Obituary: Steven D. Strand

Steven Dale Strand, 74, of Cloquet passed away on Sept. 4, 2024, at his home. He was born Jan. 28, 1950, to Raymond and Doris (Caron) Strand in Cloquet and spent his childhood on the Strand Dairy Farm just north of town.

Steve graduated from Cloquet High School in 1968, where he enjoyed playing on the basketball and football teams. Sports played an active role in Steve's life for many years, as he loved bowling, golf, pool, and especially fast-pitch softball, which he played with several teams in his adulthood. He went on to further his education at Itasca Junior College in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. In 1971, he entered the U.S. Army and served with the Washington, D.C. military police during the Vietnam War era. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to his hometown.

In 1987, Steve married Kay Blomster at the family farm. The two were blessed with many adventures and memories over the years, with some of their favorites including trout fishing in the Finland, Minnesota area, summer vacations at Portage Lake outside of Bena, Minnesota, and many trips to the St. Louis River in Cloquet.

Steve operated his own carpentry and handyman service for many years.

Steve is remembered by his wife, Kay Strand; granddaughter, Elayna Kay Lamminen; siblings Thomas (Peggy), Gloria Roybal, David (Tracy), Julie (Don) Lahti, and Robin (Cathy); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepson, Andy Lamminen; brothers Mark and Daniel; and brother-in-law, Ray Roybal.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet.

Pine Knot News, Sept. 13, 2024