Michael Liden

Michael "Mike" Liden Michael "Mike" Liden, 68, passed away September 4, 2022, at his home in Crookston. Mike Liden was born July 11, 1954, to Ardell and Betty (Matzke) Liden in Thief River Falls. Mike grew up in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972. On May 4, 1979, Mike married Patty Reed in Thief River Falls and they had two sons, Ben and Adam. Mike had a long career on the railroad which started in 1972 with the Soo Line as track laborer. He worked his way up to roadmaster, which took him to Chicago; he lived and worked there for four years. His family moved to Harvey, N.D. for Mike to continue his roadmaster duties with the Canadian Pacific Railway. He planted roots in Manvel, N.D., where his boys were raised while Mike worked for various short-line railroads, retiring from Northern Plains Railroad in 2015. Mike's two sons have followed in his footsteps; he taught them everything he knew about the railroad and loved to see them excel in their positions. Mike had a very successful career, but his biggest achievement was watching his sons take the reins and continue the legacy that he laid out for them. In his spare time, you could find him at the family hunting land in northern Minnesota. He loved hunting and fishing but more importantly spending time with his children and grandchildren. Mike is survived by his mother, Betty Liden-Sehlke of Thief River Falls; two sons, Ben (Lucy) and Adam (Ellen), both of Manvel; five grandchildren: Barrett, Neva, Reed, Max, and Benson; siblings: Linda (Terry) Timm, Kathy (Steve) Bjerken, both of Thief River Falls, Cindy (Doug) Fagerlie of Detroit Lakes, Christopher (Jennifer) Liden, Thief River Falls, and nieces and nephews: Jenny, Nick, Amanda, and Liam. Mike is preceded in death by his father, Ardell Liden. Memorial services were 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 9, 2022, at Johnson Funeral Service Chapel, Thief River Falls. Visitation was from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 9, 2022, at Johnson Funeral Service Chapel, Thief River Falls.