Gerald Henry Strand, 62, of Imperial died Saturday, July 6, 2013 at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. He was born in Holyoke, Colorado on August 15, 1950 to Henry and Geraldine Strand. He was the oldest of four brothers and from the very beginning had a great love of family. He graduated from Venango High School in 1968 and had many fun memories of playing sports with his brothers. He attended McCook Community College and Kearney State College before returning home. He was part of the family farm, and loved driving truck during harvest. In 1975, he married Anna Beth Johnson. They had 5 children and raised their family on the farm.
He loved family get togethers of any type, and especially holding babies. Gerald’s favorite hobby was following and talking about his kids and their athletic events. He was also a very proud Grandpa. Gerald was a member of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He liked working with and getting to know his fellow Knights. Gerald seemed to know someone wherever he went. In recent years, he was blessed to meet many caring medical professionals. In spite of all of his health challenges, he maintained a positive outlook. He benefitted greatly from blood donations and was able to be a cornea donor upon his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include wife, Ann, of Imperial, NE; daughter, Elizabeth of Wallace, NE; son Henry Matthew and wife, Dawn, of Evansville, WY; son, Andrew of Omaha, NE; daughter Theresa Cowgar and husband, Tim, of Casper, WY; son John and wife, Amy, of Arapahoe, NE; grandchildren, William and Alaina Strand of Evansville, WY, and Emma, Elsie, and Easton Strand of Araphaoe, NE; brothers, Dennis and wife, Penny, of Imperial, NE; Michael and wife, Gina, of Wauneta, NE; Wayne and wife, Agnes, of Imperial, NE; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The Rosary service for Gerald was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2013. Funeral services for Gerald Strand were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Imperial with Fr. Bernard Lorenz officiating. Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial.
A memorial has been established in Gerald’s memory.
Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.