Arlene (Jacobson) Strand

Arlene Helen Adele (Jacobson) Strand, Sheldon, ND was born on June 15, 1926 in rural Walcott, ND to Henry and Olga (Helgeson) Jacobson. Henry and Olga were descendants of Norwegian immigrants and they had seven daughters, of which she was the fourth. Arlene attended Lakeside country schoolhouse at Kindred, ND through 7th grade. She then attended high school in Enderlin, ND where she sang in the choir and performed in a one act play.

Arlene and Eugene Strand were married on June 18, 1943 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. She raised their daughter, Gail, for 2 years while Gene served in WW2. They celebrated 72 years of marriage. She worked as a secretary and bank teller at Farmers State Bank in Lisbon, ND and was a top Avon Representative in the area. During their marriage she worked side by side with Gene; farming, ranching, gardening and keeping farm records. They maintained a big lawn with their riding mowers, as well as a yard of beautiful flowers and evergreens.

She loved cooking, canning, and baking for her family. Especially Norwegian foods such as lefse, krumkake, cookies, donuts, and homemade breads. She was a long-standing member of Helendale Lutheran Church and the ELCA Ladies Aid. She served in many roles throughout the years; President, Treasurer, Syttende Mai celebrations, quilting circles for missionaries, and anywhere else she was asked to help. Arlene had a strong faith and loved to play piano by ear and sing. She was also an avid reader and loved to visit.

Following her beloved Gene’s passing in July of 2015, she remained on their farm and rented their land. She suffered a heart attack in July of 2020 and yet, returned home to be cared for by her family. She also received amazing care from Home Instead and Hospice of Red River Valley until she passed onto her forever heavenly home on November 9th, 2020. She enjoyed her coffee, sugar lumps, and donuts each morning while reading her Bible, devotions and newspapers. Her greatest joys in life were her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had stories about each and every one and loved sharing her stories with all.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail Evans of Moorhead, MN; 3 grandchildren, Shawn (Connie) Bartholomay of Sheldon, Amy (Norm) Cole of St.Cloud, Paul (Tammy) Bartholomay of West Fargo ND; 6 great-grandchildren, Kayla (Sam) Nayes of Fargo ND, Alexa (Scott) Eickschen of Hudson WI, Mariah Bartholomay of Fargo ND, Ahnah (Ryan) Wilson of Pensacola FL, Jacqueline Johnston of Fargo ND, and Aleah Cole of River Falls WI. She is also survived by two sisters; Betty Wadeson of Fargo, ND and Marlene Mahoney of Madison, WI, in addition to many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Eugene, along with 4 sisters; Edris, Harriet, Frances, Doryce.

A private family service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2020 at Armstrong Funeral Home in Enderlin.

(Armstrong Funeral Home, Enderlin, ND)

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