Gloria Jean Liken

Gloria J. Liken, 73, slipped quietly through Heaven’s Gates on October 3, 2017, at VIBRA Hospital, in Fargo, ND, after a courageous battle against cancer. Gloria’s final battle resulted from the many complications resulting from the treatment utilized to cure her Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Services will be held at 12:00 Noon Monday, October 9, at McCabe United Methodist Church, 1030 N. 6th St., Bismarck, with Rev. Jenny Hallenbeck-Orr officiating. Burial will be at 3:00 pm Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sunday, October 8, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Gloria was born May 5, 1944, in Huron, SD, to Wayne and Viola Houghtaling. Her childhood was spent on the family farm south of Doland, SD, where she attended school. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a B.S. degree in elementary education with a minor in music. She was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She taught in Sioux City, IA, and Huron, SD, before marrying the love of her life, Lloyd Liken, on June 10, 1967, in Huron, SD. After the birth of their daughter, Lisa, Gloria devoted her attention to raising her only child. At an early age, Gloria was musically talented, learning to play the piano and accordion. Her love of music continued throughout her life playing the piano and organ, listening to music (Lawrence Welk fan and her favorite songs were Memory and Red Roses for a Blue Lady), reading, cats, cooking, and flowers. She also loved vacationing in the Black Hills of SD. Gloria was kind-hearted, dedicated, and honest person with a quiet/sensitive personality, who preferred the simpler aspects of life. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Lloyd, of 50 years; her daughter, Lisa (Chad) Monroe; her brother, Dana (Carol) Houghtaling; and her nephews, Larry (Monica) and Jan (Kylene) Houghtaling. Gloria is now reunited with her parents in Heaven.