Walter H. "Wally" Strand

Walter H. "Wally" Strand, 67, of Iron Mountain passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at Dickinson Co. Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain. He was born on October 1, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan son of the late Walter and Ula (Parks) Strand. He attended the Iron Mountain Schools, graduating from Iron Mountain High School in 1961. He married Nina Hansen at the First Presbyterian Church on July 20, 1968 in Iron Mountain. He worked at Grede Foundry from 1961 to 1971. And that time he went into business for himself and by taking over the ownership and operations of Hosking Tire from 1971 till it closed in 1989 with his partner Dick Anderson. He was a member of the Northland Beagle Club for many years and loved his dogs. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. It was always a race to see who could grow the first red tomato, himself or his son Rob. One of Walt's favorite things was to share his garden produce. Walt was known for his incredible generosity in all areas of his life. He planted a fruit tree in the yard each time a grandchild was born. Walt created driftwood decorations which he sold to pet stores and on line, and bred and sold tropical fish. He was an avid Tiger and Lions' fan, and the family is pretty sure he had a hand in the Lions victory over the Packers on Sunday! Wally is survived by his loving wife of more than 42 years, Nina Strand of Iron Mountain, two sons, Rob (Regina) Strand of Las Vegas, NV, and Dave (Tracie) Strand of Lake Orion, MI, three grandchildren, Josh, Ethan, and Ava Strand, one brother, Dennis (Janis) Strand of Kingsford, five sisters-in-law and brothers in-law, Darlene Strand (Terry) O'Connor of Iron Mountain, Lola (Ron) Johnson of Kingsford, Mary Mae (Michael) Lowe of Coos Bay, OR, Alan (Darlene) Hansen of Iron Mountain, and Noel (Carol) Hansen of Grafton, WI and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and cousins, and his dog and constant companion, Gus. He was preceded in death by a brother, William (Bill) Strand in 1993. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 5:00 pm at the funeral home. Rev. Stephen Cowen will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Walter's family will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences to the family of Walter (Wally) Strand may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Walter H. "Wally" Strand

December 11, 1943 - December 11, 2010