Rev. Michael Likens of Watkins died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. He was 71. 
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at Ostmark Lutheran Church in rural Watkins with Rev. Joseph Midthun officiating. Interment will follow in Ostmark Lutheran Cemetery. 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. Michael graduated from high school in 1965 in Xena, Ohio, and he served his country in the U.S. Army. Michael was united in marriage June 3, 1967, to Judith Nelson at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He 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, West Brook/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; and 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; and sister Diane McCarley of Greenville, S.C.
Arrangements are with Ertl Funeral Home in Watkins.