Vernon R. Strand, 88, of Shelly, MN, died Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Halstad Living Center, Halstad, MN.

Vernon R. Strand was born May 8, 1927, on a farm in rural Shelly Township to Bella (Aanenson) and Magnus Strand. Vernon attended school at District #17. He married Mary Ann Lakeman on June 6, 1953. They purchased a farm just east of Shelly, MN, where they farmed and Vernon started his gravel hauling business. Vernon loved gardening, deer hunting, fishing and an occasional conversation in Norwegian. Vernon and Mary Ann enjoyed watching the Twins games on TV. Most of all he loved spending time with family and friends.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Ann, one son, Greg Strand, Halstad, MN; three daughters, Lynnette (Richard) Evenson, Climax, MN, Judy (Mike) Rozek, Brooklyn Park, MN, Nikki (Jim) Wiese, Bismarck, ND; 9 grandchildren; Angela (Jeremy) Anderson, Ryan (Kelley) Evenson, Amy (Brad) Gruener, Anna and Adam Rozek, Ashley and Samantha Gunderson, two step grandchildren Beth and James Wiese, and 7 great grandchildren; Arian, Amos and Avery Anderson, Haley, Noah, Elizabeth and Olivia Evenson. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Maurice, Arvid and Floyd, and sisters, Geneva and Irene.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Halstad Living Center, Shelly Marsh River Church, Zion Lutheran Cemetery fund or the charity of the givers choice.

Funeral Service: 2:00PM, Friday, July 10, 2015 at Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church, Shelly, MN.

Visitation: 5:00PM to 7:00PM Thursday at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Halstad, MN.

Burial: Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Shelly, MN.