondly remembered for occasionally serving her young charges root beer floats for breakfast. All who knew her will remember her sharp wit, wonderful sense of humor, and warm, welcoming presence. Lora worked hard and was always ready to lend a hand when needed.

Lora is survived by her children and six grandchildren: Melissa (Tom) Reichert, Amanda (Brian Matthews), Brad (Cathleen) Bittner, Kelly (Christopher) Sinutko, Alison (Alex) Dunnum, and Crystal Sandman (Josh Kuester). She is also survived by Benjamin (Jenny) Fromm and their sons, Theo and Aadin, and Evan Fromm.

She was blessed with many great-grandchildren: Cheyanne Finup (Greg Gennaro), Danica (Logan) Bauer, Dylan (Alaina) Jicinsky, Savanna Jicinsky, Ethan, Asher, and Arie Sinutko, along with Ava and Cooper Dunnum, and Mallory Kuester; as well as three great-great-grandchildren: Ryker Bauer, Mya Gennaro, and Sophia Jicinsky.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, son John, step-daughter Lorna, and a grandson in infancy.

Lora spent several years at The Rennes Health & Rehab facility in Weston, Wisconsin.

"She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails." Elizabeth Edwards

A Celebration of Lora's Life will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank the staff for their compassionate care. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Herman-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.