Rev. Michael Likens of Watkins died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, at the Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. He was 71.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 21, at 1 p.m. at Ostmark Lutheran Church, Watkins, with interment in the Ostmark Lutheran Cemetery. Rev. Joseph Midthun will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church Friday.
Michael E. Likens was born Nov. 27, 1946, in Gallipolis, Ohio, to Thomas and Evelyn (Buskirk) Likens. He graduated from high school in 1965 in Xena, Ohio, and he served his country in the U.S. Army. June 3, 1967, Michael was united in marriage to Judith Nelson at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Michael owned and operated Likens Photography in Litchfield, and he also taught journalism and photography at St. Cloud State University before graduating from Luther Seminary in 1987.
Michael served as pastor of churches in Sunburg, Brownton, North Minneapolis, Harris, Westbrook/Dovray and Murdock. He enjoyed watching Sci-Fi movies, reading and spending time with family and friends. His hobbies included photography and coin collecting.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents; wife Judith; siblings Roger Likens, Patricia Whitmore, Regina Stahler, Steven Likens, and Karen Leroy.
He is survived by his children Christine (and Steve) Roeder of Ramsey, Lisa (and John) Munkberg of Albertville, Andrew Likens of Rogers; grandchildren Samantha (and Kyle) Kreger of St. Michael, John Munkberg, Jr. of Albertville, Kellen Likens of Rogers and Isaiah Likens of Rogers; sister Diane McCarley of Greenville, S.C.
Arrangements are with the Ertl Funeral Home of Watkins.