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Richard Gust Jacob Strand, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 26, 2025, surrounded by his children.

Richard was born on August 16, 1939, to parents Carl and Vivian Strand.  He was the youngest of seven siblings and was raised in the Chisago Lakes community.  By the age of five, he was already helping his dad on the family farm.    Richard graduated from Chisago Lakes high school in 1957.  He proudly joined the Navy in 1959.  During his time in the Navel Air, he learned the electrical trade and was responsible for aligning plane  compasses. 

After the Navy, Richard returned home to Minnesota where he began his career in the construction arena and built many homes throughout the area. He enjoyed waltz roller skating, which is where he met his first wife, MaryAnn. They had their first son, Donny in 1964 and their second son, Allen in 1977. 

Richard later married Linda and gained two daughters, Jenny and Jonelle. Linda and Richard celebrated 40 plus years of marriage. In 1990, he built his dream home and beloved pole barn (wood shop) in Chisago City adjacent to his “eighty acres”, which he had cherished for so many years.  He continued working in professional millwork area until he retired at the age of 75.  Richard’s true love was logging, and anything related to woodworking.  His sawmill, hard work, and creativity brought his family and many others in the community, beautiful hand-crafted wood treasures.  His masterful craftsmanship will leave a mark for many generations to come.  He also enjoyed going to auctions, tractors, spending time with his family, and participating in the annual threshing show.

Richard is survived by his son Allen (wife Heather); stepdaughters, Jenny and Jonelle (husband Dan); grandchildren – Stephanie, Jacob, Nicole, Cameron, and Charlie; great-grandchildren- Justice, Lauren, and Thomas; and dear friend, Lois. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Linda, son Donny, and siblings including Ernest Strand, Glendon Strand, Myrtle Abrahamson, Vernette Lindberg, Lorraine Berglund, Leo Strand, and other family members.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Richards’ life on June 13, 2025, at Zion Evangelical Church in Chisago City, MN.  Visitation will begin at 10am followed with a Celebration of Life at 11am. A luncheon will be served afterward.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory can be made to the Chisago County Historical Society.  

To honor Richard’s memory, we encourage attire that reflects his passions, i.e., tractor t-shirts, his Swedish heritage, or his love for animals.

 

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