Dec. 16, 1922-Sept. 8, 2008
Former Fargo resident Marian E. Strand, 85, of Detroit Lakes, died Monday, September 8, 2008 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo.
Marion Elaine Cates was born to Eldred and Florence (Quance) Cates on Dec. 16, 1922 in St. Paul. As a young girl, she moved to Fargo, where she received her education, graduating from Fargo Central High School.
Marian worked for the Weather Bureau at Hector Airport in Fargo during World War II. On Oct. 26, 1946 she married Duane R. Strand in Fargo. They made their home in Fargo until moving to the San Francisco Bay area in 1961. In 1967 they moved to Bangkok, Thailand, where Marian taught English to the Thai people. In 1972 the couple moved to Eugene, Ore., where they lived until moving back to Fargo in 1976.
Marian and her husband owned and operated the Soup and Such Restaurant in Fargo until moving to Detroit Lakes in 1980. Marion was a very independent and free spirited person. She loved to write, and wrote numerous novels. She also loved the outdoors, and traveling. She liked to participate in many different activities with her family and loved to try different things. She also liked to work puzzles and knit.
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One of Marian's more recent projects was knitting caps for the newborn babies at St. Mary's Innovis Health in Detroit Lakes. But overall, she truly loved to be at the lake.
Surviving Marian are her daughters, Claudia Diggs and Leslie (Paul) Pierson, both of Fargo; one son, Bill (Velva) Strand of Detroit Lakes; 12 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one brother; three sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Marian in death were her parents; husband, Duane; one brother; and two sisters.
Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the Congregational Church in Detroit Lakes; there will be visitation for one hour prior to the start of services.
West-Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes is handling arrangements. Those wanting to share memories and condolences are invited to use the funeral home's online messages of sympathy section at www.westkjos.com .
