Thief River Falls – Beverly Lian, 94, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Greenleaf Assisted Living, Thief River Falls.
Beverly Jane Lian was born on July 14, 1928 in Thief River Falls, daughter of the late Otto and Tessie (King) Netteland. She attended Cheerville Country School through the 8th grade and Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. Bev was a real seamstress in 4-H and won a trip to the state fair for the suit she made.
On February 6, 1945 she was united in marriage to Armond Lian when she was 16 years old. To this union six children were born in 7 ½ years: Dianne, Linda, Rosemary, Jerry, Susan, and Nancy. Armond and Bev were avid dancers and danced every weekend at the Eagles where they cleared the floor and people just watched.
Bev worked at Woolworths and Gambles with Jerry Hendrickson and Stan Pladson. She started her JC Penney career in Thief River Falls. They lived in Thief River Falls until 1965 when they moved to the Twin Cities. Bev worked for JC Penney for 25 years. She retired at 59 years old.
She and Armond spent their winters in Florida and their summers at Fritz’s Resort in Pequot Lakes.
In 1992 Armond and Bev moved back to Thief River Falls, the year Bev’s father passed away. They moved into his home. Armond passed away in 2001.
Bev met Marvin Groven at the senior dances she went to. They enjoyed each other’s company and went to dances many times each week all around the area. Marvin passed away in 2022.
Bev lived alone in her home until December of 2021 when she moved into Greenleaf Assisted Living.
Bev is survived by her children, Dianne Matson of Thief River Falls, Jerry Lian of Tampa, FL and Nancy Brett of Prior Lake; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Bonnie) Netteland of Urbandale, IA; sons-in-law, Ronald Olson, Ron Micheal.
Bev is preceded in death by her husband, Armond; friend, Marvin; son-in-law, Jim Matson; parents, Otto and Tessie Netteland; children, Linda Olson, Rosemary (Art) Massie, Susan Micheal; and grandson, John Matson.
A memorial service for Beverly will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Pastor Pete Lee officiating. A lunch will follow the service. Burial will be held at a later date at St. Pauli Cemetery south of Thief River Falls. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
A00003B2023AP26