Keith Richard Lian

Keith Richard Lian was born on July 20, 1943, in Roseau, Minnesota, to Ethel (Johnson) Lian and Herman Lian. He passed peacefully on December 19, 2025.

Keith was an outgoing, joyful presence who made people feel instantly at ease. He had a rare gift for connection—equally at home on a crowded dance floor, the golf course, or sitting one-on-one sharing stories, jokes, and wisdom. To many, he wasn’t just a friend or relative; he was everyone’s favorite uncle, a second dad, and the person who could always make you laugh and feel special.

Keith grew up between Gatzke/Northwestern Minnesota and Southeast Minneapolis, a rural/farm/urban blend that shaped his deep appreciation for people from all walks of life. His childhood was filled with family, friendship, adventure, and harmless mischief—stories that he carried with him and shared often throughout his life.

After graduating from Marshall High School in Dinkytown and serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Keith met Joyce Charlotte Reinecke—naturally, at a party. They married in August 1968 and built a full and happy life together in Northeast Minneapolis and later Blaine, MN. They raised two daughters, Michelle and Nicole, and filled their home with laughter, dancing, music, games, road trips, snowmobiling adventures, and time spent with family and friends. Keith was a deeply involved and proud father, always cheering on his daughters’ interests and accomplishments.

Keith built a respected career in the lumber industry and as the owner of Taylor Striping, forming friendships that lasted decades. Golf became a lifelong passion, and he continued playing well into his later years, enjoying both the game and the camaraderie it brought.

After Joyce’s passing in 2001, Keith leaned into his role as a devoted father and later found love again, marrying Linda Marie Slind. Together, Keith and Linda shared a joyful life full of dancing, music, bingo nights, casinos, jokes, and laughter. Their shared love of fun and people perfectly matched Keith’s spirit.

Being a grandfather to Charlotte, Matthew, Andrew, Isaac, and Evelyn Joyce brought Keith great joy until the very end. Affectionately known as “Papa”, Keith made each of them feel uniquely cherished. Whether through big hugs, playful teasing, stories, donuts after church, or plenty of ice cream, Keith’s love was constant, generous, and unmistakable.

Keith will be remembered for his warm heart, infectious laugh, silly sayings, keen fashion sense, sweet dance moves, air-piano performances, home handyman problem-solving, strong work ethic, and the unmistakable Lian twinkle in his eye. He lived a life rich with love, joy, and connection—and leaves behind a legacy of making people feel seen, welcomed, and deeply loved.

Preceded in death by his parents; siblings JoJean Ronspiez (Lian), Kenneth Lian, and Erling Lian; and his wife, Joyce Lian. Survived by his sister Marvel Dahl (Lian); wife, Linda Lian; daughters Michelle Lian-Anderson (Kevin / Charlotte) and Nicole Lian (Alex / Evelyn Joyce).

Keith will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in a private family service. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sgt John Rice VFW Post 6316 in Blaine, MN on Saturday, March 21, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. In true Keith fashion, guests are welcome to stay longer to share stories, laugh together, and raise a glass in his memory.

In the words of ABBA, “Thank you for the music, for giving it to me.”