Alfred Irvin Strand was born on March 16, 1953, at West Hollywood, California to parents Alfred D. and Doris M. (Asbe) Strand. He was baptized on April 19, 1953 at Menlo Park Lutheran Church in Menlo, California and was confirmed in 1967 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton. Al graduated from Appleton High School in 1971, and later attended St. Cloud Technical College majoring in waste water management. On December 1, 1973, he was married to Cheryl Renay Johnson at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. Al most recently lived in Owatonna, and worked for People Service in Dodge Center, Minnesota in the waste water management division. In his younger years he was active with the Boy Scouts. While in Appleton he was a member of the Appleton Fire Department and the sportsman's club. Al enjoyed family, had a great love of nature, and a good sense of humor. He also enjoyed studying weather patterns. As hobbies and past times he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, biking, computer, scenic drives, and watching the weather. Al died on Thursday afternoon, September 20, 2012, at the Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna. He had attained 59 years, 6 months, and 4 days of age. He is survived by two daughters: Jana (Cory) Zeiher of Cold Spring, and Lisa (Michael) Thielke of Montevideo; two grandsons: Sam and Dane Zeiher; his sister, Dianne (Larry) Ornberg of Fargo, ND; niece, Katie Ornberg-Knight and family, and nephew, David Ornberg and family, his friend Janet Mahto, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
