Sharon Audrey (Lien) Johnson

Just over 80 years ago, two sisters were born 11 months apart. Sharon and Sandy Lien had a forever strong special bond. So strong in fact, Sharon and Sandy couldn’t be apart from each other for too long, passing away just 19 days apart.

Sandra (Lien) Bulik passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Sharon (Lien) Johnson passed away a few short weeks later, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Sharon Audrey Lien was born on October 5, 1943 to Alfred Sr. and Dorothy “Dode” Lien in Downer, Minnesota and 11 months later, Irish twin, Sandra “Sandy” Diane was born on September 18, 1944.

The girls, joining big sister and brother Merry Kae and Alfred Jr, loved growing up in the small close-knit community of Downer. The four kids were later joined by brothers Chris and Tim. Family was never far away in Downer as there were always cousins or close relatives nearby.

Sharon and Sandy both attended school in Barnesville. Sharon, being one who loved to visit and learn about new people, was named Homecoming Queen in 1960. Sharon and Sandy graduated from Barnesville High School in 1961 and 1962, respectively.

Life choices sent Sharon and Sandy in different directions, with Sandy marrying a Barnesville native and living in the region and Sharon perpetually looking for love, landing her in California, Chicago, Barnesville, West Virginia, Bemidji and then back to her final home, in Barnesville.

In the 90’s Sharon was united in marriage to Chuck Schindler, which brought her back to Barnesville. She and Chuck’s home was always open and welcoming. They always made sure to have pudding pops in the outside freezer for the nieces and nephews to help themselves.

Sharon had a love for Lhasa Apso dogs. She had multiple show dogs and loved raising them. One of her final wishes was to be buried with the ashes of her husband, William, and the ashes of her beloved five Lhasa Apsos.

Sandy was united in marriage to David “Butch” Bulik on July 13, 1963. The couple lived in various towns throughout Minnesota, following where Butch’s job sent them. They were stationed in Ada, Minnesota for many years, then in 1983, Butch transferred to the State Patrol District Office and the family moved to rural Detroit Lakes.

Sandy loved to stay busy, whether it was cleaning houses, crafting, woodworking or sewing. Shopping trips and a stop at a casino were some of Sandy’s favorite pastimes. Sandy was a Minnesotan through-and-through with a never-ending love for her Twins and Vikings. Throughout the years, Butch and Sandy and kids enjoyed camping and fishing trips in Canada.

Sharon and Sandy are survived by their three brothers and sisters-in-law, Al and Jeanette Lien, Fargo, ND, Chris and Mary Lien, and Tim and Cassie Lien, all of Barnesville, MN; aunts Olive “Ollie” Lien, Barnesville, MN and Shirley Henry, Moorhead, MN; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and much more extended family.

Sandy is also survived by two children, Tricia Rowe, Minneapolis, MN; and Tony (Karen) Bulik, Highlands Ranch, CO; three grandchildren, Lauren Rowe, Claire Bulik and Olivia Bulik; and sister-in-law, Mary (Kerry) Foster, Lake City, TN.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents Alfred Sr. and Dorothy “Dode” Lien; sisters Merry Kae Johnson and Sandy Bulik; husband William Johnson and ex-husband, Chuck Schindler.

Sandy is preceded in death by her parents Alfred Sr. and Dorothy “Dode” Lien; sister Merry Kae Johnson; husband David “Butch” Bulik; in-laws, David and Rose Bulik, sisters-in-law, Margaret Gray and Judy Frederiksen; and brother-in-law, Tom Bulik.

A private family service will be held at a later date.