Opal D Strand

 Opal Strand, 95, of Portland, ND passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at Sanford Hospital in Mayville, ND. 

 Opal Delores Strand was born February 25, 1929 in Portland, ND, the daughter of Olga and Christ Anderson. She married Robert "Bud" Strand in 1945.

 Opal was a fulltime mother and dedicated farm wife who labored tirelessly and was a fully engaged partner in the day-to-day running of the family farm. In fact, her legendary cooking, especially her apple pies, was both a draw and a bonus for the hired hands.

 She took great pride in the upkeep and appearance of her yard and garden. As an expert gardener, Opal's produce and flowers were exceptional and she generously shared her bounty with others.

 Arts and crafts were Opal's love language. She could sew anything. She was artistically gifted, specializing in Grandma Moses style folk art using intricate fabric cut-outs to create charming works that were customized for each recipient. Her family and friends treasure these works of art as a lasting legacy of her creative skills.

 Opal was active in the church; she taught Sunday School, participated in Ladies Aid and sewed countless quilts for overseas missions.

 Playing cards, (all types, but especially bridge), traveling and fishing were favorite pastimes. She was in many bridge clubs and enjoyed annual fishing trips to Lake of the Woods. Her favorite travel adventures include petting Baja's humpback whales and sightseeing in Norway, Russia, Finland, Hawaii and her favorite Paris.

 She will be remembered by her grandchildren for being a "fun" grandma. Visits ALWAYS included after dinner root beer floats and fireworks after dark!

 Even at the age of 95, Opal enjoyed the lost art of letter writing. She corresponded on a regular basis with her son: Ken, sister: Dorothy, niece: Andrea and granddaughter: Liv.

 Opal is survived by her children: Ken (Kathy), Bob (Joan), Curtis (Connie), Cynthia (Karl Andreasen) and Matt (Tanya); 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; sister: Dorothy Amundson and many nieces and nephews.

 She is preceded in death by her husband: Robert "Bud" Strand; her son and daughter-in-law: Jens and Rosalinda Strand; grandchildren: Andrew Strand, Allison Snyder and Nathan Strand; sisters: Arlene Tastad, Sylvia Reynolds and Shirley Thykeson. 

Visitation: Will be 5–7 PM on Friday, November 15, 2024 with a 6:30 PM Public Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Bruflat Lutheran Church in Portland, ND.

Burial: Will be in the Aurdal Cemetery in Portland, ND.