Robert "Bob" Leroy Lien

Robert “Bob” Leroy Lien died unexpectedly at home in Winona, MN on September 5th, 2024, at the age of 76. Born to Robert Sr. and Loretta Lien in Fargo, ND, he spent his childhood as the oldest of 12 siblings in Urbank, MN. He spent 34 years as an electrical engineer for AT&T Bell Labs. His pioneering work produced six U.S. patents including the development of technology that allows transmission of cellular data between cell towers.

Bob raised two children, Rob and Laura, with his wife Jan in Batavia, IL. He then enjoyed an active retirement on his farm outside of Winona, MN. His hobbies included aviation, building projects, drone flying, using AI technology, catching up with his siblings, and bragging about his family.

Bob had a strong Catholic faith and was an active member of Crucifixion Church in La Crescent, MN for over 20 years. One of his favorite bible passages was “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jan; children Rob and Laura; granddaughters Violette and Rose; siblings Mike, Greg, Barb, Val, Tom, Joan, Jeannie, Terry, Ann, Gary, and Bruce; nine nephews, and six nieces. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Loretta, nephew Landon, and niece Joy.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, at 11am at Crucifixion Catholic Church in La Crescent, MN, with visitation prior to mass at 9:30am at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in La Crescent, MN. Burial will be at Crucifixion Cemetery, La Crescent, MN, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Bob’s favorite charity: Salesian Missions (donate.salesianmissions.org).