Strand, Robert R.

Robert R. Strand, age 85, passed away at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in King, WI on Wednesday October 20, 2011. He courageously endured a lengthy period of failing health. A visitation was held at Voie Funeral home in Iola between 4PM and 7PM on Monday October 24th. A funeral service was held at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 25th at Northland Lutheran Church. Interment at Northland Lutheran Church Cemetery followed the funeral service. Bob was born on June 8, 1926 to the late Alice and Ralph Strand in rural Boyceville, Wisconsin. He was raised on the Strand family farm with his two brothers and two sisters. He received his primary education at Chimney Rock School, and graduated from Boyceville High School in 1944. Following high school he worked for a few years on the family farm, and then for a short time in Minnesota, before being drafted into military service in January of 1951. He served 2 years in the military as part of a unit engaged in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from military service in December of 1952. After completing his military service, Bob enrolled at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he studied for 4 years. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in the spring of 1958. Following graduation from the university, Bob accepted a position as the Business teacher at Iola High School. He taught Business classes at Iola for 2 years, then taught for one year at Mondovi High School. While teaching at Mondovi, he was asked by Chet Krause to return to Iola and assume the duties of accountant for Chet’s new publishing business venture. Bob’s return to Iola led to a 27 year career with Krause Publications. He retired as Krause’s Controller and Company Treasurer in 1988. Bob married Stella (Omit) Kovich on March 11, 1965 at Northland Lutheran Church. He subsequently adopted her two young daughters Kay and Glenda. Son Robert Jr. was born on January 30, 1967. During his years in Iola, Bob was active in serving his church and community. He served terms on the Northland Church Council, Iola-Scandinavia School Board, and Village of Iola Board of Trustees. He was an active member of the Iola Lions Club, the Iola Historical Society, and the Iola Musky Club. He was also involved with American Legion Post 14, the Sons of Norway Norskedalen Lodge, and the Iola breakfast club. Bob will be remembered for his integrity, his humor, and his dedication to family, friends, community, and Country. Bob is survived by his wife Stella; by his children and their spouses, Kay (James) Tichonchik, of De Pere, WI, Glenda (Randy) Brown, of Manawa WI, and Robert (Mary) Strand of Elk Mound, WI; his sister Minnie Polonec, of Boyceville, WI; six grandchildren, Ryan Brown, Scott Brown (Brook), Anne Tichonchik (Fiancee Luke Linsmeyer), Tim Tichonchik, Erik Strand and Jared Strand; four great grandchildren, Averie Brown, Dalton Brown, Grayson Brown, and Stella Brown; and sisters-in-law Lana Strand Benson (Boyceville, WI) and Connie Strand (Dallas, TX). Bob is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and cherished friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Oliver Strand, his sister Marian Strand, and brother James Strand. Memorial gifts in Bob’s honor may be directed to Northland Lutheran Church or to the Iola Historical Society. Voie Funeral Home in Iola is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.