Henry ‘Hank’ A. Strand, age 80, of Hayward, Wisconsin peacefully moved into the arms of our Lord Jesus on April 7, 2023, at home surrounded by family. He died of broken heart syndrome 13 days after his wife of 47 years passed away.

Hank was born on January 12, 1943, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin the son of Henry and Flossie (Baxter) Strand.

Hank graduated from Hayward High School in 1961, the youngest of seven children. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1962 stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington. He then joined the Army National Guard from 1962-1964 until his honorable discharge as rank of Private First Class. After the military he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson and working in partnership with his brother-in-law, Robert Sr. for Sabin Landscaping in Hayward.

On February 8, 1976, Hank and Dar were united in marriage, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They raised their three children in Hayward until the family moved to Coon Rapids, MN in 1981. Hank became a respected Forman for the Pipe Fitters Local 417 union and retired after 25 years.

Hank was a great listener and easy going. His sense of humor fit his outgoing personality which made many vacations and camping adventures memorable. His daughters remember many quality conversations while riding in the old Ford lime-green pickup truck. He made the best homemade popcorn for our family movie nights too.

In 1996 Hank and Dar retired back to Hayward. During retirement they proudly raised their granddaughter (Breanna) and grandson (Brendin). They enjoyed 4-wheeling, sports, berry-picking and deer hunting together.

Hank loved all types of fishing, especially deep-sea fishing with friends and ice fishing in the winter. One of Hank’s favorite trips was Elk hunting in Colorado.  He also loved his Kwik Trip smoothies, a good T-bone steak, and looked forward to Friday Night fish fry. Watching Gunsmoke, going to Renaissance Festivals, and listening to 60’s music were also some of his favorites.

Over the years, Hank and Dar enjoyed spending time with great friends too. They enjoyed bowling, cribbage tournaments, playing cards and spending time at their seasonal campsite on Round Lake. He was also an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Hank loved the early morning sunshine with a cup of black coffee and a newspaper, the comic section of the Star Tribune was a fun interaction with the family.

Hank is survived by his daughters: Shelley Bartz (Bryan), Sonya Strand and Stacey Strand-Jensen (Ken), grandchildren: Breanna Rogers-Springer (Ryan), Brendin Rogers, Bailey Rumreich and Levi Bartz, great-grandchildren: Henry Springer, Everly Springer, and Emmitt Rogers, sisters: Dorothy Lindquist and Charlotte Strand, brothers: Donny Strand and Stanley (Jackie) Strand.

Hank was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Dar (Lawsha) of 47 years. His parents, Henry and Flossie Strand, brother: Kenny Strand, sister: Fern Sabin, brothers-in-law: Larry Lindquist and Robert Sabin, sisters-in-law: Helen Strand and Dorothy Strand.

A sincere thank you to the caring staff of Regional Hospice Services. In addition, a special thank you to Dr. Harry Malcolm, Lynn Inhoff, Kerry Schmitt, Pastor Chad McCallum, and Linda Waystedt.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Hank.

A joint Celebration of Life for Hank and Dar will be held at a later date. A separate family only service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery with Military Honors this summer.

Last Update: Apr 12, 2023 8:39 am CDT