Roger Francis Strand

Roger Strand, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and caregivers at his home in Foulk Living, on September 28, 2026. Born on February 24, 1936, in Benson, Minnesota, to Francis & Lillie Strand, Roger grew up surrounded by love from his family and friends in the very close knit community. He was predeceased by his parents and his son, Tim, whom he deeply missed. His legacy is lovingly carried on by his wife, Di; his children, Anne, Kris, and Tom; his daughter-in-law, Sandy; and grandson, Josh. Roger's life began in Minnesota, but his adventures spanned the globe. After graduating from Benson High School, he enrolled in The ROTC Program at St. Olaf College, where he met his first love, Judy Brown. The two were married as he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in mathematics. Together, they embarked on a journey that would take them across the United States and to distant lands like Libya and Germany as Roger served as an officer in the United States Air Force. Along the way, their family grew, as kids were born, and pet dogs, cats and horses were added to the mix. Over his 24-year military career, he rose to the rank of colonel, instilling a strong sense of discipline and camaraderie in all who knew him. Roger's love for learning continued, and he pursued a Master's Degree in Meteorology from the University of Utah, which enriched his career and life experiences. After retiring from the Air Force in 1982, he and Judy divorced, and Roger transitioned to a second career as an admissions counselor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. It was here that he met his beloved Di, who became his wife, and steadfast companion for many decades. Aside from their world travels and cross country trips, the pair loved to get out and explore, often taking their camper van to their favorite lakes and hiking trails. They were always on the move, and making friends along the way. Roger's life was filled with passions that brought joy to his family and friends. He was an avid traveler, often to reunite with family. Getting the gang together at lake cabins in Minnesota in the summer, and houses in Duck, North Carolina for Thanksgiving Week, were among his most cherished memories. He also loved photography, gardening, cooking, music , especially jazz, and was a loyal fan of “A Prairie Home Companion." Known as the consummate storyteller, Roger had an extraordinary ability to weave tales from his childhood paper route in Benson to his adventures in the Air Force. His renaming of places visited left a lasting impression, one that continues to echo in the fond recollections of his family. Roger may not have been gifted with a singing voice, often jokingly referred to as "singing in the key of Rog," but that never stopped him from sharing his love of music. Roger's personality was as vibrant as his stories. He was thoughtful, kind, gracious, and humble, with an infectious sense of humor. Roger's gregarious nature and genuine curiosity about people and the world made every interaction a memorable one. He was a man who truly loved life and the people he shared it with. Roger’s final days were spent enjoying all of his favorite things. Listening to his favorite station Jazz 24, watching CNN, visits from daughter Anne, and wife Di, and long phone conversations with Kris, Tom and Sandy. His remaining 3+ years were spent in an “apartment” at Foulk Living. While there, he made friends with many other residents, and all of the employees that he interacted with on a daily basis. Roger’s family wishes to acknowledge these people for their never ending kindness, compassion, diligence and commitment. During his time there, he was kept safe, comfortable, engaged, entertained, and (very important :) well fed. He had his favorite people there that absolutely went above and beyond to assure Roger felt cared for, if not a little spoiled. You simply made him feel special, and even if he often changed your names a bit, he adored you. So do we, his family, and can never thank you enough. Roger left this world peacefully, knowing how loved he was by his immediate family, his Foulk Living family, his dear friends, and everyone who knew him.