Belle Plaine, MN - Timothy Peter Lies, age 67, of Belle Plaine, MN, passed away surrounded by loved ones on July 10th, 2025. Tim was born in St. Cloud, MN in 1958 to Mary (Ince) and Patrick Lies and was the eldest of four children. He grew up in Minneapolis, MN and graduated from the Academy of Holy Angels in 1976.

As an adult, he and his partner, Kathy (Darla) Farmer moved to Belle Plaine, MN where they raised their six children. He worked for 30 years in the mental health and disability field managing a mental health crisis unit. Throughout his life, Tim was a devoted public servant and advocate for his community. He served as a member of the Belle Plaine City Council, and later served as the Mayor of Belle Plaine from 2009-2012. He also held the roles of board member and president of the Friends of the Minnesota River Valley from 2007-2024 and was a board member of the Jordan Area Visioning Alliance. In 2011, he helped found the Belle Plaine Area Food Shelf and continued to serve on its board.

Tim shared his love of the outdoors - camping, canoeing, fishing, and especially bike riding with his family. Long after his storefront "Backyard Bike Shop" closed, he continued to repair bikes for friends and family at his home and loved nothing more than connecting someone who needed a bicycle with someone who had a bicycle to give. Appreciation of music - be it John Prine, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson or many others - was another gift he shared. He enjoyed making personalized playlists for graduations, birthdays and events.

Tim had a special ability to connect with people and bring them together, whether in his formal roles as an elected official and board member, or through the relationships and friendships he built throughout his life. He was often the bridge for others, connecting them with people in his network who shared goals and ideas, or who could extend a helping hand. Tim often offered his home and patio as a space for friends, neighbors, and even strangers to gather and share a meal, conversation, and a safe space.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Patrick Lies, and brother-in-law Jonathan Farmer. He is survived by his partner and spouse, Kathy, and their six children Andrew (Nicole), Christopher, William (Marissa), Claire (Wesley), Samuel (Adriana), and Mitchell (Madison); his siblings Mary (Dave), Robert (Audrey), and Anne (Michael); his brothers and sisters-in-law Susan, Trish (Grant), Christopher (Heather), Barbara (Richard) and Pamela as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Tim treasured being a grandfather to Miles, Vincent, Clara, and Amalia (Molly) and delighted in their exploits and endeavors.

Memorials to YouthLink or Friends of the Minnesota Valley or take a bike ride, canoe trip or a moment to listen and connect with someone.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer.