Alice Strand

Alice Catherine (Heldt) Strand was born on October 14, 1939, along with her twin brother: Albert, to Albert and Magdalene (Konieczny) Heldt in Appleton, MN. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Alice attended and graduated from Appleton High School in 1957; being only 17 at the time, she was the youngest one in her class to graduate. On May 28, 1959, Alice married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, David Strand. She continued her education, receiving her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree on January 16, 1961.

The couple started their family and were blessed with five children: Andrew, Kristopher, Kathleen, Elizabeth, and Joseph. Alice was David’s biggest support through his schooling along with being a loving and devoted mother. Following various moves to different cities due to David’s educational opportunities, the family settled in Alexandria. Alice’s greatest joy in life was taking care of her children and later doting on her grandchildren. During her empty nest years, she volunteered as a school bus aide and loved to continue her education through community courses.

Alice had many hobbies including sewing, canning, keeping a meticulous garden, and always perfecting her carrot rolls. She also had the opportunity to learn the art of rosemaling from the internationally famed artist, Karen Jenson. Alice’s legacy will continue to grow as her wisdom and love is passed on through the generations.

Alice died on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Nelson Gables in Alexandria, MN, at the age of 82. She is survived by her five children: Andrew (Agnes Telling) Strand, Kristopher Strand, Kathleen (Shane Weber) Hansen, Elizabeth (Patrick Haubner) Strand, and Joseph (Jennifer) Strand; one daughter-in-law: Annette Strand; nine grandchildren: Keith (Rachel) Strand, Meghan (Steve) Olson, Stephanie (Brett) Kasten, Hannah Hansen (Justin) Ellenson, Scout Haley Hansen, Ryan Strand, Reese (Jarrett Nelson) Strand, Max Strand, and Olivia Redburn; ten great-grandchildren; one brother: Albert Heldt III, and two brothers-in-law: Charles and Paul Strand. Alice is preceded in death by her parents; five sisters: Harriet Hanson, Marjorie Stock, Caroline Perkins, Magdalene Arne, and Alberta Heldt; and one son-in-law: Steve Hansen.

A visitation will be held from 11-1:00 PM on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at the Anderson Funeral Home with a celebration of life at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery in Belle River, MN.