Raymond Donald Lien

Raymond Donald Lien, age 94, passed away 0n July 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on April 24, 1932, at Decorah Hospital in Decorah, Iowa, and was raised on his family's dairy farm near Calmar, Iowa, along Middle Calmar Road and the Springfield Lutheran Church community.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife, Aurora; his brother, Harold, and Harold's wife, Janice; and his children: Chuck and his wife, Becky, and their children Jessica, Kelsi, Mason, and Alek; Brian and his wife, Tracy, and their children Cory and Justin; and Julie and her husband, Mike, and their children Evan and Jordan.

He is also lovingly remembered by Aurora's children and their families: Lillian and her children, Lauren and Kate; Doris and her husband, Wyman, and their children, Eddie and Tim; Phillip and his life partner, Patricia, and his children Denise, Cindy and Jason; Margaret and her husband, Michael, and their children, Julie and Mike; Debbie and her children, Lindsy and David; and Bill. He also leaves behind many cherished great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.

Ray's strong work ethic began on his family's dairy farm in northeast Iowa. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, spending part of his service stationed in Augsburg, Germany. After earning his degree from the University of Iowa in 1958, Ray embarked on an accomplished career in sales that spanned more than 50 years. He worked for an insurance company before joining Texaco, where his career took him to Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Kentucky, Ohio and Florida. Following his retirement from Texaco, he began a second successful career in commercial real estate in the Orlando area, first with a respected independent firm before founding his own commercial real estate company.

Ray embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and playing bridge, a game in which he excelled. During retirement, he and Aurora shared a love of travel, exploring Europe and Asia together through numerous ocean and river cruises with family and friends. A faithful member of Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Ray found great joy in his church community and in opening his home to family and friends visiting Orlando. He was known for his warm hospitality and took great pride in preparing memorable meals, especially his perfectly cooked medium-rare ribeye steaks.

Above all, Ray will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his integrity, kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. He lived a life marked by perseverance, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the people who shared his journey. His legacy lives on through the countless memories he created and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity or organization of your choice in Ray's memory.

Ray will be interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida. Memorial services will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and Springfield Lutheran Church in Calmar, Iowa. Dates and times for both services will be announced at a later time.