Obituary of Gordon Norman Strand

Gordon Norman “Gordy” Strand
age 92, of Maplewood, MN
passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 27, 2021, with his beloved wife of 64 years, Jeanette “Jan” Strand, by his side. 

Gordy is also survived by his daughter, Jodi (Tom) Wittner and son, Todd (Laura) Strand.  He was also a loving and devoted grandfather to his two grandsons, Bryan (Briana) Wittner and Jason (Nicole) Wittner, as well as a doting great-grandfather to, Addison, Easton, and Levi. 

Gordy was born on May 24, 1929, in Taylor Falls, MN, the son of the late Paul and Violet (Johnson) Strand.  He graduated from Johnson High School and was drafted into the US Army in 1951.  He served in Korea driving ammunition trucks to the front lines.  He was honorably discharged in 1953. 

Gordy met his loving wife through a blind date arranged by Gordy’s sister.  They were married on June 1, 1957 and had two children.  They enjoyed travelling around the United States and out of the country.  He worked most of his life as am automotive parts manager with most of these years at White Bear Lincoln Mercury.   

Gordy enjoyed being part of his grandsons’ lives.  He never missed any of their sporting events or band concerts.  He loved to ride his bike with his grandsons and also got them started playing golf.  Later in life, he found his joy with his great-granddaughter, Addison, who named him “Papa Gi-Gi.”  He could not wait to meet his two great grandsons who were born in 2021.   

Gordy will always be remembered for having a great outlook on life and all his wonderful jokes.  He loved his wife dearly and would do anything to make her happy and was so proud of his family.   

Thank you to the staff at Ecumen Seasons at Maplewood and Ecumen Hospice for taking such good care of him these last few months.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Maplewood, MN. 

Funeral Service celebrating Gordy’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 2410 Stillwater Road East, Maplewood, MN, 55119, with a time for visitation one hour before the service.